Short answer: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 for better sound quality, the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 for the lower price. The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #37 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $599. The Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 ranks #48 at $249, $350 cheaper.
The case for the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. The tradeoff: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
What the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 gets right: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz.
Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Crossover Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Power Handling | 140W max | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | passive radiator |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $599.00 Amazon
Pros: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Vertical directivity is substantially better than average, giving more listening-height leeway than most two-way bookshelf speakers.
Cons: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz. On-axis response shelves down above 1.5kHz along with multiple resonances, leading the reviewer to predict it will “likely sound dull.” Nasty resonance at 600hz - audible as an actual buzzing artifact on some recordings (the reviewer demonstrated it with an Eva Cassidy track), and it shows up as a sharp distortion spike exceeding 4% at 585Hz when driven to 96dB SPL/1m. Not recommended.
Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 140W max |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs KEF Q100
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Stage A120
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL L52 Classic
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Micca RB42
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Dynaudio X14
- See all 22 comparisons
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $249.00 Amazon
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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