Short answer: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 for better sound quality, the KEF Q100 for the lower price. The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #37 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $599. The KEF Q100 ranks #38 at $550, $49 cheaper.
What the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 offers: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Watch for: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
On the KEF Q100 side: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. Set against that: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction.
Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF Q100 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | KEF Q100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $550 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #38 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) | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Power Handling | 140W max | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
- KEF Q100 vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
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 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
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
- See all 22 comparisons
KEF Q100: $550 Discontinued
Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons