ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 Bookshelf Speakers - Black

Review:

Pros:

Cons:

Q: What are the differences between the first gen Uni-Fi and this?
A: The UB52 has all newly designed speakers and a crossover revision, essentially creating an all new speaker design with similar sound characteristics to the UB5. It also is front ported, unlike the older UB5 which was rear ported. The sound signature is very similar between the two models, so that they would integrate well in a surround system, for example. However, they are not identical sounding. In comparison to the previous generation UB5's, the midrange is a little more recessed, and the bass is not as prominent in the UB52. There is also a bit of harshness in female singer voices and instruments in this same frequency region (some may call this more detailed, I call it annoying), which may be related to the redesigned tweeter being crossed over too low from the midrange in the UB52. Andrew Jones may disagree with this opinion, though. Otherwise these are very good sounding speakers that image well. Both use high excursion aluminum 5" woofers and concentric 4' mid/1" satin dome tweeter drivers. The UB5 is rear ported, the UB52 is front ported, and thus taller and slimmer than the UB5.The UB5 has magnetic grilles and premium 5 way connectors, the UB52 has pegged grills and the same 5 way connectors as in the lower Elac models, neither of which affect the sound.

Q: Is this an authorized ELAC dealer?
A: Yes. You’re buying direct from ELAC.

Q: Will the Denon AVR-X3700H receiver be a good match for these speakers?
A: Yes, assuming you are using the Elacs as part of a home theater system.

Q: Where can I buy a binding post wrench for this speaker to tighten the nuts that hold the speaker wires in place?
A: Banana clips can be installed on the wires, but otherwise, the nuts can be finger tightened.

Q: I have a Pioneer VSX-90 AV receiver 8 ohms & 100 watts per channel. Will this do these speakers justice? Thx.
A: It can power these speakers and they will sound okay. A higher-end receiver or amplifier will really make these speakers sing.

Q: I have a pair of Debut 2.0 B6.2. Would it be worth the money to upgrade to the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's?
A: You could listen to the two reviews by Cheap Audio Guy on YouTube. There would be some character differences, but basically you are comparing two very good speakers from the same designer. I think if you are not happy with what you have, you would go for a bigger change based on what you are disappointed with.

Q: Can anyone recommend affordable stands that work well with these? Thx.
A: Pangea Audio LS300 All Steel Bookshelf Speaker Stands.

Q: Does its timbre match with that of the first generation center channel?
A: Yes.

The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair), Black (UB52-BK) is a true 3-way speaker design that features a newly developed concentric driver featuring a 4" aluminum midrange and a 1" wide-roll surround tweeter, along with a new single-piece aluminum cone 5-1/4" bass driver. It has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms for compatibility with virtually all receivers and amplifiers, and front firing ports allow for flexible room placement. The UB52 has all newly designed speakers and a crossover revision, essentially creating an all new speaker design with similar sound characteristics to the UB5. It also is front ported, unlike the older UB5 which was rear ported. The sound signature is very similar between the two models, so that they would integrate well in a surround system, for example. The Denon AVR-X3700H receiver is a good match for these speakers, assuming you are using the Elacs as part of a home theater system. Banana clips can be installed on the wires to tighten them, and the Pangea Audio LS300 All Steel Bookshelf Speaker Stands are an affordable option that work well with these speakers. The timbre of the UB52 matches that of the first generation center channel.