In this review, we will be comparing Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" soft dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Aluminum | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-35k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 40-140 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.30kg / 18.3lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-5/8" x 7-5/16" x 11-11/16"
347.0 x 186.0 x 297.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Klipsch RP-600M 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* |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is a 3-way design whereas the RP-600M is a 2-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.
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52Klipsch RP-600M
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 200hZ and 2000HZ. On the other hand, the RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-600M can go slightly deeper then the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's min frequency of 46Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-600M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the RP-600M's is rated at 96 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS, whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-600M features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a front firing port whereas RP-600M has a rear firing ports. ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-600M with its rear-firing port.
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 186.0 x 297.0mm (13-5/8 x 7-5/16 x 11-11/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm (15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch).
Klipsch RP-600M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 52mm taller and 4mm deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Klipsch RP-600M Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is approximately 552.4cm2 / 85.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 requires 9% less surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Klipsch RP-600M on a Media Console
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 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 weighs 8.30kg / 18.3lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 14% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- 4 Terminal jumpers (installed)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
347mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
552cm2
vs
608cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
459USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
40-140 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
200hZ and 2000HZ |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
186.0mm (7.3") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
297.0mm (11.7") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
8.30kg (18.3lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (46Hz vs 45Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 85dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-600M is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 takes more power (140W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is easier to place; Klipsch RP-600M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | Klipsch RP-600M: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-600M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Klipsch RP-600M is cheaper - $459 against $700, about 34% less. |
A ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 B Klipsch RP-600M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch RP-600M is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. Match it to your room: we rate ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch RP-600M for near-field listening and a small room. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-600M is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.