In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 2000 and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive ProCenter 2000 and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive ProCenter 2000 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer
- 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-250watts
- Weight:4.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 17" x 6-7/16"( 169.0 x 432.0 x 164.0mm )
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" soft dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 47-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:up to 140watts
- Weight:13.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 188.0" x 20-7/8" x 13-1/16"( 188.0 x 531.0 x 332.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 2000 and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive ProCenter 2000 |
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 2000 and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that ProCenter 2000 is a 2-way design whereas the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 2000 |
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
ProCenter 2000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
ProCenter 2000 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the ProCenter 2000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52's min frequency of 47Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 2000
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
ProCenter 2000 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. ProCenter 2000 sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52's is rated at 85 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Definitive ProCenter 2000 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
ProCenter 2000 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a max power handling value of 140 watts RMS, 110 watts less than the ProCenter 2000.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ProCenter 2000 features Binding post type posts and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive ProCenter 2000's and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52's external dimensions. Definitive ProCenter 2000 has external dimensions of 169.0 x 432.0 x 164.0mm ( 6-5/8 x 17 x 6-7/16inch) whereas ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 has external dimensions of 188.0 x 531.0 x 332.0mm ( 7-3/8 x 20-7/8 x 13-1/16inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 99mm wider, 19mm taller and 168mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 2000.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive ProCenter 2000 is approximately 708.5cm2 / 109.8inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is approximately 1762.9cm2 / 273.2inch2. The ProCenter 2000 requires 60% less surface area than the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive ProCenter 2000 weighs 4.55kg / 10lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 190% heavier than the ProCenter 2000.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 2000 and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 2000
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 2000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProCenter 2000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)Operating Instructions
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
140 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
two 5-1/4-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
169mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
708cm2
vs
1762cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
379USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 |
ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-250 watts |
up to 140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42-30k Hz |
47-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
soft dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
169.0mm (6.7") |
188.0mm (7.4") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
531.0mm (20.9") |
| Depth |
164.0mm (6.5") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
4.55kg (10lbs) |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Satin Black with Walnut Sides, Satin White with Oak Sides |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |