The Elac Carina BS243.4 ranks #14 out of 63 total Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See Top Recommended Speakers By Attribute for all the top speaker suggestions.
Brand: ELAC
#14 Elac Carina BS243.4: $1,199.00 B&H Photo ELAC America
Pros: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. Positively reviewed by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for fatigue-free treble detail.
Cons: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.525) and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here. Moderate 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4.8-ohm minimum impedance wants a reasonably powerful amp. Bass extension is average for a 5.25” 2-way at 55.7Hz (-3dB) / 41.5Hz (-10dB).
How it compares: Just above it: Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf - $299 cheaper, 1Hz lower bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: Emotiva B1+ - $949 cheaper.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 12.6" x 9.6" (216 x 319 x 245 mm) (8.5 x 12.5 x 9.6 in) each |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg (14.7 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex |
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