Short answer: it depends, with the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for a low-resonance neutral sound and the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 for wide directivity. The ELAC holds a beamwidth of about plus or minus 60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing, though it is dipped 3dB from 1.5-3kHz. The Sony’s bracing and updated crossover reduce resonance at $278 against $799, with mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range the tradeoff.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. 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.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #49 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #70 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 13.6”H x 7.3”W x 10.8”D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter | 5.25” aluminum woofer, 4” aluminum midrange, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 140W max |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.34 (spinorama.org) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR: no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous: it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.
Full Sony SS-CS5 M2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
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- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Studio 530
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ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $799.00 per pair Amazon eBay
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs KEF Q100
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