In this review, we will be comparing ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52, 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 Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 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:
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 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.
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Drivers
Both ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 |
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 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 Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 has a frequency range of 48-35k Hz whereas Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 can go slightly deeper then the ni-Fi 2.0 UC52's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 85 dB.
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.
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 Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 Uni-Fi Ref UCR52'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 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 2.0 UC52 is 2mm shorter and 38mm less deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 but it is also 14mm wider.
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 Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is approximately 1762.9cm2 / 273.2inch2. The ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 requires 9% 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 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 weighs 11.70kg / 25.7lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 13% heavier than the ni-Fi 2.0 UC52.
Here is a comparison of how ni-Fi 2.0 UC52 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
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 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
Height |
186mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1602cm2 (545x294mm)
vs
1762cm2 (531x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
460USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
General |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 |
ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 |
Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
40-140 watts |
up to 140 watts |
Sensitivity |
85 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-35k Hz |
47-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
dished aluminum |
aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
soft dome |
soft dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
4" |
4" |
Crossover Frequency |
200hZ and 2000HZ |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
186.0mm (7.3") |
188.0mm (7.4") |
Width |
545.0mm (21.5") |
531.0mm (20.9") |
Depth |
294.0mm (11.6") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
Weight |
11.70kg (25.7lbs) |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Satin Black with Walnut Sides, Satin White with Oak Sides |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |