Short answer: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #130 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 2.4/5) at $599 and is still sold new; the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR ranks #152 (rated 1.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 160 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead, ranked #2 at $900.
The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Wide, smooth horizontal directivity: beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.32 against 3.22 for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 64.5Hz for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. The tradeoff: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3kHz.
The case for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. Watch for: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier.
Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 per pair | $749 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #130 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #152 of 160 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) | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum woofer, 4” aluminum midrange, 1” soft dome tweeter | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Power Handling | 140W max | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 (spinorama.org) | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 (spinorama.org) | 5.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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: $599.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 (center, rated 3.9/5).
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 Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Pioneer Elite SP-EC73 (center, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
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