Short answer: the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The ELAC BS U5 ranks higher than it (#108 vs #149 of 160 bookshelf speakers, 2.9/5 vs 1.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 is still sold new at $398.40. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 160 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead, ranked #2 at $900.
The ELAC BS U5 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.71 against 3.20 for the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 95Hz for the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. The tradeoff: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points (around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter)) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover.
Why pick the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz.
Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000, since the ELAC BS U5 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC BS U5 | Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 per pair Discontinued | $398.40 per pair |
| Ranked | #108 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #149 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | passive radiator |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
ELAC BS U5: $856 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response looks like it should give good tonality. Vertical directivity is better than average, a benefit of the coaxial layout. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points (around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter)) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a possible resonance around 500Hz visible in the impedance/phase curve. Discontinued.
Full ELAC BS U5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $398.40 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $199/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
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