Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The ELAC BS U5 ranks higher than it (#108 vs #145 of 160 bookshelf speakers, 2.9/5 vs 2.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Control 1 Pro is still sold new at $240. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 160 bookshelf speakers, and the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini, ranked #2 at $900, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The ELAC BS U5 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. 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 2.87 for the JBL Control 1 Pro. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the JBL Control 1 Pro. 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.
What the JBL Control 1 Pro does well: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. The tradeoff: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro new; the ELAC BS U5 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC BS U5 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 per pair Discontinued | $240 per pair |
| Ranked | #108 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #145 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) | 6.37 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
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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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JBL Control 1 Pro: $240 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
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