Name: ELAC Uni-Fi UB5
Brand: ELAC
SKU: 970UB5
Rating: 5 (117 reviews)

Overview

Ridiculous performance for the money

"Speakers in this price range have no right to sound this good." That was the pithy opinion of my long-time Crutchfield coworker and audio guru, Dave Bar. We'd just heard the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 bookshelf speakers for the first time at our Charlottesville headquarters. This modest-looking stereo pair blew some people's minds that day, including ours.

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Ridiculous performance for the money

If you're after a taste of the high-end audio experience, these speakers can deliver it. A word of caution: these are not the most efficient speakers in the world. You'll want to use a pretty decent amplifier. But if you do, the UB5s will reward you with deep, tight bass, natural, uncolored midrange, and sweet-sounding highs.

What's their secret?

The ELAC concentric driver places its tweeter at the center of its midrange cone for enhanced imaging and clarity.

In part, the UB5s owe their clear, detailed sound, impressive imaging, and deep soundstage to their custom-designed concentric drivers. Conventional speakers place the midrange and tweeter in different locations on the front baffle — causing their sound to reach your ears at slightly different times, and smearing subtle details. Instead, the UB5's concentric driver places a 1" soft dome tweeter directly in the center of a 4" aluminum midrange cone. This precise alignment creates a "unified source," ensuring that all frequencies arrive at your ears at the same instant, producing a more coherent and accurate sound.

How about that bass?

The UB5s use a custom-designed 5-1/4" aluminum cone woofer to supply articulate bass that blends in precisely with the concentric driver. The woofer's large magnet and vented pole piece increase power handling for bass that's clean, clear, and powerful. A rear-firing port extends bass performance, but keeps it tight and tuneful.

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Product highlights:

true 3-way bookshelf speaker design
custom-designed concentric driver with 4" aluminum cone midrange and 1" soft dome tweeter for clear, accurate mids and highs
custom-designed 5-1/4" aluminum cone woofer
frequency response: 46-25,000 Hz
sensitivity: 85 dB
impedance: 4 ohms
maximum power input: 140 watts
sophisticated multi-element crossover with high-grade components to ensure smooth transition between drivers
bass-reflex (ported) cabinet design
thick MDF enclosures with internal bracing reduces cabinet vibration that causes unwanted sonic coloration
binding post speaker terminals
magnetically attached cloth grilles
black brushed vinyl finish
7-7/8"W x 12-3/4"H x 10-3/4"D
weight: 16.5 lbs. (each)
warranty: 3 years
MFR # UB51-BK

What's in the box:

ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 owner's manual

2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
2 Grilles
Operating Instructions

Reviews (117)

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs


Enclosure	Bass Reflex
Finish	MDF/Vinyl
Color	Black
Tweeter Type	Soft-Dome
Tweeter Size (inches)	1
Midrange Size (inches)	4
Woofer Size (inches)	5.25
Woofer Composition	Aluminum
Woofer Surround	Rubber
Power Range	40-140
Sensitivity	85 dB
Impedance (Ohms)	4
Frequency Response	46-25k Hz
Connector Type	Post
Bi-amp Inputs	No
Height (inches)	12-13/16
Width (inches)	7-15/16
Depth (inches)	12-3/16
Weight (pounds)	16.5
Wall-mountable	---
Bracket Included	No
Recommended Stand Height (inches)	24-31
Parts Warranty	3 Years
Labor Warranty	3 Years

Product Research

Features

3-Way Speaker Design: The Elac Uni-Fi UB5 bookshelf loudspeaker employs a 3-way design with a new in-house developed concentric driver. A 3-way speaker offers many advantages in the design of a full-range system. By assigning dedicated drivers to high, midrange, and bass frequencies, each is optimized for the frequency range for which its design and material composition is best suited. The UB5 bookshelf speaker consists of a concentric midrange-tweeter driver for high and midrange frequencies, while one aluminum-cone woofer handles lower-frequency midbass and bass. At the same time, a 3-way speaker allows for a more straightforward crossover and cabinet design.

Custom-Designed Concentric Driver: The Elac Uni-Fi UB5 bookshelf loudspeaker employs a concentric driver design, combining the 1" soft-dome tweeter and 4" midrange cone diaphragm within a single voice coil. Because of its ideal time-domain characteristics, a concentric driver design delivers the most coherent and accurate reproduction across the treble and midrange frequency spectrums. Positioning the tweeter concentrically within the midrange voice coil achieves a uniform directivity pattern, for flat frequency response and formidable power handling, along with enhanced imaging for both on- and off-axis listening positions.

5.25" Aluminum Woofer: In addition to the concentric midrange-tweeter driver, the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 features one 5.25" aluminum cone woofer. Through the use of aluminum, resonances that affect the linearity of common paper cones can be placed beyond the driver's operating frequency range. An extended size magnet with vented pole piece increases power handling, for accurate reproduction of bass frequencies that are clean, clear and powerful.

Sophisticated Crossover: One secret to the great sound of the Uni-Fi series loudspeaker is the high quality, audio-grade components specified in the manufacture of each custom, 3-way crossover. This careful 3-way crossover design provides a smooth transition between the high, mid, and bass drivers.

Bass Port: The Elac UB5 bookshelf loudspeaker utilizes a bass reflex enclosure with one rear-firing flared port for greater efficiency and bigger bass response.

Robust MDF Cabinet: The Uni-Fi speaker enclosure is engineered for the long run with thick MDF outer walls and a luxurious textured vinyl finish. The Uni-Fi series cabinet incorporates specially designed internal bracing to add stiffness and strength to the cabinet's outer walls. This bracing greatly reduces cabinet vibration, which causes unwanted coloration to the sound. ELAC believes that the only parts of a speaker that should be moving are the speaker drivers themselves.

Magnetic Grille: When the protective grille is removed, hidden magnets beneath the surface of the cabinet keeps the front-panel free of attachment holes, for a clean appearance.

Binding Posts: The Elac Uni-Fi series bookshelf loudspeaker is fitted with a set of heavy-duty, binding-post terminals which will accept bare-wire (up to 10AWG), pin-connectors, and banana plugs (single only).

Applications: The Elac Debut UB5 bookshelf loudspeaker can be used in a 2ch stereo application, or used as your front speakers and/or rear surround speakers in a multichannel home theater application.

2Ch Stereo or Front Speaker Placement: For optimum stereo imaging, place the speakers so that an equilateral triangle is created between the speakers your main listening position. You can also angle ("toe in") the speakers towards the listening position to gain a more focused central image.
Rear Surround Placement: In a 5.1-channel surround setup, avoid placing the speakers forward of your listening position. The speakers should be spread apart wider than the front speakers. In addition, try to elevate the speakers to the same height or slightly higher as the front speakers for the most enveloping soundfield.

Note: In either application, the speakers should be placed 1' to 2' away from boundaries such as wall and corners. Close proximity to a side or rear wall will enhance bass performance, but being too close may result in bass that is unnatural.

Mounting Options: The Elac UB5 bookshelf loudspeaker can simply be placed on a flat surface; like a table-top, stand, or shelf. The bookshelf speaker does not offer any wall-mount options.

Elac Uni-Fi Series: The Elac Uni-Fi series family of loudspeakers consists of a floorstanding loudspeaker, a bookshelf loudspeaker, and a center-channel loudspeaker (all sold separately). All of the Uni-Fi series of speakers feature concentric driver technology. The Uni-Fi series can be the basis of an outstanding two-channel system, or used to build an awe-inspiring multi-channel surround-sound system.

Optional Powered Subwoofer: Add an ELAC powered subwoofer (sold separately) to the Uni-Fi series to bring more bass to your movie and music soundtracks.

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Q&A

18 questions already asked

I have a Yamaha RX-777 Receiver. Currently switched to 6 ohms powering Pioneer SP-BS41-LR speakers. I know I have the power to drive these Elacs but do I have enough power to really make them "sing" as such? These are the specs (cut and paste) : AUDIO SECTION Minimum RMS Output Power per Channel 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.019% THD..........100W 6 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.03% THD............ 120W Dynamic Power per Channel (IHF) 8/6/4/2 ohms ......140/170/220/290W Power Band Width 8 ohms, 50W, 0.03% THD............ 10 Hz to 50 kHz Damping Factor (SPEAKERS A) 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz ......... 240

henry Sep 22, 2020

6 answers

Dear sir no ones opinion is as good as yours. I buy from Crutchfield so I may buy listen and make the decision. Is it what I want? if so keep them, if not return and try something else more to your liking. Never rely on others opinion for your enjoyment of music.

ken Oct 14, 2020

The specs show 220 @ 4 ohms, so yes, that's enough power to push these Uni-fi's. As for your question "will they sing"? I don't think anyone can answer that question in any adjective way. There are so many variables that I'm not aware of. One, I have no real idea of what you mean by "sing". I can tell you that they do take a long time to break-in. Maybe 40hr. or so. On my system they sound great! I will also say that Crutchfield is great to work with, if your not happy with them. I'm rather picky and I like them!

kevin Oct 13, 2020

Should be enough to make you happy.

roger Oct 13, 2020

Ahhh, the Elac UB5. A sweet speaker. I drove my pair with the Marantz M-CR612 with good results in a 10' wide by 19' deep listening room. I had the Elac's mounted up off of the floor and with about 2' of separation from the back of the speaker to the rear wall. I could play them at very listenable volumes with the Marantz. I hope this helps you in your decision.

robert f Oct 13, 2020

I power by ELAC Uni-Fi UB5s with a Yamaha RX-880 AVR. This receiver has specs similar to your unit. You do need to play your music loud in order to hear the benefits/quality of the ELACS. I can play my system very loud in my 20x15 ft den. BTW: I keep the receiver on 8 ohms based on the recommendation of a number of Hi-Fi magazines/blogs.

justin Oct 13, 2020

I am powering mine with a 25 year old Harmon Kardon receiver with 105 wpc rms. with a Polk powered sub. Love the sound.

thomas Oct 13, 2020

Recommend stand for these? What height? Elac ub5

alan Sep 18, 2020

3 answers

Pangea Audio DS400 28" high. I filled these with sand from Home Depot and they then weighed in at 68 lbs. each. Attached the Elac's to them with a couple of very small pieces of BluTack by Bostic.

gary Oct 08, 2020

Pangea 28" works good for me

gregory Oct 08, 2020

Yes work great with stands. Try for 20" + height

thomas Oct 08, 2020

So if my avr is rated at 80 watts per channel and they can do 4 ohms, I'm good? I know it's been asked before my I can set my Avr to 4 ohms, if that really matters

richard May 06, 2020

4 answers

You are good to go! Enjoy, they are great and get better over time.

william May 06, 2020

The AVR will certainly power it. Now whether or not you'll get everything out of the ELACs is another story. The Uni-Fi UB5 is not the easiest speaker to drive and I can testify to the fact that it definitely sounds better driven by amps that can supply enough current and wattage as well as handle the lower impedance level the ELACs demand. There are other models that are certainly easier to drive. But you don't have to worry about damaging anything if your AVR can handle the 4ohm load of the ELACs.

justin May 06, 2020

I am using these fantastic speakers (on stands) in a two-channel stereo, audio-only setup. However, in that setup, my 80 watt/channel integrated amp is more than enough power to drive the ELACs. I have also found that ELAC can be very helpful answering these types of questions. I also use a REL T/i 7 subwoofer, which really adds greatly to the overall sound.

colin May 06, 2020

I do not think you have to change to 4 ohms in your receiver to match UB5, but it is your option. 80 watts/channel is good for the speaker.

vie May 06, 2020

would a nad c 268 power amp be sufficient for these[ 80 watts by 2 channels] ?

john Mar 02, 2020

1 answer

Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.

kristina Apr 01, 2020 (Staff)

I have the debut 2.0 6 bookshelf and thought about adding in the uni5 for more midrange, would this be a good fit?

john Feb 21, 2020

3 answers

What I can tell you is that the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5s are the best speakers for the money I have ever had. I use them as part of a smaller setup in my house in the living room. My main stereo uses much larger Vandersteen 5As, but I listen to the system with the ELACs much more often, and they are spectacular. They are 4 ohm speakers. Unfortunately, since I really don't know anything about the debuts, I can't specifically answer how the UB5s would complement them. But alone, the UB5s are great speakers. I suggest you also check the Absolute Sound review of them, which underscores how good they really are.

colin Feb 22, 2020

Absolutely! The mid-range is exceptionally powerful and detailed. I have used my Uni-Fi UB's everyday since the purchase and recently added a Polk 12" subwoofer. It is like having a new record and CD collection.

mark Feb 21, 2020

These UN5 are awesome a great pair you can add to any system !!!!!!

esteban Feb 21, 2020

I'm in the process of upgrading my stereo situation for music and was really impressed when I heard these at a friends house. I currently only have an old Onkyo TXDS-777 (circa late 1990s) and wanted to make sure that this would suffice for power to drive these speakers. Eventually I would like to upgrade my other items (amplifiere, turntable, etc) but it seems as though these speakers are a good place to start my transition away from only having Sonos devides to stream music at this point. Does anyone have any clue about the capability of this old receiver as it relates to these Elac UB5s?

theodore Feb 04, 2020

4 answers

My experience with the UB5s is that they really require a an amp with excellent dynamic power output in the 4 ohm range. For example my Marantz SR6012 receiver will drive them but the sound just isn't that lively. For home theater purposes I settled on set of Paradigm mini monitor 7s w/ atom surrounds which the Marantz has no trouble driving to THX class volumes (the Paradigms are a significantly more sensitive speakers). I have a much older Adcom GFA 5300 power amp that does an excellent job driving the Elacs - it is rated 125 watts per channel into 4 ohms with dynamic (peak) power of 175 watts per channel. My advice would be to go for the Elacs but plan on ditching the older receiver for similar rated power amp or 2 channel receiver rather than a surround focused model.

joplin Feb 06, 2020

I'm sorry I have no idea regarding the power specs of this receiver. If you could enlighten re the specs, I could express an opinion regarding suitability of your receiver to power these speakers. I'm using a Sony es receiver that specs at 360 watts at 4 ohms.

robert Feb 04, 2020

Wish, I could help, but I purchased the speakers as a gift.

richard l. Feb 04, 2020

The only issue that I am aware of , is that your receiver must be capable of driving speakers at 4 ohms. I owned a nice Onkyo receiver with plenty of power and it cut off immediately when trying to drive these speakers. I realized that I could not drive a 4 ohm load ( UB5s) so I got a new receiver by Denon. The sound is awesome, loud, full , just great. I am a professional musician and I'm very picky about sound quality. These little speakers do a great job.

william Feb 04, 2020

I'm currently using Definitive Technology (DT) "Pro-mount 90" speaker stands. Do you know if those stands can be used with ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 speakers?

justin Dec 18, 2019

2 answers

I don't think the speakers have a threaded fitting in back. Isn't that the way these in-wall "stands" work?

john v Dec 19, 2019

I don't know the answer to that . What I will advise is to have an amplifier strong enough to drive those shelf speakers . My Marantz 70 w per channel was not strong enough.

john Dec 19, 2019

Would this speaker Elac Uni-Fi UB5 be a decent match for the Sony STR-DN1080 receiver? Small listening room (my office) is 12'x14'. Any other speakers in the $300-600 range that would be a better match if not the UB5's? Listen to mostly classic rock...

don Mar 31, 2019

2 answers

Elac UB5 has very good cost/benefit. It will perform impressively in your room with your receiver.

vie May 06, 2020

The Elacs would make an excellent match with the Sony receiver and your room size, as well as your music preferences.

eric Apr 09, 2019

Will these work with my Yamaha as501 amplifier? The amplifier has an a, b or a & b speaker switch. Could I use (4) of these at the same time on the a & b switch?

shawn Dec 19, 2018

1 answer

That Yamaha receiver can only work with 8 ohm speakers while running a & b speakers. These are 4 ohm speakers and will not work this way. They could only work with the a or b setting; not the a & b setting. We have other speakers that can work and advisors that you can reach by calling 1-800-324-9695 to get a personal recommendation on speakers than can work My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Paul

jason Jan 02, 2019 (Staff)

How does these compare with Focal Aria 906 ?

anup98765432 Sep 08, 2018

2 answers

They don't compare to the Focal Aria 906. Get the Focal Aria 906!

sanjeeb paul Feb 09, 2019

Not familiar with the aria 906

clarence Sep 08, 2018

I own Elac Debut 6's. I listen with the grill on, but have pried the cage tweeter cover off. Can I safely do this with the concentric tweeter on the UB5?

birney Jul 15, 2018

2 answers

UB5's tweeter cage is not designed to be removed.

vie May 06, 2020

ABSOLUTELY NOT

darrell Jul 23, 2018

Hello I'm looking to buy the Elac ub5 speakers. My question is will the Cambridge Topaz ar20 power these speakers properly? 2 channel 100 watts RMS per Chanel 8 OHMS Thanks Brian

brian Sep 02, 2017

2 answers

Absolutely! From a power stand point, the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 would drive the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 speakers very nicely. For more details, or to discuss further, please feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (888.955.6000) or online chat. Thanks! My bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Larry

david Sep 06, 2017 (Staff)

Hi Brian, you could get by with half that power. 50 W a channel is plenty. they're very good and efficient speakers

stephen Sep 05, 2017

How do these compare to the Klipsch RP-150M or 160M for near field listening? I'm putting together a 2.1 computer gaming/music system. Thanks!

jeff Jul 22, 2017

1 answer

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.

kenneth Jul 22, 2017 (Staff)

Is NAD C 338 amplifier powerful enough to drive these speakers? NAD C 338 is rated 50W each channel at 4 ohms. I have read that ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 needs adequate power to sound good? Thanks

stanley Apr 15, 2017

5 answers

I've owned the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 for almost a year now and I drive them with a peachtree nova 125se. After lots of research it was my conclusion that I wanted atleast 100W per channel, optimally 150W. From what I understand they will work with 50W per channel but you will not be getting everything you can get out of them. What makes these special is they really can make use of high quality amps and dacs. Typically entry level speakers don't receive the benefits from higher end amps but these do. Hope this helps. -Steve

stephen Jun 07, 2017

I'm using a 50W per channel Yamaha RS300. It is plenty powerful enough for my home office, which is in the 100 sq ft range. They becomes very loud, so I would feel comfortable using it in a much larger room.

nicholas Jun 02, 2017

It is no where enough. These speakers need at least 100 w/channel, more if possible. They really open up and sound more solid the more power you feed them.

william Apr 18, 2017

Hello Stanley I am diving the Elac's with a 200w old Yamaha receiver. I don't know if a 50w NAD is adequate power? NAD amps are very efficient so 50w might work. I'de ask Crutchfield customer support. The speakers are wonderful. Howard

howard Apr 17, 2017

I'd had my UB5s now since they came out and I'm continually amazed at their sound. I drive mine with a NAD 326BEE which is rated at 50 wpc and I also have it plugged into a Furman Power Conditioner. I listen almost exclusively to vinyl with a Schitt Mani preamp and a VPI Scout with a Orfoton Black cart. I honestly cannot turn my amp past 11. It gets too loud. I know if I had more power I would get a deeper sound at low volume, but frankly I love the speakers and for the money I cannot recommend them enough. Owen, Greenville, SC

owen Apr 17, 2017

How will these speakers do with a Yamaha RX-V781?

dave Jan 31, 2017

2 answers

Not familiar with the Yamaha, but reviews say these speakers sound better with more power, typically arund 125 watts/channel. Mine are powered by Parasounds and sound great after accumulating many hours of use.

william Jan 31, 2017

Hi, I run my UB5s with a 50 watt per amp and get wonderful results, so I can say with confidence that your receiver will produce outstanding sound with the Un-Fi's. I love my speakers. There clarity is remarkable, especially for the price. Owen

owen Jan 31, 2017

Elac UB5 speakers. Please confirm speaker dimensions shown in the "Details" : H 12 13/16 x D 12 3/16 x W 7 15/16, would be a very tall, deep, but narrow box ? To the unaided eye the picture does not seem to match these dimensions. David

david j Dec 04, 2016

6 answers

David, Your are correct in your assessment of the shape. The picture angles are all shot head on, so it is a little ambiguous. The shape seems to allow the speakers to sound huge relative to the size. We have them as the front pair in a 7.1 setup in a square living room and they are tremendous for the $$.

shannon Dec 06, 2016

David -- The width and height dimensions are correct. The depth of the actual box is about 10 13/16". The removable front grille adds another 3/4" or so -- more in the middle, since the grille has a convex shape. And the connectors stick out 1/2" or so in the back, maybe a little more. So that's how they came up with the 12 3/16" measurement. The picture is a good representation of the width and height, but you're right, it doesn't really show the depth.

daniel Dec 06, 2016

Hi David, I ran a quick measuring of the speakers dimensions with a non-rigid tape measure and got about 7 and 7/8 inches wide; about 10 and 3/4 inches deep (with grill in place, a little over 11 and 1/2 inches ); and about 12 and 3/4 inches high (or, more accurately, 12 and 13/16"). The depth of the speakers did impress me as I was taking them out of the box, but the depth is less than 12 and 13/16 inches. They look really good on my speaker stands and sound just great. Frank

francis j Dec 06, 2016

Did mention stated on the website are correct. The speakers fit very nicely in my entertainment center. They sound great.

charles a Dec 06, 2016

every thing is correct except the depth it's 103/4

john Dec 06, 2016

Dimensions slightly different than stated, but basically correct.

richard Dec 06, 2016

Should I buy the elac B-6, or should I spend more money and wait to get the uni- B5. ? I would have to drop a model, smaller woofer with the uni's?

danny b Dec 01, 2016

7 answers

I own both the B-6 and the uni-B5. The uni-B5 speaker is a much better speaker. The highs are rich and dynamic and the base is fuller and richer on the uni-B5. Save your money for the ELAC uni-B5 speakers.

kenneth e Dec 02, 2016

I love the speakers. They are in a room about 20 X 15 and provide great sound. I did add a subwoofer, though you might do without. Also have a B&W center speaker. Well worth the money.

william Dec 02, 2016

I haven't listened to the B-6s, but I have owned the Uni-fi UB5s for some time now and I am blown away by their clarity and clean bass. I've had friends with multi thousand dollar speakers listen to them and they are amazed. I do think you need a pretty powerful amplifier with 4ohm output to get the most of them. I'm using a NAD 326bee and it does fine. Owen

owen Dec 02, 2016

For me I liked the overall sound of the b6 better ,the b5 was way to bright due to the metal cone and I could not temper it at all ,but if you like a brighter sound and can handle the highs the b5 might be more to your liking,in the end I bought neither and ended up with a much more expensive pair of legacy bookshelf's that seemed to do everything really well, and of course a much higher end build.

allen Dec 02, 2016

I had the B6's and they were very good. However, the B5's sound a bit richer in overall tone and the bass is better. I'm using the B5's in a movie setup and I like them very much; they are crystal clear and very dynamic.

william Dec 02, 2016

Danny, I went through the same process and read a lot about B-6 vs. uni B-5. I went with the B-5, and not an iota of regret. Before I bought, I was thinking need to add a subwoofer. No. I'm perfectly happy with the bass response. And 5-inch woofer vs. 6-inch, not a game changer. I've had $7,000 Sonus Faber speakers from Italy and these guys run with them. In your situation, I'd probably get the B-6 and enjoy the hell out of them, then move up to B-5 when you can. Life is short. From what I've read, the B-6 is an 8.5 on the 1-10 scale, the uni 5 a 9.0, super refined mids and highs. Hope that helps.

david Dec 02, 2016

I would get the B-5s. Mine sound great. I zeroed in on B5s based on several friends who are Audiofils.

gary Dec 02, 2016

I have a Yamaha R-N602 receiver rated at 80w per channel RMS - does it have enough power to get the best out of these Elac speakers? I understand that they are 4 ohms and have a low sensitivity rating - which, from what I am reading, requires more power.

paul Jul 29, 2016

6 answers

Should be plenty,I powered mine with a 15 watt tube amp and of course to get them to really come up to their potential I had to turn it up to about 3/4 volume. You should have no problem with that wattage at less than 1/2, of course my room has hardwood floors, blinds and is about 12 by 16 with lots of windows

allen Dec 02, 2016

I'm running them on an old pioneer vsx-1122k in a 3200+ cubic foot living room listening at about 9 feet away. I listen to music at around 65-75 db. I am not attempting to blow the walls out. I do use a sub though which is a good idea with any speaker so I'm not asking the Elacs or my receiver for that matter to support anything below 80hz which I suspect buys me a little over head. All that said I can say I haven't had any problems. I couldn't speak to whether I'm getting "the best" out of these speakers with the above setup but I will say I upgraded to these speakers from the first generation of Andrew Jones pioneer book shelves which retailed at $129 and I'm happy as a pig in ... Mud? These are great speakers though I have limited experience with other speakers in the $500 to $1000 range.

blaine Jul 31, 2016

Paul. -The Elac Unify series speakers will deliver an exceptional sound at a low volume. That being said there is no reasonable cause to max out the amp. That's where you might overload one or more output channel at the amp but there should be no problem at the speakers. I have Denon AVR-3200W receiver so I anticipated that with 4 ohm speakers there will be more amp draw. I also ran 14 gauge speaker wire for my surround sound speakers that will help also. I don't normally run my receiver at more than 50% and that is plenty volume but if you really want to test drive these speakers then get an amp with an output to match other than that I think you have enough output amps to get a great sound. I also just subscribed to Spotify to stream music . This service makes music sound much better than a CD. I hope this helps! Good luck Mike B.

michael Jul 30, 2016

I use a Pioneer Elite SC-81 for a 2.1 setup as I want to give my Elacss as much power as I can. It sounds pretty good, but I do wish I had more power.Your Yamaha would work, but I don't think you would get the best these Elacs have to offer. My advice...get these Elacs and upgrade your power situation later.

dennis Jul 30, 2016

You will probably be fine, I powered mine with a 15 watt tube amp and they sounded great,although to predominant on the high treble end for me I more preferred the b3 I have no doubt that there might be more in there with a better amp but usually 30 watts is plenty,if you can get by the high energy treble and of course everbodys tastes are different; overall a good sounding speaker.

allen Jul 29, 2016

Absolutely. I have an NAD326BEE rated at 50 watts per channel and I can barely get past 1/4 to get great volume. The speakers are pretty amazing. They can be a bit bright on some albums but they still awesome. Owen R.

owen Jul 29, 2016

SHOW MORESHOW LESS

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