Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ Review: Rated 3.0/5

Last updated: October 30, 2026

The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is rated 3/5 for sound quality, #185 of 222 Large Size Bookshelf Speakers. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.

Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ · Editor's rating 3/5, ranked #185 of 222 Large Size Bookshelf Speakers

Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Brand: Emotiva

#185 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Feb 2024. See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (floorstanding, rated 4.2/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ (center, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output. 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. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

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 Emotiva B1+. Discontinued.

Is the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ right for you?

Buy it if

  • you want measurably neutral sound (preference score 8.0 with a subwoofer).

Skip it if

  • you want to buy it new: it is discontinued.
ReleasedOct 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm)
Drivers6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter
Impedance4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score5.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.96
Weight15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear
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