ELAC Uni-Fi UB52 Bookshelf Speakers - Black - Pair

A Three-Way Concentric Speaker at a Two-Way Price

The Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is a true three-way standmount: a 1-inch soft dome tweeter mounted at the center of a 4-inch aluminum midrange cone, with a 5.25-inch aluminum woofer below. Andrew Jones designed it as the second generation of ELAC's Uni-Fi line.

The concentric driver came down from ELAC's Adante series. The woofer is a single-piece dished aluminum cone with an oversized magnet, and the crossovers sit at 200 Hz and 2,000 Hz. A front-firing port makes placement near a wall practical.

Why a Third Driver Helps

With a dedicated midrange, voices do not have to share a cone with the bass. The UB52 keeps vocals clear when the low end gets busy, which is the thing most two-ways at this price cannot do.

The Numbers, and What They Ask of You

ELAC quotes 46 Hz to 35 kHz, 85 dB sensitivity at 2.83 volts and a 6 ohm nominal impedance, with a maximum input of 140 watts. The 6 ohm rating is up from 4 ohms on the original Uni-Fi, so ordinary receivers can drive it, but 85 dB still rewards a capable amplifier.

How Much Room It Takes

Each cabinet is 7.3 inches wide, 13.6 tall and 10.8 deep, and weighs 18.3 pounds. The cabinet is thick, internally braced MDF in black ash vinyl, and the port fires forward below the woofer.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Neil Gader reviewed the UB5.2 for The Absolute Sound on April 27, 2021. He found that "the UB5.2's midrange weight, forward-leaning energy, and focused imaging continue to make for highly satisfying vocal reproduction."

Against the original Uni-Fi: "Compared with its forebear, it has a smoother, less pushy, less edgy sound." His verdict: "A terrific speaker that I can recommend without reservation."

Who Is This Bookshelf Speaker Best For?

• You want a three-way at a closeout price — a dedicated midrange and a concentric tweeter are rare at this level, and this is the last stock
• You listen to vocals — midrange weight and focused imaging are what Gader singled out, and what the third driver is for
• Your speakers must sit near a wall — the front-firing port tolerates a shelf or a tight spot far better than a rear port
• You have a decent amplifier — 85 dB into 6 ohms is fine for a receiver, but a good integrated amplifier of 50 watts or more brings out the best
• You want the fully developed version — the Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 adds a 6.5-inch woofer, cast chassis and two-tone finishes, and goes deeper

How Do They Connect to Your System?

Speaker cable runs from your amplifier to a single pair of binding posts on each cabinet, red to red and black to black. These are passive speakers, so there is nothing else to power or configure.

On stands about 24 inches tall, aim them roughly at the seat. On a shelf, the front port means only a little clearance is needed behind the cabinet. Allow a few weeks of playing before judging the bass.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the setup. These are the categories most UB52 owners shop next.

• Integrated amplifiers — 50 to 140 watts into 6 ohms
• Speaker stands — 24 inches puts the concentric driver at ear height
• ELAC DS103 subwoofer — ELAC's 10-inch sub for film below 46 Hz
• Speaker cables — a sensible gauge for a 6 ohm load

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the UB52 sold as a pair?

Yes. The price is for two speakers, with two grilles in the box.

Is this speaker discontinued?

Yes. This listing is remaining stock of the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52. It carries the same warranty and our 60-day guarantee as any new speaker.

How much amplifier do they need?

Sensitivity is 85 dB into 6 ohms and maximum input is 140 watts. A receiver will drive them, and 50 watts or more from a good integrated amplifier is the sweet spot.

Can they go on a bookshelf?

Yes. The port fires forward, so only a few inches of clearance behind the cabinet is needed. They are 13.6 inches tall and 10.8 deep, so measure the shelf.

Do I need a subwoofer?

Not for music. The UB52 reaches 46 Hz, and Gader noted real midbass weight for the size. For film, a subwoofer adds the bottom octave.

How does it compare with the Uni-Fi Reference UBR62?

The UBR62 keeps the three-way concentric layout but adds a 6.5-inch woofer, cast chassis on both drivers, more bracing and oak or walnut finishes. It reaches 41 Hz instead of 46 Hz.

See It in Action

Steve Guttenberg, the Audiophiliac, reviews the UB52:

New Record Day reviews the Uni-Fi 2.0:

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