In this review, we will be comparing Lumina CI and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sonus Faber and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Lumina Center I and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Lumina Center I and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 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 Sonus Lumina Center I and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 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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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Lumina CI is a 2-way design whereas the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 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 |
Sonus Lumina Center I |
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.75-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Lumina CI features a 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter and 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000 Hz. On the other hand, the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Lumina CI has a frequency range of 65-24k Hz whereas Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a frequency range of 47-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Lumina CI's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
Lumina CI is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 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 Lumina CI can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Lumina CI sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52's is rated at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Sonus Lumina Center I a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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.
Lumina CI can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Lumina CI has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52.
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
Lumina CI features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sonus Lumina Center I's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Lumina CI and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 Sonus Lumina Center I's and ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52's external dimensions. Sonus Lumina Center I has external dimensions of 169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm ( 6.6 x 20.6 x 8.4inch) whereas ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 has external dimensions of 188.0 x 531.0 x 332.0mm ( 7-3/8 x 20-7/8 x 13-1/16inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 7mm wider, 19mm taller and 119mm deeper than Sonus Lumina Center I.
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 Sonus Lumina Center I is approximately 1116.1cm2 / 173.0inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 is approximately 1762.9cm2 / 273.2inch2. The Lumina CI requires 37% less surface area than the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 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 Sonus Lumina Center I weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52 weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 74% heavier than the Lumina CI.
Here is a comparison of how Lumina CI and Uni-Fi Reference UCR52'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 Sonus Lumina Center I?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Lumina CI:
1 Center Channel Speaker1 Manual 2 Jumpers1 Grilles 1 Fabric dust guards
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi Reference UCR52:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)Operating Instructions
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
169mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1116cm2 (524x213mm)
vs
1762cm2 (531x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
699USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 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 |
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Sonus Faber Lumina Center I |
ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 |
| Brand |
Sonus Faber |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
up to 140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-24k Hz |
47-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.75" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
paper cone |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD |
soft dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
169.0mm (6.7") |
188.0mm (7.4") |
| Width |
524.0mm (20.6") |
531.0mm (20.9") |
| Depth |
213.0mm (8.4") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
7.60kg (16.7lbs) |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
real multilayer wood |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Wenge, Walnut |
Satin Black with Walnut Sides, Satin White with Oak Sides |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |