1st ever “listening while taking a shower cause I gotta work” you tube video I’ve ever done...it’s just THAT important!!! And it wasn’t needed, but when you talk about reverb and 16th notes it just makes it even more believable. So, Thank you again!!!
I own the UB5's and have owned the UB5.2. For the money, the UB5 is my choice , but you need an amp that will power it, High current amp or high wattage suitable for 4 ohms, which I do. I think they're great. You are correct, either one would be a good choice.
got a question for you. would an amplifier that drives 4ohm speakers at 80wpc be enough for these. something like an anthem or nad is what i’m looking at but i know ub5s are finicky
Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, thank you Mr Rogers! Calm, collected, even, soothing delivery and matter of fact break down of the musical boxes. So glad that you found Elac improves with price points, when all we want in the end is to get what you paid for. High hat sizzle, rim shot.
I love how the intro to these has wedding music. I feel like we are creating a bond everytime I hear it. Hopefully, it won't end in tragedy where these take all my money.....
Fortune and glory! As an owner of the UB5 and UB52, I totally agree with your assessment! Thanks for the research you do, steering people to these speakers is life changing for audio enjoyment. As far as bitcoin goes, go long and HODL!
I have a question.. For you which do you prefer? I currently own the UB5 OG.. Have been thinking about the ub5.2.. I would enjoy the clarity in high end more.. but I'm worried about the lack of low end.
Good stuff. A 3 way design as compact as a 2 way. A dedicated midrange driver, unmodulated by deep bass. Congratulations on being able to drink coffee out of a cup with a large inwardly facing lip. That takes talent.
I wrote you the other day that I ordered the elac ub5.2, had them playing for about 5 hours since I got thme today. Just got done listening to Steely Dan's "My Old School". WOW! awesome! can't wait to see how they sound in a day or 2 after I play them for a while longer!
Thanks for the time and effort you put into your reviews. Great to see someone give a laid-back review about attainable equipment. My favorite audio review channel!!
I liked that you added some knowledge from your DIY experience:) Most reviewers never explain anything about how speakers actually work. I learned a lot about speakers when I built my first sub and had to do some research
With the ELAC 45% off sale (and $99 10 ft speaker wires, for free) I was about to pull the plug on the UB5. But I had a rather messy divorce from that speaker, and decided to get the UB52. Your reviews ultimately helped in that decision. Thank you!
Well, that settles it for me! I'm probably going to own all three at some point, just for fun, starting with the UB52, which is getting ordered today. Can't wait to hear what some tube power brings out of them. I'm glad I held out .. a couple of weeks ago when you first started listening to the UB52, I asked what you thought about it vs the Debut Reference, and you said, "I'll spare you the suspense: buy the Debut Reference." But somehow I knew there was going to be an a-ha moment once you were able to live with them (and get them broken in). Thanks again for keeping it real and giving us viewers yet another angle on this crazy music obsession we all have.
@@cheapaudioman I will be using my main integrated, a Rogue Audio Cronus II. Don't shoot the messenger .. I know this isn't a 'cheap' component! But I love the idea of high value, affordable products (like Elacs and other offerings out there these days), and though this amp skews on the more expensive side, it was considered a bargain when compared to what was available on the higher end several years ago when I bought it. That aside, this amp has some richness, speed, punch, and isn't really rolled off .. just damned sweet. (Also just wanted to say that I like the idea of purchasing a range of affordable bookshelf speakers to play with over time, over having one higher dollar pair of loudspeakers that hangs out in my listening room for many years. Been there, done/doing that, bored.
Hey cheapaudioman, keep up the good work! Really like speakers and gear detailed comparisons, their entertaining and informative as many of us use reviewers to help us make purchase decisions. Also the other reviewers don’t do many of those. Great job!
Red delicious, Fuji and Granny Smith all apples no oranges here. Thanks Randy for sharing more than the numbers. Andrew Jones is a genius, something for everyone to take everybody's money.
Great job on speaking more clearly about which speaker you’re talking about, I’m a little sad have to say, you left out about grabbing a cuppa coffee or a beverage and let’s sit down and talk about speaker shoot out Saturday speaker shoot out LOL you freaking rock cheap man thank you keep up the great awesome work
bought the ub5 and they are great out of the box. had no problem driving them as many report. can't understand why the ub5 is portrait as hard to drive and with lots of negatives. my experience with them is great. 3 way is the way.
I'm going to have to listen with my own ears in my home. I'm going to order the Klipsch RP600M, Elacs Debut Reference and Unifi v2. See what floats my boat. Thanks for the good work bro.
Running 600m for a few weeks and just ordered the ub52 today. Will try to remember to come back with update. I'm struggling with the klipsch but maybe I need more break in period?
In my travels on the internet’s Ron at NRD has brought me here and you are a hidden gem. “On the speakers that I have made (that have been horrible)”. I’m dead 🤣. Dude you’re hilarious and still feel like you know your shit. Keep it up, I’m subed and belled up brother. 🤙🏼
So I'm making my peanut butter waffle scratching my rear end as I'm getting up now I got to deal with this on the TH-cams. 🤦. Love the channel Randy . ✌️
Great review! I like that the UB5.2 is flat! That helps in rooms that don't have the best acoustics. I have had speakers with bumps at 80 and 150 too (JBL) and it has to be way tamed, otherwise, vocals sound muddy. I hope you get a chance to listen to the B&W 600 Series S2 Anniversary Edition.
Thanks for using enough power with those UB5's. That was the main issue with that speaker and why folks were lukewarm to them at first. A $300 AVR just doesn't have the grunt to get the dynamics out of them. Hoffman's Iron Law...
UB52 is 6Ω (versus original at 4Ω, 3.4Ω min.) and has gentler/lower cross-over points. I could drive UB52 well with a $330 Yamaha RX-V6A (the COSTCO TSR-700 SKU)....not so much with UB5. Be Safe.
I have the UniFi UB5 slim and driving them with a powernode 2i. Unfortunately, I have to have them very close to a wall, which is bad for the port is rear facing. So what I did was adding a small sub (audio-pro) and set the crossover in the amp to let the sub take care of that. Honestly, despite the low sensibility thing and the “probably” inappropriate amplifier for these Elacs, I don’t have anything but nice feelings for this system. I listen mainly to jazz, at reasonable volume levels for an apartment, but also use the system for films. I’m very happy with it and it didn’t break the bank. My 0.02s :) Got yourself a new suber, by the way!
Enjoy this series of videos a lot! I think the UB5.2 represent a really nice option for many people in that $500-ish range. They aren’t the most dynamic things, but for a more practical audio lover - it may be all anyone needs.
The User Systems featured on Guttenburg’s channel featuring hi-end user’s systems should be answered back by the cheapest high quality hifi systems in the cheapaudioman subscriber universe.
Any fool can walk into an ultra high end audio boutique with a budget equal to my full gut renovation and 800 sq ft addition to my house and get a great system. I have derived great satisfaction cobbling together systems that sounded really good, source , power, & speakers from thrift stores and yard sales for less than the price of a round of golf at a low end public course.
@@darrelgustafson2507 Here at CheapAsShitAudioGuys, we think a great stereo shouldn’t cost more than a round of golf at the muni course and a pitcher of beer to erase the memories.
You just GOTTA do an Elac UB52 vs Klipsch RP-600M head to head.Unless the RP’s are gone!! That was the buying decision I was faced with, and even though I had a pair of Klipsch R-51M’s and thought for sure I was gonna go with their bigger brother, I took a chance on the Elacs and LOVE them!
Great video! Thanks. “Listen to the wind blow something something”. I love the way you describe music, tatatatatatata Ding. As a drummer I understand the language. 🎶🎶
How does the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 compare to these speakers. I know they are more expensive and probably better but for the money can the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 even keep up to these? Thanks for helping me!
My 3 Elacs, I had 4 but threw one out the door 🙂. Debut 5.2 great all round speaker with low coloration and great soundstage and imaging, good bass too. Elac unifi b5.2 does everything impeccably well. Excellent mids, bass, highs. I would say no coloration which I never experienced before in a speaker. Elac unifi b5 my rock and roll speaker. My fun speaker. It’s not perfect but does everything well. Randy thank you for reviewing these, the way you do. My purchasing decisions were based on your reviews. I got these all on sale of course! Enjoying all 3 pairs. Oh and the one I threw out the door? Debut B6.2. Literally out the door. I tried to like them but their brightness with the volume turned up was their demise 🥲. Oh well.
Fun! First time on channel -- #SUBSCRIBED. I liked the improvements in Ux2 family. Great change from 4Ω(3.4Ω min) to 6Ω with better/lower cross-over points. Its clean sound was the perfect center (UC52) for a totally different set of fronts *and* very easy to drive. Nice Review...Be Safe.
Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN
I have the Emotiva E2+ placed near my Uni-Fi 2.0 and A/B'd them. My 9.1 Onkyo amp allows me to play whichever pair I choose. I thought the Emotivas were great until I heard the Uni-Fi which are more natural and realistic sounding. Something textured was happening with the Emotiva. They are still good but I need to listen more to figure it out. Maybe I should plug the ports or reverse the polarity/phase which it allows having 2 switches. Those are fantastically made, the E2+ BTW. Works of art hanging on the walls.
Randy, hi and thank you for inviting me to your internet, I like your channel and I have subscribed so welcome me. I like how you talk about audiophiles, like a kind of bacteria. You are right. You have my sword.
Your channel name brought me here and your comedy keeps me here....great job. Btw....got hints of Jack Black via School of Rock in your little break out song :)
well thanks for this in depth review...i asked you opinion on another video to help me decide between the polk es20 and elac uni fi 2.0 ub52 and even the scss5 from sony...im getting the elacs...hands down....they are on sale now at crutchfield for 549 down 350 from 899.00 so its gotta be the one....thanks for the great review Randy!! even though i wish they matched polk's 5 yr warranty...i have sound dynamics r 616 from late 90s and i love them....i just want to upgrade and down size a bit!! thanks again for the awesome review!!!
I'm on the Amazon webpage in the next tab beside this one, and someone's confused because the still image they have for the UB52 is the same as the speaker that Randy is calling the 5.2 -- they aren't the same speaker.
That coffee mug on the speaker is such a faux pas...I had to Google how to spell faux pas correctly. Very entertaining. Thank you for existing and Fog Hat.
Great job describing the differences between these Elacs. Here is a challenge for you - which one is more musical? Music is more than just sound. Musicians work hard at conveying emotions and feelings. Which one makes you secretly cry like a little girl or publicly puts a smile on your face?
The term musical in my opinion is a subjective term and has different meanings to different people. It really boils down to what you prefer and enjoy. Some people like bass , some treble , some soundstage , etc... pick a speaker that has the characteristics you like the most. A lot will depend on your musical tastes. Rap and dance music has a lot of bass so naturally rap fans love lots of bass. Classical and jazz fans might prefer a more balanced neutral speaker.
Ha. Well I've got to get it over to someone I promised it to for a bit of evaluation before it comes back around to me again. I think that's a great idea though and there are going to be a lot for giveaways coming up.
Hi Randy, if you were to create a Christmas-hamper of 6 budget speakers to show off the widest range of different sound presentations on the market, then which speakers would you include? And what categories of presentations/sounds are most important to cover? I’m looking to buy such a ‘hamper’ so that I can learn what I like best (at home). And I don’t mind buying discontinued/2nd hand. Are the following a good starting point? 1. Horn/V-shaped (Klipsch RP-400M?) 2. Open baffle (LRS or MMG?) 3. Neutral/laid-back (Uni-Fi UB52?) 4. Warm/rich (Wharfedale Denton 85th or Diamond 11.2?) 5. Cool/Bright (B&W, Focal?) 6. Detailed (LS50?)
Love your reviews bud... keep it up! Two things though; wish you included the Debut 2.0 B5.2 in this review, and wish you'd review the speakers to see how they sound as a multipurpose speaker, not only for music.
I have the Monoprice hybrid amp with the Elac 6.1s and it sounds pretty dang great. I have no idea how that compares to anything else...that’s why I watch this channel. Not validation, but perspective.
Awesome comparaison, I own the B6s and the uni.0 surely your review makes sense since I pretty much know how they sound. Sure getting the uni.2 in the near future. Thanks Randy awesome stuff.
I say go with the Reference and the Klipsch 600. Get em both! I did. The best of both worlds! Also...Bitcoin rocks! It changed my life....Just sayin...
I love butter on hot bread just out of the oven with some black coffee. That combo always takes me back to my afternoon snacks at my grandmom's house. I bet that Elac sounds like that. Anywhoo, try some Dalis. The Oberon 5 are sweet...
Trying to get the hook up with Dali. I have some spektor 1's in house and they're great. probably going to be my de facto recommendation for higher end desk top speakers.
@@cheapaudioman I have my Oberon 5 hooked up to a Rega Elex-R and a Marantz CD 6006. My system sounds like heaven to me, and though not cheap it's not out of reach. Doesn't cost more than rebuilding the roof on your house or dental care for your kids ;)
Bust out the measuring tape. Woofer on the UB52 looks smaller than B5. Can you confirm or deny with a measuring device used to check lengths and girth of things.... ?
Noice review. Love my Elac B6, almost broke in. Get yourself a copper compression sleeve for that elbow. Worked for me within hours. I was shocked. I give it a Buddha ranking. 👍
They could do anything they want with the grilles, as far as I am concerned, if they had only put the money they saved into correcting its bass that tanks so rapidly from about 65 Hz. I suspect that's one reason it didn't sound very "warm" compared to the others. It's hard to sound as warm when most of an octave of bass is missing. It's more like what I expect from the 4-inch Pioneer mid-bass drivers.
Search this track. Hopefully, it's on Amazon Music but not sure. I'm listening on TH-cam Music. The TH-cam video is awesome to watch but the sound is much flatter than the actual Audio only version streamed. Listening on my desktop sound stage suffers something awful but this track seems to come to life even in the near field. I can only imagine how it would sound with proper gear. Song: Walking Blues (feat. Nico Bereciartua, Roberto Luti, Chris Pierce & Keb' Mo') Artist: Playing For Change
Yeah godfather woke up this morning thinking I'm tunning in to a speaker shootout but wind up getting a physics lesson shit let me get a stronger cup of coffee yesss.....😃great work.
I once dropped a JBL Control One speaker out my 3rd story Brooklyn window, it bounced off the metal fire escape and onto some unforgiving concrete. Sure enough, retrieving & hooking it back up the thing still sounded fine! Minus the cracked ABS plastic baffle that is. That was 10 years ago and I only recently discovered gorilla glue & vice clamps. Back to new again : D
that's got to be the coolest thing I've heard in a long time. I had one of those sony flat screen tube tvs that weighed about 200 lbs and it went through hurricane Ivan, about 5 moves, dropped several times, and I finally just gave it away and it still worked great.
@@cheapaudioman Ive got a special place in my heart for "reliability" in general mah man. Loves me a product that works and dont stop working. A bi-amp\wired bookshelf shootout would be great to see! Iv also heard rumor the current Altec Lansing will be pivoting from lifestyle BS back to respectable HiFi in the near future, fingers crossed!
I can't afford any of those Elac beauties yet. So I bought a second pair of pioneer BS-22. My crown xls1002 has too much power. It sounds compressed with just one pair of small speakers. With two pair it sounds killer good.
One more one more thing. I'm sitting back here listening to my JSE Infinite Slope Model 2's...and man! They take me away...Google em...125lbs each....5 drivers...It's nice....I still like the bookshelves for other rooms....
Just went to Amazon to check their price on the UB 52s, and they have come down a bit to $529 from $599, but I couldn't help but read a user review who said he likes the Triangle BR03s (also $529) more, so there's another speaker for you to review if you haven't already done so.
I already have reviewed the bro3's and they don't have near the detail the UB52's. To each their own with speakers but you can check out 2 videos I did on the Bro3's. th-cam.com/video/negO5pVgiqw/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/cYViKJln50Q/w-d-xo.html
@@cheapaudioman Thanks, I'll take a look. But sound detail is all-important to me, I'm an analytical listener, so I want clear speakers, neutral and accurate, just not cold and sterile, and I suppose the Triangle won't suffice.
I still prefer the look of the original UB5s..... the port looks better on the back and the front looks cleaner with no grill holes. I know the UB5.2's are better
Smeared with Vaseline ? That's a phrase I've never heard in an audio equipment review. I can almost imagine Steve Guttenberg thinking it but not saying it out loud. A description I'd appreciate in your reviews would be tonal balance , soundstage, and imaging at lower volumes. There are many speakers that are great when you're feeding them lots of power. Some can pull off these qualities at lower volumes but some completely go to pieces at low volume. I work from home, I like to have music on and have a conversation etc. To know if a speaker can give quality balanced response without needing to be cranked would be greatly appreciated. It ain't always 11:45 Saturday night.
Senior Randal, I have a question. I own and love a pair of the original UB5s and I’m building a surround system, the problem is the center speaker is inches from the wall. I stuffed two socks into the rear blowholes 😜, but I’m thinking of buying a 2.0 center channel, since they’re front-ported. Is that a crazy idea? Would they work well together? Are they timber matched? Is that even a thing?! And watch about the impedance difference? Help!!!
The TH-cam audiophile/reviewer world needed you.
Breath of fresh air and really fun to watch
Thanks so much! Means a lot
he reminds me of savagegeese when he first started with his car reviews
Your videos are like hanging out with a good buddy, who also cares about good sound. Love your style and your attitude. Keep it up.
Bought the debut reference some months ago and I’m still very happy with the sound and the way they look
Ron at New Record Day gave you an awesome shout out in his last Video. Loved it.
He’s an awesome dude
Yep, that's how I found my way here. Great review! Like'd & sub'd, good job!
1st ever “listening while taking a shower cause I gotta work” you tube video I’ve ever done...it’s just THAT important!!! And it wasn’t needed, but when you talk about reverb and 16th notes it just makes it even more believable. So, Thank you again!!!
I own the UB5's and have owned the UB5.2. For the money, the UB5 is my choice , but you need an amp that will power it, High current amp or high wattage suitable for 4 ohms, which I do. I think they're great. You are correct, either one would be a good choice.
got a question for you. would an amplifier that drives 4ohm speakers at 80wpc be enough for these. something like an anthem or nad is what i’m looking at but i know ub5s are finicky
Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, thank you Mr Rogers! Calm, collected, even, soothing delivery and matter of fact break down of the musical boxes. So glad that you found Elac improves with price points, when all we want in the end is to get what you paid for. High hat sizzle, rim shot.
I love how the intro to these has wedding music. I feel like we are creating a bond everytime I hear it. Hopefully, it won't end in tragedy where these take all my money.....
yeah. that would be sad
Fortune and glory! As an owner of the UB5 and UB52, I totally agree with your assessment! Thanks for the research you do, steering people to these speakers is life changing for audio enjoyment. As far as bitcoin goes, go long and HODL!
I have a question.. For you which do you prefer? I currently own the UB5 OG.. Have been thinking about the ub5.2.. I would enjoy the clarity in high end more.. but I'm worried about the lack of low end.
@Herestravy420 the 2.0 is quite a bit better to my ear. Easier to drive, more resolving. Though the OG has thicker low end.
Good stuff.
A 3 way design as compact as a 2 way.
A dedicated midrange driver, unmodulated by deep bass.
Congratulations on being able to drink coffee out of a cup with a large inwardly facing lip.
That takes talent.
Thanks I purchased the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 because of your video and they sounds amazing! thanks a lot!
I wrote you the other day that I ordered the elac ub5.2, had them playing for about 5 hours since I got thme today. Just got done listening to Steely Dan's "My Old School". WOW! awesome! can't wait to see how they sound in a day or 2 after I play them for a while longer!
Nice shootout and gaining subs fast. Very well deserved Mr Cheap😀👍
Great to wake up on a Saturday morning and hear some ramblings about speakers
Nice Temple of Doom reference there. I could totally hear Short Round in my head when you said it. 😁
Thanks for the time and effort you put into your reviews. Great to see someone give a laid-back review about attainable equipment. My favorite audio review channel!!
Much appreciated!
Was ready for this comparison for a long time. Think you were the first. Thanks for your dedication 👍
These videos just get better and better.
Excellent content, thank you!
Thanks!
I liked that you added some knowledge from your DIY experience:) Most reviewers never explain anything about how speakers actually work. I learned a lot about speakers when I built my first sub and had to do some research
hillarious sponsor intro, digging the vibe on this channel and thanks for putting Elac in front of me so abruptly
Great lighting on this video, bro, your set up is improving each time.
With the ELAC 45% off sale (and $99 10 ft speaker wires, for free) I was about to pull the plug on the UB5. But I had a rather messy divorce from that speaker, and decided to get the UB52. Your reviews ultimately helped in that decision. Thank you!
Well, that settles it for me! I'm probably going to own all three at some point, just for fun, starting with the UB52, which is getting ordered today. Can't wait to hear what some tube power brings out of them. I'm glad I held out .. a couple of weeks ago when you first started listening to the UB52, I asked what you thought about it vs the Debut Reference, and you said, "I'll spare you the suspense: buy the Debut Reference." But somehow I knew there was going to be an a-ha moment once you were able to live with them (and get them broken in). Thanks again for keeping it real and giving us viewers yet another angle on this crazy music obsession we all have.
What tube amp are you running on it. That sounds like an amazing solution. Put just a little richness in there I bet will be amazing!
@@cheapaudioman I will be using my main integrated, a Rogue Audio Cronus II. Don't shoot the messenger .. I know this isn't a 'cheap' component! But I love the idea of high value, affordable products (like Elacs and other offerings out there these days), and though this amp skews on the more expensive side, it was considered a bargain when compared to what was available on the higher end several years ago when I bought it. That aside, this amp has some richness, speed, punch, and isn't really rolled off .. just damned sweet. (Also just wanted to say that I like the idea of purchasing a range of affordable bookshelf speakers to play with over time, over having one higher dollar pair of loudspeakers that hangs out in my listening room for many years. Been there, done/doing that, bored.
Hey cheapaudioman, keep up the good work! Really like speakers and gear detailed comparisons, their entertaining and informative as many of us use reviewers to help us make purchase decisions. Also the other reviewers don’t do many of those. Great job!
Indiana Jones and the temple of doom! Okie Dokie Docta Jones!
This is one of the best speaker review videos I've seen on TH-cam. Thank you, Randy, for giving it to us straight. Best wishes for much success!
Red delicious, Fuji and Granny Smith all apples no oranges here. Thanks Randy for sharing more than the numbers. Andrew Jones is a genius, something for everyone to take everybody's money.
Damn man, you always make laugh with every bizarre sponsor content you made, especially when you throw those shits out of the frame. Love it!
LMAO
I feel a elac unifi ub5.2 vs rp600m comparison coming!
Yay! Uni-fi's on order, should come this coming week!
I knew it was about to get real when I saw the lion. Great review. Very detailed.
Scratching 10K subs! Most enjoyable YT I've found in years. Well done Randy. Well done indeed.
Great job on speaking more clearly about which speaker you’re talking about, I’m a little sad have to say, you left out about grabbing a cuppa coffee or a beverage and let’s sit down and talk about speaker shoot out Saturday speaker shoot out LOL you freaking rock cheap man thank you keep up the great awesome work
bought the ub5 and they are great out of the box. had no problem driving them as many report. can't understand why the ub5 is portrait as hard to drive and with lots of negatives. my experience with them is great. 3 way is the way.
what amp did you drive them with?
@@petermoore7796 smsl a300
Great video Randy. 👏 Keep up the hard work. You're doing fantastic. 👍 Rock on my friend. 🤘
I'm going to have to listen with my own ears in my home. I'm going to order the Klipsch RP600M, Elacs Debut Reference and Unifi v2. See what floats my boat.
Thanks for the good work bro.
Please give us your impressions and feedback 👍
Anddd??
Still not going to reveal which ones you kept?
@@user-nc7oh2rn7f I don't know about rp600m, but I bought dbr62 and so far i'm satisfied.
Running 600m for a few weeks and just ordered the ub52 today. Will try to remember to come back with update. I'm struggling with the klipsch but maybe I need more break in period?
In my travels on the internet’s Ron at NRD has brought me here and you are a hidden gem. “On the speakers that I have made (that have been horrible)”. I’m dead 🤣. Dude you’re hilarious and still feel like you know your shit. Keep it up, I’m subed and belled up brother. 🤙🏼
So I'm making my peanut butter waffle scratching my rear end as I'm getting up now I got to deal with this on the TH-cams. 🤦. Love the channel Randy . ✌️
Great review! I like that the UB5.2 is flat! That helps in rooms that don't have the best acoustics. I have had speakers with bumps at 80 and 150 too (JBL) and it has to be way tamed, otherwise, vocals sound muddy. I hope you get a chance to listen to the B&W 600 Series S2 Anniversary Edition.
Thanks for using enough power with those UB5's. That was the main issue with that speaker and why folks were lukewarm to them at first. A $300 AVR just doesn't have the grunt to get the dynamics out of them. Hoffman's Iron Law...
UB52 is 6Ω (versus original at 4Ω, 3.4Ω min.) and has gentler/lower cross-over points.
I could drive UB52 well with a $330 Yamaha RX-V6A (the COSTCO TSR-700 SKU)....not so much with UB5.
Be Safe.
🔵 The cupa coffee on top'a th' speaker, (with no coaster),.... Classy!
I have the UniFi UB5 slim and driving them with a powernode 2i. Unfortunately, I have to have them very close to a wall, which is bad for the port is rear facing. So what I did was adding a small sub (audio-pro) and set the crossover in the amp to let the sub take care of that.
Honestly, despite the low sensibility thing and the “probably” inappropriate amplifier for these Elacs, I don’t have anything but nice feelings for this system.
I listen mainly to jazz, at reasonable volume levels for an apartment, but also use the system for films.
I’m very happy with it and it didn’t break the bank. My 0.02s :)
Got yourself a new suber, by the way!
Hey, thanks! I'm going to get an Elac speaker soon looking forward to it!
Enjoy this series of videos a lot! I think the UB5.2 represent a really nice option for many people in that $500-ish range. They aren’t the most dynamic things, but for a more practical audio lover - it may be all anyone needs.
I agree...If you want REFERENCE (versus just HIGH) and LARGE room, then think UF52. Otherwise UB52 is sweet.
The User Systems featured on Guttenburg’s channel featuring hi-end user’s systems should be answered back by the cheapest high quality hifi systems in the cheapaudioman subscriber universe.
Any fool can walk into an ultra high end audio boutique with a budget equal to my full gut renovation and 800 sq ft addition to my house and get a great system. I have derived great satisfaction cobbling together systems that sounded really good, source , power, & speakers from thrift stores and yard sales for less than the price of a round of golf at a low end public course.
@@darrelgustafson2507 Here at CheapAsShitAudioGuys, we think a great stereo shouldn’t cost more than a round of golf at the muni course and a pitcher of beer to erase the memories.
You just GOTTA do an Elac UB52 vs Klipsch RP-600M head to head.Unless the RP’s are gone!! That was the buying decision I was faced with, and even though I had a pair of Klipsch R-51M’s and thought for sure I was gonna go with their bigger brother, I took a chance on the Elacs and LOVE them!
Great video! Thanks. “Listen to the wind blow something something”. I love the way you describe music, tatatatatatata Ding. As a drummer I understand the language. 🎶🎶
How does the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 compare to these speakers. I know they are more expensive and probably better but for the money can the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 even keep up to these? Thanks for helping me!
My 3 Elacs, I had 4 but threw one out the door 🙂. Debut 5.2 great all round speaker with low coloration and great soundstage and imaging, good bass too. Elac unifi b5.2 does everything impeccably well. Excellent mids, bass, highs. I would say no coloration which I never experienced before in a speaker. Elac unifi b5 my rock and roll speaker. My fun speaker. It’s not perfect but does everything well. Randy thank you for reviewing these, the way you do. My purchasing decisions were based on your reviews. I got these all on sale of course! Enjoying all 3 pairs. Oh and the one I threw out the door? Debut B6.2. Literally out the door. I tried to like them but their brightness with the volume turned up was their demise 🥲. Oh well.
Agree 1000% about the 6.2's. They just weren't my cup of tea and were very particular about placement
Fun! First time on channel -- #SUBSCRIBED.
I liked the improvements in Ux2 family.
Great change from 4Ω(3.4Ω min) to 6Ω with better/lower cross-over points.
Its clean sound was the perfect center (UC52) for a totally different set of fronts *and* very easy to drive.
Nice Review...Be Safe.
Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN
I have the Emotiva E2+ placed near my Uni-Fi 2.0 and A/B'd them. My 9.1 Onkyo amp allows me to play whichever pair I choose. I thought the Emotivas were great until I heard the Uni-Fi which are more natural and realistic sounding. Something textured was happening with the Emotiva. They are still good but I need to listen more to figure it out. Maybe I should plug the ports or reverse the polarity/phase which it allows having 2 switches. Those are fantastically made, the E2+ BTW. Works of art hanging on the walls.
Randy, hi and thank you for inviting me to your internet, I like your channel and I have subscribed so welcome me. I like how you talk about audiophiles, like a kind of bacteria. You are right. You have my sword.
Your channel name brought me here and your comedy keeps me here....great job. Btw....got hints of Jack Black via School of Rock in your little break out song :)
well thanks for this in depth review...i asked you opinion on another video to help me decide between the polk es20 and elac uni fi 2.0 ub52 and even the scss5 from sony...im getting the elacs...hands down....they are on sale now at crutchfield for 549 down 350 from 899.00 so its gotta be the one....thanks for the great review Randy!! even though i wish they matched polk's 5 yr warranty...i have sound dynamics r 616 from late 90s and i love them....i just want to upgrade and down size a bit!! thanks again for the awesome review!!!
I'm on the Amazon webpage in the next tab beside this one, and someone's confused because the still image they have for the UB52 is the same as the speaker that Randy is calling the 5.2 -- they aren't the same speaker.
The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 are on sale on zon for $269.14 today, July 17, 2022.
That coffee mug on the speaker is such a faux pas...I had to Google how to spell faux pas correctly. Very entertaining. Thank you for existing and Fog Hat.
Almost 10000 subscribers wow great job
Great job describing the differences between these Elacs. Here is a challenge for you - which one is more musical? Music is more than just sound. Musicians work hard at conveying emotions and feelings. Which one makes you secretly cry like a little girl or publicly puts a smile on your face?
The term musical in my opinion is a subjective term and has different meanings to different people. It really boils down to what you prefer and enjoy. Some people like bass , some treble , some soundstage , etc... pick a speaker that has the characteristics you like the most. A lot will depend on your musical tastes. Rap and dance music has a lot of bass so naturally rap fans love lots of bass. Classical and jazz fans might prefer a more balanced neutral speaker.
I concur. You're funny and fun to watch
So Randy, would you say the UB5's are a good combination with the Emotiva Basx TA-100?
what is better speaker the klipsh rp600m or the elac ub5.2? i have a integrated amps 40 watts per chanel
My ub52 can be pretty harsh. Do I have to burn them in more or are they broken ? I tried them with 3 different amps
Randy, great stuff as usual. I think considering the price and how awesome you are , that ubi would make for a great giveaway speaker. 😁
Ha. Well I've got to get it over to someone I promised it to for a bit of evaluation before it comes back around to me again. I think that's a great idea though and there are going to be a lot for giveaways coming up.
Love the awards 😂 but I didn't understand so much about them though 😅
Thanks! I'm buying the UB5.2 and using your affiliate link. Thanks for the break down!
I would review your measurement protocol as there is no bump at 150Hz on the UB5. If anything, it dips in that area.
Hi Randy, if you were to create a Christmas-hamper of 6 budget speakers to show off the widest range of different sound presentations on the market, then which speakers would you include?
And what categories of presentations/sounds are most important to cover?
I’m looking to buy such a ‘hamper’ so that I can learn what I like best (at home). And I don’t mind buying discontinued/2nd hand.
Are the following a good starting point?
1. Horn/V-shaped (Klipsch RP-400M?)
2. Open baffle (LRS or MMG?)
3. Neutral/laid-back (Uni-Fi UB52?)
4. Warm/rich (Wharfedale Denton 85th or Diamond 11.2?)
5. Cool/Bright (B&W, Focal?)
6. Detailed (LS50?)
“I don’t know how to edit.” Lol, gold.
Love your reviews bud... keep it up! Two things though; wish you included the Debut 2.0 B5.2 in this review, and wish you'd review the speakers to see how they sound as a multipurpose speaker, not only for music.
I think this is more of a price range comparison.
Can you tell mi if it would be a god thing to place UB5.2's as my computer speakers about 1.5 meter away from me?
Can i run 2 pairs of unifi 2.0 ub52 with sony str dh790
Cool video! It's a very interesting comparison!
Great comparison! Would you consider reviewing the Elac db5 Prima? It's based upon the original B5.
Have a pair of the Sony sscs5 arriving today ( thanks to your review ) along with Dayton HTA 100tb tube amp
I have the Monoprice hybrid amp with the Elac 6.1s and it sounds pretty dang great. I have no idea how that compares to anything else...that’s why I watch this channel. Not validation, but perspective.
I am not interested in elac speakers; I liked this due to your humour and talent! Haha
Awesome comparaison, I own the B6s and the uni.0 surely your review makes sense since I pretty much know how they sound. Sure getting the uni.2 in the near future. Thanks Randy awesome stuff.
Thanks for watching!
@@cheapaudioman you are ver welcome sir. But really, thank you for making our morning TH-cam world fun and a happy hour. 🙏🤜💥🤛
Compare them to the Klipsch 600m
I say go with the Reference and the Klipsch 600. Get em both! I did. The best of both worlds! Also...Bitcoin rocks! It changed my life....Just sayin...
I love butter on hot bread just out of the oven with some black coffee. That combo always takes me back to my afternoon snacks at my grandmom's house. I bet that Elac sounds like that.
Anywhoo, try some Dalis. The Oberon 5 are sweet...
Trying to get the hook up with Dali. I have some spektor 1's in house and they're great. probably going to be my de facto recommendation for higher end desk top speakers.
@@cheapaudioman I have my Oberon 5 hooked up to a Rega Elex-R and a Marantz CD 6006. My system sounds like heaven to me, and though not cheap it's not out of reach. Doesn't cost more than rebuilding the roof on your house or dental care for your kids ;)
The music is obviously by Mendelssohn, and I think the movie was Father of the Bride, that would be my guess, I'm not sure though.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Nice... also, KEF Q150..?
Bust out the measuring tape. Woofer on the UB52 looks smaller than B5.
Can you confirm or deny with a measuring device used to check lengths and girth of things.... ?
Noice review. Love my Elac B6, almost broke in.
Get yourself a copper compression sleeve for that elbow. Worked for me within hours. I was shocked.
I give it a Buddha ranking. 👍
It really bugs me that the UB5.2 is the only one lacking magnetic grill attachments... crazy
Yeh, this is true. Hard to explain that one.. I prefer my grills on, so doesn't bother me.
They could do anything they want with the grilles, as far as I am concerned, if they had only put the money they saved into correcting its bass that tanks so rapidly from about 65 Hz. I suspect that's one reason it didn't sound very "warm" compared to the others. It's hard to sound as warm when most of an octave of bass is missing. It's more like what I expect from the 4-inch Pioneer mid-bass drivers.
Search this track. Hopefully, it's on Amazon Music but not sure. I'm listening on TH-cam Music. The TH-cam video is awesome to watch but the sound is much flatter than the actual Audio only version streamed. Listening on my desktop sound stage suffers something awful but this track seems to come to life even in the near field. I can only imagine how it would sound with proper gear.
Song: Walking Blues (feat. Nico Bereciartua, Roberto Luti, Chris Pierce & Keb' Mo')
Artist: Playing For Change
Yeah godfather woke up this morning thinking I'm tunning in to a speaker shootout but wind up getting a physics lesson shit let me get a stronger cup of coffee yesss.....😃great work.
not sure about the ub52 with front port. front port tends to make the bass disappear.
I once dropped a JBL Control One speaker out my 3rd story Brooklyn window, it bounced off the metal fire escape and onto some unforgiving concrete. Sure enough, retrieving & hooking it back up the thing still sounded fine! Minus the cracked ABS plastic baffle that is. That was 10 years ago and I only recently discovered gorilla glue & vice clamps. Back to new again : D
that's got to be the coolest thing I've heard in a long time. I had one of those sony flat screen tube tvs that weighed about 200 lbs and it went through hurricane Ivan, about 5 moves, dropped several times, and I finally just gave it away and it still worked great.
@@cheapaudioman Ive got a special place in my heart for "reliability" in general mah man. Loves me a product that works and dont stop working. A bi-amp\wired bookshelf shootout would be great to see! Iv also heard rumor the current Altec Lansing will be pivoting from lifestyle BS back to respectable HiFi in the near future, fingers crossed!
I can't afford any of those Elac beauties yet. So I bought a second pair of pioneer BS-22. My crown xls1002 has too much power. It sounds compressed with just one pair of small speakers. With two pair it sounds killer good.
6:20 "beards getting unruly" Did you upgrade to a HD camera? :)
These ones or the Kef Q350?
One more one more thing. I'm sitting back here listening to my JSE Infinite Slope Model 2's...and man! They take me away...Google em...125lbs each....5 drivers...It's nice....I still like the bookshelves for other rooms....
Just went to Amazon to check their price on the UB 52s, and they have come down a bit to $529 from $599, but I couldn't help but read a user review who said he likes the Triangle BR03s (also $529) more, so there's another speaker for you to review if you haven't already done so.
I already have reviewed the bro3's and they don't have near the detail the UB52's. To each their own with speakers but you can check out 2 videos I did on the Bro3's. th-cam.com/video/negO5pVgiqw/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/cYViKJln50Q/w-d-xo.html
@@cheapaudioman Thanks, I'll take a look. But sound detail is all-important to me, I'm an analytical listener, so I want clear speakers, neutral and accurate, just not cold and sterile, and I suppose the Triangle won't suffice.
I still prefer the look of the original UB5s..... the port looks better on the back and the front looks cleaner with no grill holes. I know the UB5.2's are better
Smeared with Vaseline ? That's a phrase I've never heard in an audio equipment review. I can almost imagine Steve Guttenberg thinking it but not saying it out loud. A description I'd appreciate in your reviews would be tonal balance , soundstage, and imaging at lower volumes. There are many speakers that are great when you're feeding them lots of power. Some can pull off these qualities at lower volumes but some completely go to pieces at low volume. I work from home, I like to have music on and have a conversation etc. To know if a speaker can give quality balanced response without needing to be cranked would be greatly appreciated. It ain't always 11:45 Saturday night.
great point. I'll put those in if I can remember to do that.
I'm wondering how the Debut 6.2 and the Emotiva B1+ - both of which you liked - compare to these three
Mark Iven, your avatar is mug material.👍
@@gnd144 Ha! Actually, I've decided to update it but have been too lazy.
Now that is a question I want to be answered. Please stop with these $500 plus stuff. How about a center channel or atmos speaker shootout
Senior Randal, I have a question. I own and love a pair of the original UB5s and I’m building a surround system, the problem is the center speaker is inches from the wall. I stuffed two socks into the rear blowholes 😜, but I’m thinking of buying a 2.0 center channel, since they’re front-ported. Is that a crazy idea? Would they work well together? Are they timber matched? Is that even a thing?! And watch about the impedance difference? Help!!!
What speakers would be an upgrade to my TSI100 Polks? I prefer very good treble.