Short answer: the JBL L52 Classic, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The ELAC BS U5 ranks higher than it (#58 vs #65 of 88 bookshelf speakers, 2.9/5 vs 2.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL L52 Classic is still sold new at $999. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 88 bookshelf speakers, and the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini, ranked #2 at $900, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the ELAC BS U5: 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. Watch for: 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.
The case for the JBL L52 Classic: Genuine walnut wood veneer cabinet with a retro Quadrex foam grille (black, orange, or dark blue) reviving JBL’s classic L-series look. Watch for: Measured compression and distortion behavior from about 1-5 kHz was inconsistent (“wonky”) across output levels, and didn’t clean up even at lower volume; adding a subwoofer high-pass didn’t fix the high-frequency distortion either.
Buy the JBL L52 Classic 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 L52 Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 per pair Discontinued | $999.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #65 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 45Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer | 5.25” pure pulp cone woofer, 0.75” titanium dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 13-1/16”H x 7-13/16”W x 8-11/16”D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) | 4.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) | 6.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 24kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10-75W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.8kHz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How ELAC BS U5 compares with other leading options:
- ELAC BS U5 vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- KEF LS50 Meta vs ELAC BS U5
- ELAC BS U5 vs Arendal 1961 Monitor
- ELAC BS U5 vs Revel M105
- ELAC BS U5 vs Klipsch RP-500M II
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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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JBL L52 Classic: $999.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Genuine walnut wood veneer cabinet with a retro Quadrex foam grille (black, orange, or dark blue) reviving JBL’s classic L-series look. 5.25” pure pulp cone woofer and 0.75” titanium dome tweeter on a waveguide, front-firing bass reflex port, in a compact stand-mount cabinet. A pronounced upper-bass bump around 100 Hz gives kick drums a punchy, textured character. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Measured compression and distortion behavior from about 1-5 kHz was inconsistent (“wonky”) across output levels, and didn’t clean up even at lower volume; adding a subwoofer high-pass didn’t fix the high-frequency distortion either. Response rolls off quickly above the upper-bass bump, so there’s punch and impact but not real low-end rumble or fundamental weight below about 60 Hz without a subwoofer. Soundstage width was inconsistent track to track, with imaging not staying locked to where instruments should be. Vocals could sound hot and slightly grainy in the 2.5-5 kHz region; pointing the speakers off-axis reduced that sharpness but also killed high-frequency air.
Full JBL L52 Classic review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.8kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13-1/16”H x 7-13/16”W x 8-11/16”D |
| Drivers | 5.25” pure pulp cone woofer, 0.75” titanium dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 10-75W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.96 |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
- Links
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