In this review, we will be comparing Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 and Q250c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 and KEF Q250c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 and KEF Q250c 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 Ref UCR52 and KEF Q250c 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 is a 3-way design whereas the Q250c 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.
Driver |
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 |
KEF Q250c |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the Q250c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz whereas Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q250c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Q250c which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Q250c's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF Q250c 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.
Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q250c has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52.
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
Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 features Binding post type posts and Q250c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Ref UCR52's and KEF Q250c's external dimensions. 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) whereas KEF Q250c has external dimensions of 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 20-11/16 x 8-1/2inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 5mm wider, 7mm taller and 116mm deeper than KEF Q250c.
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 Ref UCR52 is approximately 1762.9cm2 / 273.2inch2 and base area of the KEF Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2. The Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 requires 55% more surface area than the Q250c 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 Ref UCR52 weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs and the KEF Q250c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 76% heavier than the Q250c.
Here is a comparison of how Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 and Q250c'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 Ref UCR52?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Uni-Fi Reference UCR52:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that come with the Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual 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 |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
181mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1136cm2 (526x216mm)
vs
1762cm2 (531x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 |
KEF Q250c |
Brand |
ELAC |
KEF |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 140 watts |
10-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
85 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
47-35k Hz |
68-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
soft dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
4" |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
188.0mm (7.4") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
531.0mm (20.9") |
526.0mm (20.7") |
Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
Weight |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Satin Black with Walnut Sides, Satin White with Oak Sides |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
Grille |
Yes |
optional |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |