ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Control 1 Pro

Last updated: October 2, 2026

Short answer: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 for sound, the JBL Control 1 Pro for install duty, though neither ranks well in its class. The UB52 holds wide, smooth horizontal directivity to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz, with a 3db dip from 1.5-3kHz as its main flaw. The JBL is built for wall-mount and install use with shielded transducers and SonicGuard overload protection, but its sound power and predicted in-room response are badly uneven next to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers, and the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini, ranked #2 at $900, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Control 1 Pro

Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL Control 1 Pro when the price outweighs sound quality instead.

Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.

Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 at Amazon ($799.00) →Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro at Parts Express ($240) →

Specifications Side By Side

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 JBL Control 1 Pro
Price$799.00 per pair$240 per pair
Ranked#70 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers#80 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers
Crossover Frequency200Hz / 2000Hz-
Dimensions13.6”H x 7.3”W x 10.8”D (346 x 185 x 275 mm)9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in
Impedance6 ohms4 ohms
Sensitivity83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified)87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Drivers5.25” aluminum woofer, 4” aluminum midrange, 1” soft dome tweeter5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter
Power Handling140W max150W
Woofer Cabinetportedsealed
Weight7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)4 lbs (1.8 kg) each
Bass Extension (-3dB)55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-10dB)38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Spinorama Preference Score5.32 (spinorama.org)2.87
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.34 (spinorama.org)6.37
DIY KitNoNo
Frequency Response-80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified)
Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 at Amazon ($799.00) →Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro at Parts Express ($240) →

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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM 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 Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $799.00 per pair Amazon eBay

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranking card

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. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.3dB.

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 (-10dB)38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency200Hz / 2000Hz
DIY KitNo
Dimensions13.6”H x 7.3”W x 10.8”D (346 x 185 x 275 mm)
Drivers5.25” aluminum woofer, 4” aluminum midrange, 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance6 ohms
Power Handling140W max
Sensitivity83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score5.32 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.34 (spinorama.org)
Weight7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($799.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 →

JBL Control 1 Pro: $240 per pair Parts Express eBay

JBL Control 1 Pro ranking card

Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.

Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in
Drivers5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter
Frequency Response80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance4 ohms
Power Handling150W
Sensitivity87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Spinorama Preference Score2.87
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.37
Weight4 lbs (1.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetsealed
Check current price at Parts Express ($240) →Search eBay for JBL Control 1 Pro →