In this review, we will be comparing Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Uni-Fi UB5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Elac and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 41-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 100watts
- Weight:8.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 331.0" x 7.5" x 9.8"( 331 x 190 x 248 mm )
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 46-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:40-140watts
- Weight:7.48kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 324.0" x 7.8" x 10.7"( 324.0 x 200.0 x 273.0mm )
What size room are the Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB is a 2-way design whereas the Uni-Fi UB5 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 |
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 1 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the Uni-Fi UB5 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 270Hz and 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas Uni-Fi UB5 has a frequency range of 46-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Uni-Fi UB5's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB
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
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Uni-Fi UB5 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 85 dB.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the Uni-Fi UB5.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas Uni-Fi UB5 has a rear firing ports. Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB's and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5's external dimensions. Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has external dimensions of 331 x 190 x 248 mm ( 13 x 7.5 x 9.76 inches) whereas ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 has external dimensions of 324.0 x 200.0 x 273.0mm ( 12.7 x 7.8 x 10.7inch) .
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB is 10mm narrower and 25mm less deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 but it is also 7mm taller.
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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB is approximately 471.2cm2 / 73.0inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 is approximately 546.0cm2 / 84.6inch2. The Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB requires 14% less surface area than the Uni-Fi UB5 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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 weighs 7.48kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB 7% heavier than the Uni-Fi UB5.
Here is a comparison of how Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Uni-Fi UB5's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi UB5?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi UB5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
471cm2
vs
546cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 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 |
 Height |
324mm
vs
331mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
| Brand |
Elac |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 100 watts |
40-140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
41-50k Hz |
46-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Soft-dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400 Hz |
270Hz and 2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
331.0mm (13") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
190.0mm (7.5") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
248.0mm (9.8") |
273.0mm (10.7") |
| Weight |
8.00kg (17.6lbs) |
7.48kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-31" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |