Short answer: the ELAC Carina BS243.4. It ranks #18 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $1,199; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #157, rated 2.2/5, at $1,199. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
The ELAC Carina BS243.4 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. 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 3.63 for the Q Acoustics 5020. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 103Hz for the Q Acoustics 5020. The catch: 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.
The case for the Q Acoustics 5020: An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility. Watch for: 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 ELAC Carina BS243.4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A stylish bookshelf speaker with accurate sound and ELAC’s folded ribbon tweeter for detailed treble that never fatigues.
An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Carina BS243.4 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 per pair | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #157 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 12.6” x 9.6” (216 x 319 x 245 mm) each | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25” aluminum cone woofer | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex | rear-ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.85 | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.99 | 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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