In this review, we will be comparing M16 and Carina BS243.4, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Revel and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel M16 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Revel M16 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 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 Revel M16 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 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 M16 and Carina BS243.4 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Revel M16 |
ELAC Carina BS243.4 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the Carina BS243.4 features a 1" JET AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz whereas Carina BS243.4 has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Carina BS243.4 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
M16 and Carina BS243.4 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. M16 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Carina BS243.4's is at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Revel M16 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Carina BS243.4, 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.
M16 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Carina BS243.4 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the M16.
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
Carina BS243.4 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. M16 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
M16 has a rear firing port whereas Carina BS243.4 has a bottom firing ports. ELAC Carina BS243.4's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Revel M16 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 Revel M16's and ELAC Carina BS243.4's external dimensions. Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) whereas ELAC Carina BS243.4 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 205.0 x 247.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 8-1/16 x 9-11/16inch) .
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 57mm taller and 33mm deeper than ELAC Carina BS243.4.
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 Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2 and base area of the ELAC Carina BS243.4 is approximately 506.4cm2 / 78.5inch2. The M16 requires 22% more surface area than the Carina BS243.4 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 Revel M16 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs and the ELAC Carina BS243.4 weighs 6.70kg / 14.7lbs. This makes the M16 9% heavier than the Carina BS243.4.
Here is a comparison of how M16 and Carina BS243.4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Revel M16?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of M16:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleOwners Manual
What's in the Box of ELAC Carina BS243.4?
Here are the items that come with the Carina BS243.4:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 4 Jumper straps (pre-intalled) Operating Instructions
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Price per pair* |
990USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
321mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
506cm2 (205x247mm)
vs
618cm2 (221x280mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Revel Concerta2 M16 |
ELAC Carina BS243.4 |
Brand |
Revel |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
50-120 watts |
30-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
55- Hz |
46-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Anodized aluminum |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
JET AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
378.0mm (14.9") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
221.0mm (8.7") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
Depth |
280.0mm (11") |
247.0mm (9.7") |
Weight |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood/Lacquer |
MDF/Polymer |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Gloss White |
Satin Black,Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |