In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv B2+ and Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Emotiva and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv B2+ is a 2-way design whereas the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 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 |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Airmotiv B2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 200hZ and 2000HZ.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv B2+ has a frequency range of 40-28k Hz whereas Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Airmotiv B2+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52'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
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
Airmotiv B2+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 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 Airmotiv B2+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv B2+ sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52, 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.
Airmotiv B2+ can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv B2+ has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 15 watts less than the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52.
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
Airmotiv B2+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv B2+ has a rear firing port whereas Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has a front firing ports. ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ 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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+'s and ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ has external dimensions of 324.0 x 216.0 x 293.0mm ( 12-3/4-inch x 8-1/2-inch x 11-1/2-inch) whereas ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 186.0 x 297.0mm ( 13-5/8 x 7-5/16 x 11-11/16inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is 23mm shorter and 4mm less deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 but it is also 30mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 in scale.
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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is approximately 632.9cm2 / 98.1inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 is approximately 552.4cm2 / 85.6inch2. The Airmotiv B2+ requires 15% more surface area than the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 weighs 8.30kg / 18.3lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 17% heavier than the Airmotiv B2+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv B2+ and Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOperating Instructions
Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.25 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
324mm
vs
347mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
552cm2 (186x297mm)
vs
632cm2 (216x293mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ |
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 |
Brand |
Emotiva |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
Up to 125 watts |
40-140 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
40-28k Hz |
46-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
soft dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
200hZ and 2000HZ |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
347.0mm (13.7") |
Width |
216.0mm (8.5") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
Depth |
293.0mm (11.5") |
297.0mm (11.7") |
Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
8.30kg (18.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |