Short answer: the Neumi BS5. It ranks #22 of 90 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $139.99; the ELAC BS41 ranks #41, rated 3.5/5, and costs $180, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Neumi BS5: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The catch: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
What the ELAC BS41 does well: A small sealed two-way with a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter that measures more evenly than its low price suggests. Watch for: The sealed 4-inch woofer limits output and deep bass, so it suits small rooms or pairing with a subwoofer.
One note: the ELAC BS41 is no longer sold new, but at #41 of 90 bookshelf speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Neumi BS5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ELAC BS41 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumi BS5 | ELAC BS41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $180.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.5dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer | 4” woofer, 1” tweeter |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 | 6.57 |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) | - |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 48Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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
Neumi BS5: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer and 1-inch silk dome provide good horizontal directivity for the price; a mild upper-bass rise adds punch, and ordinary modern AVRs can generally drive the mostly six-ohm load at sensible levels. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension. Output around 90dB began to reveal distortion and compression, limiting farfield/high-volume use. A narrow dip near 800Hz, port/cabinet resonances and imperfect crossover directivity remain visible; the tweeter itself is approximately four ohms even though the system is sold as nominal six ohms. A subwoofer is strongly preferred.
Full Neumi BS5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
ELAC BS41: $180.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: A small sealed two-way with a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter that measures more evenly than its low price suggests. Erin’s Audio Corner found the listening window within a 2.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a predicted in-room response smoothness of 0.60, for a preference score of 4.29 (6.57 with an ideal subwoofer). Bass reaches about 54Hz (-3dB) and 47Hz (-10dB), and the sealed box makes it easy to place near a wall. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The sealed 4-inch woofer limits output and deep bass, so it suits small rooms or pairing with a subwoofer. Sensitivity is a modest 84.5dB. It is discontinued and mostly found used.
Full ELAC BS41 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Drivers | 4” woofer, 1” tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.57 |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons