Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95; the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #144, rated 2.4/5, and costs $799, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Stage 250B is the better-sounding choice. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A three-way bookshelf speaker with wide, smooth dispersion and more listening-height leeway than most. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.32 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 64.5Hz for the JBL Stage 250B. The tradeoff: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3kHz.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #144 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 5.25” aluminum woofer, 4” aluminum midrange, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 13.6”H x 7.3”W x 10.8”D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 5.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 7.34 (spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | 140W max |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
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