Short answer: the Elac Carina BS243.4 ranks #16 of 87 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1199; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #73 at $1199. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
What the Elac Carina BS243.4 offers: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. Positively reviewed by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for fatigue-free treble detail. Watch for: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.525) and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here. Moderate 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4.8-ohm minimum impedance wants a reasonably powerful amp. Bass extension is average for a 5.25” 2-way at 55.7Hz (-3dB) / 41.5Hz (-10dB).
What the Q Acoustics 5020 offers: 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. 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. 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.
Buy the Elac Carina BS243.4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 at the same price, so there is no real case for the other one.
The Q Acoustics 5020 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 87 bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Elac Carina BS243.4 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 per pair | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #73 of 87 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 | 3.94 | 2.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 | 5.73 |
| 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 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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 Carina BS243.4: $1,199 per pair B&H Photo Video ELAC America eBay
Pros: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. Positively reviewed by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for fatigue-free treble detail. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.525) and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here. Moderate 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4.8-ohm minimum impedance wants a reasonably powerful amp. Bass extension is average for a 5.25” 2-way at 55.7Hz (-3dB) / 41.5Hz (-10dB).
Full Elac Carina BS243.4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 12.6" x 9.6" (216 x 319 x 245 mm) each |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.94 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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) |
| 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 | 2.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.73 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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