Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Revel M105 is the better pick: it ranks #15 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #108 (rated 2.9/5) for the ELAC BS U5. If you want one new, the Revel Performa4 M145 replaces the Revel M105 and is rated 4.3/5 at $1,999.95.
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 catch: 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 Revel M105 is the more accurate choice. CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.76 against 4.71 for the ELAC BS U5. Watch for: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
Buy the Revel M105 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Revel Performa4 M145, which replaces the Revel M105.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC BS U5 | Revel M105 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 per pair Discontinued | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #108 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) | 8.18 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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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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Revel M105: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel Performa4 M145, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Revel M106 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F206 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F208 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel Performa3 C205 (smaller center, rated 4.1/5) and the Revel Performa3 C208 (larger center, rated 4/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons