Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5020, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The ELAC BS U5 ranks higher than it (#58 vs #74 of 88 bookshelf speakers, 2.9/5 vs 2.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Q Acoustics 5020 is still sold new at $1,199. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 88 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead, ranked #2 at $900.
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. 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.
The case for the Q Acoustics 5020: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. The catch: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5020, since the ELAC BS U5 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC BS U5 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 per pair Discontinued | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #74 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | rear-ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) | 6.55 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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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Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility. Measured bass extension of 103Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.1dB.
Cons: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.
Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Drivers | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.55 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
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