Short answer: the JBL Studio 530. It ranks #30 of 63 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399; the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #44 and costs $599, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Studio 530: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the high-frequency roll-off. Set against that: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz.
What the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 offers: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. The catch: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
Buy the JBL Studio 530. It ranks higher for sound quality than the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 530 | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #44 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5kHz | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Dimensions | 18.4"H x 8.4"W x 8.7"D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25" (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1" (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 17 lbs / 7.7 kg each | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Power Handling | - | 140W max |
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- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs JBL Stage A120
- JBL Studio 530 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Stage A130
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Studio 530: $399 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the high-frequency roll-off.
Cons: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz. Response rolls off in the high frequencies and the tuning is a bit bass-shy overall. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows the same 1kHz-region resonances lingering in time. Discontinued.
Full JBL Studio 530 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5kHz |
| Dimensions | 18.4"H x 8.4"W x 8.7"D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1" (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 17 lbs / 7.7 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Studio 530 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
- JBL Studio 530 vs Boston Acoustics A25
- JBL Studio 530 vs Sony SS-CS5 M2
- JBL Studio 530 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
- JBL Studio 530 vs Polk Audio XT15
- JBL Studio 530 vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
- JBL Studio 530 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- JBL Studio 530 vs ELAC BS U5
- See all 24 comparisons
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 (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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 24 comparisons