In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Q Acoustics 5050 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Q Acoustics 5050 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 )
Q Acoustics 5050 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer
- 39-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 91.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-175watts
- Weight:21.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1017.0" x 15.2" x 13.2"( 1017 x 366 x 336 mm )
What size room are the Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Q Acoustics 5050 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 |
Q Acoustics 5050 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
| 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 Q Acoustics 5050 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 Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB and Q Acoustics 5050 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB |
Q Acoustics 5050 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6-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 Q Acoustics 5050 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 6" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700 Hz.
Frequency Response
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas Q Acoustics 5050 has a frequency range of 39-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the Q Acoustics 5050 can go slightly deeper then the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB's min frequency of 41Hz.
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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Q Acoustics 5050 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Q Acoustics 5050's is rated at 91.5 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 5050 a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB, 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. 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 175 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 75 watts less than the Q Acoustics 5050.
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 Q Acoustics 5050 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 Q Acoustics 5050 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 Q Acoustics 5050'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 Q Acoustics 5050 has external dimensions of 1017 x 366 x 336 mm ( 40.0 x 15.2 x 13.2 in) .
Q Acoustics 5050 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 176mm wider, 686mm taller and 88mm deeper than Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB.
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 Q Acoustics 5050 is approximately 1229.8cm2 / 190.6inch2. The Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB requires 62% less surface area than the Q Acoustics 5050 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 5050?
Here are the items that come with the Q Acoustics 5050:
1x 5050 loudspeaker1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung4x Spike feet 4x Spike cover 4x M5 screw 2x Rear stabiliser