Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#80 and #79 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the JBL 308P MKII ranks #34 at $298.
Why pick the M-Audio BX8 D3: An 8 inch studio monitor with useful bass and simple analog connections for a straightforward studio setup. The catch: A 3.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and downward tonal tilt suggest a darker, less even presentation than the leaders.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: Nearfield studio monitors with useful output and analog XLR and RCA inputs, best with a subwoofer for deep bass. Watch for: The 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes lower-midrange unevenness that can change vocal weight.
Buy the M-Audio BX8 D3 or the Emotiva Airmotiv 6s, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the JBL 308P MKII instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An 8 inch studio monitor with useful bass and simple analog connections for a straightforward studio setup.
Nearfield studio monitors with useful output and analog XLR and RCA inputs, best with a subwoofer for deep bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX8 D3 | Emotiva Airmotiv 6s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $258 per pair Discontinued | $800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #80 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1.25” silk-dome tweeter, 8” Kevlar woofer | 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15.1H x 9.8W x 11.9D in | 13.5” x 8.5” x 12.8” (343 x 216 x 324 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) each | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 150W each (80W LF, 70W HF) | 210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS | XLR, RCA |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.66 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 49.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (built-in presets) |
| DSP | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: M-Audio BX8 D3 (measured by Audio Science Review) and Emotiva Airmotiv 6s (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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