Short answer: the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2. It ranks #23 of 34 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $500; the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #28 and costs $599, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 offers: Good directivity linearity - on-axis and off-axis response track each other well despite an otherwise uneven overall response, which means the tonal problems can be EQ’d out with reasonably good success. Watch for: High-frequency level runs noticeably too hot regardless of placement - the reviewer tried four different setups (near/far from wall, on-axis, 30° off-axis) at two listening distances and couldn’t get it to sound right at any of…
What the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 offers: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Watch for: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
Buy the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52. It ranks near the bottom of the 34 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #23 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25" midwoofer, 1" soft fabric dome tweeter with waveguide | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.9kHz | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Dimensions | 11.4"H x 6.5"W x 9.8"D (290 x 165 x 250 mm) | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Weight | 20 lbs each | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear slot port | ported |
| Power Handling | - | 140W max |
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
- KEF Q150 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
The Two Speakers In Full
Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2: $500 Amazon
Pros: Good directivity linearity - on-axis and off-axis response track each other well despite an otherwise uneven overall response, which means the tonal problems can be EQ’d out with reasonably good success. Wide horizontal radiation, about ±50°. Nicely finished cabinet - the reviewer specifically called out the fit and finish as a genuine positive. Both units of the review pair measured closely matched to each other.
Cons: High-frequency level runs noticeably too hot regardless of placement - the reviewer tried four different setups (near/far from wall, on-axis, 30° off-axis) at two listening distances and couldn’t get it to sound right at any of them. A mid-range dip that the reviewer attributes to internal cabinet resonance rather than intentional baffle-step compensation, reinforced by an internal inspection showing no cross-bracing and a slot port that may itself be resonating when tapped. Small tweeter waveguide magnet suggests limited power handling headroom. At this price and radiation pattern, the reviewer would pick the ELAC DBR62 (more neutral, similar ±60° pattern) or, for less money, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 over this speaker; the KEF Q150 and SVS Prime Bookshelf are also called out as more linear alternatives nearby in price.
Full Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.9kHz |
| Dimensions | 11.4"H x 6.5"W x 9.8"D (290 x 165 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" midwoofer, 1" soft fabric dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 20 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear slot port |
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ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $599.00 Amazon
Pros: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Vertical directivity is substantially better than average, giving more listening-height leeway than most two-way bookshelf speakers.
Cons: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz. On-axis response shelves down above 1.5kHz along with multiple resonances, leading the reviewer to predict it will “likely sound dull.” Nasty resonance at 600hz - audible as an actual buzzing artifact on some recordings (the reviewer demonstrated it with an Eva Cassidy track), and it shows up as a sharp distortion spike exceeding 4% at 585Hz when driven to 96dB SPL/1m. Not recommended.
Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 140W max |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons