Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #25 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #37 and costs $599, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 gets right: 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. The catch: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
What the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 offers: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Watch for: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. 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
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #25 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| 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) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 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 |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 140W max |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon
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.
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) |
| 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 |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
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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 (-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
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