Short answer: the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It ranks #8 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,150; the ELAC Carina BS243.4 ranks #18, rated 4.2/5, and costs $1,199, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The ELAC Carina BS243.4 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A stylish bookshelf speaker with accurate sound and ELAC’s folded ribbon tweeter for detailed treble that never fatigues. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.85 against 3.38 for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 84Hz for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. The tradeoff: On-axis response shows more ripple than pricier active speakers, with an average deviation of about 0.53dB, and its listening window is only middling in smoothness.
Why pick the Arendal 1961 Monitor: A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds. The tradeoff: Bass rolls off around 70-80Hz, so it cannot be used as full-range mains for music without a subwoofer, and a sub is recommended for home theater use as well.
Buy the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ELAC Carina BS243.4 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A stylish bookshelf speaker with accurate sound and ELAC’s folded ribbon tweeter for detailed treble that never fatigues.
A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Carina BS243.4 | Arendal 1961 Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 per pair | $1150 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 12.6” x 9.6” (216 x 319 x 245 mm) each | 16.6”H x 6.4”W x 5.9”D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum | 4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) | 85.9dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25” aluminum cone woofer | 2 x 5.5” woofers, 28mm tweeter |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) each | 16 lbs (7.25 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.85 | 3.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.99 | 6.69 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1500Hz |
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