Short answer: the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf. It ranks #13 of 63 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $900; the Elac Carina BS243.4 ranks #14 and costs $1199, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf gets right: Direct-to-consumer pricing at $900/pair backed by a 10-year speaker warranty (5-year on electronics) and a 60-day home audition with free return shipping. Watch for: The sealed cabinet and compact 5.5” woofer cap bass extension at 108.4Hz (-3dB) / 54.9Hz (-10dB) - the shallowest-extending speaker in this entire batch, a real tradeoff for the small footprint.
The case for the Elac Carina BS243.4: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. The catch: On-axis deviation and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here.
Buy the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Elac Carina BS243.4 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf | Elac Carina BS243.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 28.7 x 16.3 x 15cm (11.3 x 6.4 x 5.9 in) each | 8.5" x 12.6" x 9.6" (216 x 319 x 245 mm) (8.5 x 12.5 x 9.6 in) each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (2.83V/1m) | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Drivers | 28mm tweeter, 5.5" woofer | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) each | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg (14.7 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Sealed | Bass reflex |
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- Elac Carina BS243.4 vs Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
- Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
The Two Speakers In Full
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf: $900 Arendal Sound
Pros: Direct-to-consumer pricing at $900/pair backed by a 10-year speaker warranty (5-year on electronics) and a 60-day home audition with free return shipping. On-axis response is close to flat for a compact sealed design (slope_on_axis 0.091). Compact sealed 5.5” woofer + 28mm tweeter 2-way layout in a small 28.7 x 16.3 x 15cm, 4.9kg cabinet.
Cons: The sealed cabinet and compact 5.5” woofer cap bass extension at 108.4Hz (-3dB) / 54.9Hz (-10dB) - the shallowest-extending speaker in this entire batch, a real tradeoff for the small footprint. On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.532) and listening-window smoothness trail the pricier active options in this group. Direct-to-consumer model means no local dealer for an in-person audition before buying (mitigated by the 60-day home trial).
Full Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 28.7 x 16.3 x 15cm (11.3 x 6.4 x 5.9 in) each |
| Drivers | 28mm tweeter, 5.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Sealed |
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Elac Carina BS243.4: $1,199.00 B&H Photo ELAC America
Pros: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. Positively reviewed by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for fatigue-free treble detail.
Cons: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.525) and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here. Moderate 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4.8-ohm minimum impedance wants a reasonably powerful amp. Bass extension is average for a 5.25” 2-way at 55.7Hz (-3dB) / 41.5Hz (-10dB).
Full Elac Carina BS243.4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 12.6" x 9.6" (216 x 319 x 245 mm) (8.5 x 12.5 x 9.6 in) each |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg (14.7 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons