Short answer: the ELAC BS U5 for smooth directivity, the Polk Audio XT15 for cost and AVR compatibility. The U5’s three-way coaxial design keeps on-axis response fairly even to 3kHz and off-axis behavior smoother still, but distortion is very high at both crossovers, around 270Hz and 2700Hz, exceeding 3% at the mid-range point. The XT15 rolls off at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB) but drops into almost any 4- or 8-ohm amplifier output.
Buy the Polk Audio XT15. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the ELAC BS U5 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT15 | ELAC BS U5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 per pair | $856 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #29 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (1W/1m) | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 | 6.79 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Audio XT15: $179.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video Crutchfield eBay
Pros: Very low $179/pair entry price for a Hi-Res Audio Certified 2-way design that’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs so it drops into almost any AVR without matching concerns. Off axis sound tracks the on axis response reasonably consistently for the price. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off early, at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB). On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, and its listening window is less smooth than pricier speakers. Modest 86dB sensitivity wants a reasonably powered amp channel. The 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer is Polk’s entry-tier driver, not the polypropylene/Turbine cones used in its pricier Signature Elite/Reserve lines.
Full Polk Audio XT15 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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ELAC BS U5: $856 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response looks like it should give good tonality. Vertical directivity is better than average, a benefit of the coaxial layout. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points (around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter)) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a possible resonance around 500Hz visible in the impedance/phase curve. Discontinued.
Full ELAC BS U5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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