In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C2+ and Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim 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 C2+ and ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim 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
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 3-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Airmotiv C2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 3200Hz. On the other hand, the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C2+ has a frequency range of 45 Hz – 28 kHz whereas Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Airmotiv C2+ can go slightly deeper then the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim'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
Airmotiv C2+ and Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C2+ sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim's is at 85 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 Airmotiv C2+ and the Airmotiv C2+ can provide this impedance level.
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.
Airmotiv C2+ can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim has a max power handling value of 140 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the Airmotiv C2+.
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 C2+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ 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 C2+'s and ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 812.0 x 267.0mm ( 8-5/8 x 31-15/16 x 10-1/2inch) whereas ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim has external dimensions of 180.0 x 501.0 x 326.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 19-11/16 x 12-13/16inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim is 311mm narrower and 40mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ but it is also 59mm deeper.
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 C2+ is approximately 2168.0cm2 / 336.0inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim is approximately 1633.3cm2 / 253.2inch2. The Airmotiv C2+ requires 33% more surface area than the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ weighs 16.40kg / 36.1lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim weighs 0.00kg / 0lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C2+ inf% heavier than the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C2+ and Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim'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 CC U5 Slim?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOperating Instructions
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
140 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
580USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
180mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1633cm2 (501x326mm)
vs
2168cm2 (812x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
ELAC Uni-Fi CC U5 Slim |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
40-140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45 Hz – 28 kHz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
soft dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 3200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
812.0mm (32") |
501.0mm (19.7") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
16.40kg (36.1lbs) |
0.00kg (0lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |