In this review, we will be comparing ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Carina CC241.4, two Passive Center Channel speakers by ELAC Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and ELAC Carina CC241.4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and ELAC Carina CC241.4 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and ELAC Carina CC241.4 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
Both ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Carina CC241.4 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 |
ELAC Carina CC241.4 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 5-1/4-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" dished aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 200hZ and 2000HZ. On the other hand, the Carina CC241.4 features a " JET folded ribbon Tweeter , a 5-1/4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" aluminum-cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 has a frequency range of 48-35k Hz whereas Carina CC241.4 has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 can go slightly deeper then the Carina CC241.4's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
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
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Carina CC241.4 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Carina CC241.4's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the ELAC Carina CC241.4 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52, 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.
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Carina CC241.4 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the ni-Fi 2.0 UC52.
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
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 features Binding post type posts and Carina CC241.4 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 has a front firing port whereas Carina CC241.4 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC Carina CC241.4 with its rear-firing port.
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 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52's and ELAC Carina CC241.4's external dimensions. ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 has external dimensions of 186.0 x 545.0 x 294.0mm ( 7-5/16 x 21-7/16 x 11-9/16inch) whereas ELAC Carina CC241.4 has external dimensions of 205.0 x 621.0 x 243.0mm ( 8-1/16 x 24-7/16 x 9-9/16inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 is 76mm narrower and 19mm shorter than ELAC Carina CC241.4 but it is also 51mm deeper.
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 UC52 is approximately 1602.3cm2 / 248.4inch2 and base area of the ELAC Carina CC241.4 is approximately 1509.0cm2 / 233.9inch2. The ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 requires 6% more surface area than the Carina CC241.4 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 weighs 11.70kg / 25.7lbs and the ELAC Carina CC241.4 weighs 10.20kg / 22.4lbs. This makes the ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 15% heavier than the Carina CC241.4.
Here is a comparison of how ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Carina CC241.4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ni-Fi 2.0 UC52:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleOperating Instructions
What's in the Box of ELAC Carina CC241.4?
Here are the items that come with the Carina CC241.4:
Center-channel loudspeaker2 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating Instructions
Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
186mm
vs
205mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
460USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Base Surface Area |
1509cm2 (621x243mm)
vs
1602cm2 (545x294mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 |
ELAC Carina CC241.4 |
Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
40-140 watts |
30-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
85 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-35k Hz |
50-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
dished aluminum |
aluminum-cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
Tweeter Type |
soft dome |
JET folded ribbon |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
4" |
5-1/4" |
Crossover Frequency |
200hZ and 2000HZ |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
186.0mm (7.3") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
Width |
545.0mm (21.5") |
621.0mm (24.4") |
Depth |
294.0mm (11.6") |
243.0mm (9.6") |
Weight |
11.70kg (25.7lbs) |
10.20kg (22.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |