Short answer: the Revel Performa M22 for better sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ for the lower price. The Revel Performa M22 ranks #68 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $600. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ ranks #72 at $449, $151 cheaper.
The case for the Revel Performa M22: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. The tradeoff: 3dB bass boost around 100hz.
What the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ offers: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. Watch for: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the Revel Performa M22 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel Performa M22 | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $600 used | $449.00 |
| Ranked | #68 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer | 6.5" woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg | - |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel Performa M22: About $600 used
Pros: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz.
Cons: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light. Distortion rises substantially below 100Hz when driven hard.
Full Revel Performa M22 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Revel Performa M22 vs Polk R200
- Revel Performa M22 vs Focal Aria 906
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- Revel Performa M22 vs JBL XPL-90
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Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449.00
Pros: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. The folded-ribbon tweeter provides very broad upper-treble radiation, and the speaker can create a spacious presentation when positioned carefully. Response and directivity remain reasonably orderly below the roughly 2kHz crossover region. The 6.5-inch woofer offers more output capability than compact 5-inch competitors, while F3/F10 of 66/43Hz leave adequate overlap for a conventional 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Horizontal directivity data makes the broad baffle-step trend amenable to partial EQ below the crossover.
Cons: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected. A baffle-step loss around 500Hz depresses the lower midrange while the AMT’s much wider radiation above crossover injects excess room energy, yielding a bright, forward balance and false impression of cymbal detail. The directivity discontinuity near 2kHz cannot be completely equalized. Erin measured F3 at 66Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so meaningful kick-drum fundamentals and low bass still need a subwoofer. Vertical listening tolerance is roughly +/-10 degrees, with best results between the top of the woofer and tweeter axes. Broad lateral treble energy may require careful toe-out and sidewall absorption. Despite a large cabinet, it offers limited deep-bass advantage and was not Erin’s hoped-for successor to the more linear B1+.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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