I spit my drink out reading this 😂. Thank you guys both on your reviews, my dad likes a nice flat, natural sound curve he just doesn’t know it yet. He asked me to shop for his new house, and said they would be going in actual bookshelves with inches of clearance from the wall, that are pre-wired and built into his entertainment center (along with 4 mystery surround in-ceiling speakers), the front port design and your off-axis, sound staging and imaging experiences were what sold me on these (along with neutral sound), we live 1,100 miles apart now so it will be after break in when I get to hear them and I can’t wait! Bought the matching series center channel since it will get dual purpose hifi and home theater use, and pairing those with a Jamo c910 subwoofer, hope that AccuEQ and Onkyo with an integrated does my dad justice until I arrive.
Not only is this an incredibly useful review of the UB52, it is an exemplar of how all reviews should be done. Straight to the point without skipping over critical information and including insider tips on how best to use the product. Very well done. Thank you!
Thanks, Ron. I ordered these speakers largely on the strength of your review. They are every bit as amazing as you describe. Stunningly true to the music...
Same, just ordered them of your review. What stands would you recommend? I'm slightly concerned on some of the top plate measurements I've seen out there. I have a cat that occasionally likes to jump on my console and current speakers. I'm afraid he may topple them over if I get the wrong stand. Thanks again for a great recommendation.
@@slavetothemusic I’m getting great results with the B&W Stav24 stands ($199/pr). 24” tall, top plate is 6” wide by 7.5” deep. Put four pieces of Blu Tac on the top plate and the UB52 is solid as a rock.
I bought two pairs of UB52's based on your and Guttenburg's reviews. One "B" which had a barely detectable corner smudge that easily yielded to a black magic marker. The 3D holographic soundstage is incredible. Also Elekit 8w Triode and Aegir amps. 10.5' X 13' room.
This is a review done very well, Ron. Some background on my ELAC experiences: I met AJ at Axpona when the original Unifi speakers were introduced. They sounded amazing at the show. I snagged a pair of the "green edition midrange" speakers when they first came out and they were very disappointing in my home setup. I was driving them with plenty of McCormack DNA-125 solid-state amplifier power but the Unifi were just lifeless in my listening environment. Years later, I tried the Debut Reference DBR62 and found them much easier to drive, more flexible in regards to placement, with a very balanced sound from top to bottom, but, they were a bit lifeless. Nothing about them was bad but they weren't very engaging either. I did end up buying the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers and I've been very happy with them. The Borea replaced the concentric driver KEF Q150 in my setup which were quite nice but the Triangle brings so much more to the experience. I appreciate your candid review and I'd like to pit the Uni Fi 2.0 against my Borea BR03 if I can secure a review pair from ELAC.
@@mattynorris610 Yes, I did. I preferred the Triangle speakers but they present a more midrange forward sound over the extremely laid back sound of the DBR62. Eventually, I went with the Wharfedale EVO 4.2 and haven’t looked back. They are that good.
I liked these speakers so much that even after buying Ascend Acoustics 2EX at $1600 for the listening room and Philharmonic BMRs for the theater at $1900 I went back and got a pair of the UB52s for L/R surrounds. Probably overkill for that, but they cost only a little more than the surrounds I was going to use anyway and the ATMOS imaging should be second to none. Thanks again for the review!
Gosh, I'm so interested in trying a pair of these. Do you have the Sierra EX V2 or Sierra LX? How are they?!?! ..There are zero reviews anywhere but I keep hearing rumblings about them and their website basically claims that they're the best ever lol 🙏
@@Gpray75 The Sierra 2EXs are amazing and the V2 version is just a little bit better according to some. Not sure what I'm going to do with mine. I'm getting Eminent Tech lr8bs for the theater and will move the Philharmonics back to the listening room which leaves the Sierras without a home even though they deserve one for sure.
NRD is looking pretty slick and professional, Ron. When you said 40K, I happened to look at your 40K subs at the exact same time, which kinda weirded me out. Oh, and congratulations on 40K subs! Excellent review, Ron. Looks like a great speaker. “If you hear a mic drop from somewhere in the distance, that’s Andrew Jones” Haha! Perfect!
Agrees with u totally. The Unifi 2.0 is terrific. I kept the unifi 2.0 over the Debut reference. Pair the Unifi 2.0 with the REL T7X and behold. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
@@JaredSchumaier my opinion is the Unifi 2.0 is better then the Debut Reference. Imaging is better and tidier. Vocal and instrument separation is way ahead. Bass of the Unifi 2.0 goes deeper and natural. Unifi produces a darker background.
NRD, Ron, is the go-to guy when it comes to getting a true understanding of all-things-audio. Could I say, Ron sets the gold standard for his art. I somehow suspected Andrew Jones was going to sprinkle some fairy dust on the Uni-Fi but much like he did with the new Debut Reference (which I own), he's really created an entirely new speaker. The cross over alone, which I have seen, is a beast of electronic grace and then there is every thing else which Ron covers here. To say I am curious about owning these new Andrew Jones creations is an understatement. If I could wish for but one more improvement? .... Release a version of these with a kick-ass real wood finish. I'm talking Dynaudio special 40s type finish. Sure it would command more dollars but I'd be all in assuming these speakers are as good as they probably are. Nice job Ron, very nice job.
even with a real wood finish, i'm afraid the dynaudio special 40 are on a league of their own. truly "special". i actually would love ron's take on the dynaudios...
Nice work Ron. I would like in future reviews a mention of how the bookshelf speakers sound near field on a desk and also how they sound on an actual console. It may sound silly but most folks aren’t putting these guys on stands. For example, I thought the old UB5 would be great on my desk because of point source coaxial...but not so much.
I just subscribed and saved the video while on my way to answering an email agreeing to buy a pair of the Uni Fi2.0's. In short, great review. I am also quite sure i will not be disappointed, and i am very picky! Superb job.
What a great speaker to review! ....ruined by cable nonsense. I believed the same thing as a kid and tested different cables when I was around 14 using a good pair for one channel, and extension cord for the other. Tested again at 18 having a guy switch back and forth with high end cables vs normal ones. I changed my mind after being honest with my personal experience and admitting I couldn't accurately tell when the cables were swapped, and then seeing measurements and hearing about blind tests. I'd recommend you do the same. Need more objectivism as the science progresses with audio.
Yup! You can buy some good coax cables, some connectors, and ,heat shrink, and sleeve material for under 20 bucks! 400.00 plus for those connects is like being robbed! I hope they are paying you the big bucks for the sponsorship! 10% off 400.00 plus cables is dam right shameful!
I bought a pair of these about a week after watching this video and am very happy nearly three years in. I really appreciate the thorough and professional reviews.
Thanks for the review of this new product! I am looking for an alternative to the ELAC - Debut Reference DBR62, as many say the performance isn't significantly better than its predecessor to justify the price. This Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5 looks really interesting, as it seems to have addressed all the previous shortcomings.
I'm running the UB5s right now and I'm certainly a fan, but I was thinking about spending big on a pair of Buchardt S400s or GoldenEar BRXs as an upgrade (both are $1600 - $1800 a pair) in the near future, but now I'm questioning if that extra $1000+ is even necessary. I already have a good subwoofer, so bass extension isn't a problem. Hmmm.....
The real question is how do these compare to the Debut Reference line since they are the same price. And why can’t we get the Uni 2.0 with a good exterior look. Give the the DBR style.
Had the UB5s, Saw the Debut reference come out. Made some guesses on the next unifi. I got some of the changes right. But in the end could not wait for the next generation and sold the Unifi's and went for the Gr Research Encore X-SLS. Maybe 1/2 way through the build. We'll see.
@@mikehuntington4440 Not sure how to do that. Post on the final GR Research Encore X-LS build video I suppose, not appropriate for NRD channel I would say. Except maybe on NRD Encore review perhaps.
@@briansimmons5363 that would be awesome if you just post a comment on one of those videos. I'll be sure to check...and I'm sure others would be interested as well.
Just wanted to mention this wonderfully concise, snappy delivery is very, very much appreciated. Really like this (as far as I'm aware) new approach. Think a lot of people will be into this. Only thing I felt which was maybe missing (and I know you said this is because it's a particularly balanced speaker) are things like, is the treble incredibly 'detailed' or is it a 'fast/rhythmic' speaker, non tonal characteristics. However, like I said, excellent review style, thanks so much Ron!!
Great review. All your reviews are very thoughtful, heartfelt, honest and done with joy and respect, qualities becoming all too rare these days sadly. Cheers.
Great review. Thanks! I would say it's a real service to the community. Based on this review and a few others, I picked up a pair of UB52s to replace some Q150 fronts for music, and my observations are while they're both fantastic speakers with great soundstage and imaging, the UB52 takes it the extra mile. I also like the slightly less warm profile. I'm guessing the smaller source/guide cone and reduced cone motion due to not combing bass with guide helps to ensure all the reflections in the room stay balanced and give a sense of depth and space that KEF Q150s also create, but more. I would imagine a home theater system with these speakers would be fantastic.
“I was told that I could listen to the music at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven...” Would’ve liked to see magnetic grilles. Amazing to see Danny ritchie’s rules of thumb being utilized on some of these better reviewed speakers, here for instance the minimum distance between the mid high and mid/bass drivers to reduce the distances from driver center to acoustic center, and the narrower baffle design. Wonder what upgraded crossover components could do for texture and tonality....
Very interesting that there is 3D dimension to the sound. My biggest criticism of the old UniFi towers was it sounded completely 2D & flat. On these new speakers, the boost around 4k-6k scares me.
I liked the original but I feel like a 2 way speaker will always be lesser than a 3 way. The original sounded a bit "scooped" albeit very dynamic, clear, and powerful. AJ is a master of the 3 way design and crossover integration.
Great review Ron. Love my BSU5s, and I'm glad to see and hear about some of the changes Andrew made. After finding the BSU5s on sale for $325 I'm going to have a hard time giving up their nice satin painted cabinets for vinyl, but if these go on sale I may just have to do it and listen in the dark.
I realised that Expensive doesn't mean always better. So far, like the Amplifier Arcam 9, polk loudspeaker, and Mission Speakers. Also, I like Cyrus! I have tried the Monitor Audio, DALI, and others but not all perform wow!
My UB5s are still serving me as desktop speakers for the PC. But it seems like these UB52s blow them out of the water. Favourite under $1500 you say? The Adantes were going for under that too when they got price cut. There's also the UF52.... It's just too bad I have pair of floorstanders on the way that would 'relegate' the P3ESRs to the desktop.
Congrats Ron on being an early (first ?) reviewer of the new Elac's ! Nice, descriptive review touching on most of the key points that will interest your audience about these speakers. However, some of us are equally interested in placing these speakers in a HT setup so a few words about dialogue clarity would be appreciated or, perhaps, a followup review about the new center channel Uni-Fi 2.0.
I have the unifi uf5’s and they are great! These are supposed to be a lot better ........ I’m in! Only I’ll get the uf52’s. Great elaborate review, thx👍
Ron, you showed that Marantz at a different angle and in a different light in this video and, I gotta say that contrary to what I may have said in the initial review, it is a very handsome piece of kit! I stand corrected.
Hi Ron! Man right off I like that front port. I have a pair of 2.0 B6.2 speakers, their front ports make for easy placement. I have one negative think to say about my B6.2's, only positives! I have really been looking forward to the UB5's getting the 2.0 treatment. I really like what they came up with for the 2.0 generation. Great review man!
@ New Record Day. Given your glowing review of these speakers. I am curious how these would be when compared to, let's say, the Kef Q-350's. Yes, I know they are more expensive, but I have been eyeing them for a while and they are known to go on sale from time to time and when it does, it is closer in price to the UB52's. However, the UB52's go on sale as well and when they go around $400 for the pair, I am wondering if these might be the better bet.
I have a pair of the Debut B6.2's that I love to listen to but I'm tired of staring at the all-black cabinets so I've had my eye on the new'ish Debut Reference DBR62's because they look so good. So, how do these new Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5's compare to the DBR62's, especially since they are priced the same?
I auditioned these a year ago and liked them a lot. Eventually got a pair of Ascend Sierra 2EX up around $1500, but the UB52s were the most interesting speakers below that price point. Strangely Audiosciencereview ran a test of the UB52 and must have gotten a bad production sample which resonated around 550 hz. I didn't hear anything like that. I did notice slight harshness compared to the 2EX, but the 2EX is a giant killer at $1500 so thats not fair. Cool speakers and if $500 - $1200 was my budget this would be my choice. BTW: I just decided that my side surrounds (Emotiva A2+) which cost about the same are not in the same ballpark as UB52s, so I'll be swapping them amped by a couple channels of Hypex NC252 ( 200 wpc into 6). I'll let you know how it sounds.
This review is detailed and Awesome! 🤘😁 The playing together with commintery is how a great review is done.Iam a big fan! Your delivery is informative and extremely interesting and helpful. Your High quality of Audio knowledge is impressive and very professional! Your welcome 😁 Please answer my question... ha ... Don't forget details 🤘 love your stuff 😁
Hi Ron, I know you are the only one with experience with open baffle speaker and coaxial speaker. Is it possible you can do a comparison between two two types in future video? Specially with the GR Research NX- Series such as the NX-Studio? Thanks
I am seriously considering a replacing my Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 with these Uni-Fi's. Money is not a constraint, especially considering how affordable the Uni's are. Do you think I'll hear a marked difference? Should I get them?
Andrew is The Man! Just when I thought I knew what I was going to get. BAM this comes out. I had no idea Andrew made a new line...and whatever made me tune into your station Ron, I thank, because frankly, I think I am going to get these bad boys and upgrade my front end...maybe to that Marantz you have, or hell, maybe a Parasound or a Pathos or Anthem integrated, who knows. But those spec on that speaker...OMG. Did I say "Andrew is The Man" sure I did, but he IS. Thanks Ron for yet another great review. PS: I really like that room you were in with the red baffles, I don't know how old that video was, but Dang Bro' you got that pimped out. Stay Healthy. Cheers.
Fantastic review, Ron! Love the NRD production changes! Very highly considering these, does the midrange metal cone impart any sense of coolness or metallic-like quality at all? Worried about that.
Ron, how would you compare these and the tower version compared to the old unifi version. Also compared to the DBR62? I returned the DBR62 as they were a little dull and the treble seemed a bit veiled. Thank you sir!
Love love love 😍 😍 😍 your new format your review the speakers Andrew Jones elac the whole damn thing 😂 😂 😜😜 my mind is just blowing away and how good these speakers are technically great🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
You have me at the balance. However, I didn't get the original one because of the price in my country, They're still selling the the original UB5 for 1100 USD, US market has those for 550 USD. Those are not resell-retail, they are official distributed. I hope that Elac get a difference distributor next year.
Great review! I'm building a budget hifi system and these speakers are at the top of the list. Do you have a recommendation for a budget amp that would pair well with these? Preferably something $500 or less.
@@benfarrow9498 I've got an Audiolab 6000a that is incredible with the UB52s, plenty of power, clean, detailed, good bass control and an excellent soundstage. The 6000a has gotten a lot of love from the British audiophiles on RUclips and I couldn't agree more with their reviews. Unfortunately it's not $500 but is < $1000. The Iota VX SA3 and Emotiva TA-100 (being replaced and is out of stock) are $500 or less and get solid reviews. As does the Cambridge Audio AXR 100 receiver. It's a bit warmer than the others, but for a receiver it's gotten some strong reviews. Ron's review definitely nailed it on the strengths of the UB52s. I love them.
Hi Ron, thank you for the review. I am considering buying a 2.1 system with Elac Uni-fi 2.0 UB52 speakers. Can you recommend some best AV receivers to match the speakers. Also will appreciate if you could recommend a subwoofer. Thank you for your help.
Ron, I wanted to compare the bass response for the UF 52 and the UB 52 to decide which speaker to purchase, but the info you posted for the UF 52 at 15:39 and 16:09 and the equivalent info you posted for the UB 52 at 14:31 and 15:49 appears to stop just above the 200 Hz crossover point where the woofers come in. Would you please add a chart that shows what happens at and below 200 Hz to help me decide whether it is worth the extra $600 to get the UF 52s? Your review is very helpful, thank you!
I agree on most of your view, but there is something weird about 3 way speakers crossover when you try to push them louder. The front port execution on the bass region is so damn complicated to place with unless your placing them in front of your pc or your playing them at a small room. I really like them a lot but I intend to put them on my garage so I pick elac reference debut since they are way better over all. I can go on and on about this speakers but sometimes the best are not meant for every situation.
Hahaha Randy Man...Plagerism at its Finest.... Ron, Ronny here... This review or your amalgamation of their attributes make me think of another speaker I lean toward the Golden Ear BRX? Anyway there are several factors that now place these at the head of my list of options besides the, Thank You for the Stellar review in all respects. Those factors begin Off Axis, and Balance responce. Im going to hazard a guesstimate that for my peculiar circumstances, a small office bedroom of roughly 10 x11, a sloping celling, a floor that's carpeted etc these would satisfy and ease my ability to achieve my goal of Balance, Roim Resonances and placement. Placement besides critical is an issue they'll have a small area to inhabit. That placement being 3 ft from side walls and 3 feet from floor with an appropriate spaceing of 5 feet and 4 feet from my listening position. That they holdvthe ability to "disappear weth my space leaves me giddy. I will not be driving them to more than 65-70 Db if that. So, do yiu think a Sansui 7070 would be a good fit power and tonality wise?
Ok i will give them more room to breath they arrived last week only about 10hrs into them and I have lots of amps and they do like power ! To be driven properly I still feel like the top is a lil dark maybe i need more breakin time and this is compared to me KeF and Triangle horns
Great video! Thanks. I understand the UB52 extend low however do you find the bass tight, speedy, musical? I just ordered these speakers and hope I didn’t jump in too soon.
As another UB5 owner, I was thinking the very same thing. The 1.0 UB5s are on closeout for $300 (what a great deal) right now, so you might want to wait until those are sold out.
Hi Ron! Thanks for sharing your honest opinion! How does this fare on a desktop (table) setting and would you have any speaker recommendations for a desktop setup? Much thanks!
great review! very interesting and thorough! wonder how these new elac uni-fi2 would compare to the adantes as61.... which pair would be better for jazz and classical music? love an open, honest sound. instrument placement is also high on my list. they would be powered by an IOTA stack... any advice anyone?
I wish you rock star reviewers would give a percentage figure for where speakers are on the food chain. You say that these offer the best balance of any Andrew Jones Elac offering. Are you saying these are better than the Andantes which I remember you saying they were pretty damn good?
I need help please!! Im buying the ELAC Unifi UB5.2 And need to decide between 1) Yamaha WXA 50 2) Cambridge audio axr100 I don't know how they would combine with the ELAC Unifi 2.0 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I would love to know if these are more detailed than the original ones. I owned them and I loved the holographic presentation of all the elements on the soundstage and the natural tone but they lacked clarity/resolution. Are these better in that regard?
Hi Ron...new to your channel. Love your review/approach...look forward to following you going forward. Quick question...was calling a local AV dealer and one of their "experts" claimed the UB52 is fairly hard to drive. I am just getting my start in the audiophile realm, and have a Onkyo TX-SR604 and dont have the budget for a new amp AND a low-mid level "decent" speaker like the UB52...or perhaps the KEF q350? Was hoping I could drive a stereo set with the old receiver. manual showing 90 watts minimum continuous power per channel 8 ohm, 2 channels driven from 20Hz to 20 kHz THD.08%. In your opinion will I get all/most of the Elac with my amp? thanks in advance!
It’s close, but I think these actually might take the lead with holographic like imagery. If these had top shelf components in them like the encores, that would be very interesting to hear as well.
Hi Ron, thanks for this thorough review. One question: when hooking up with a tube amp with different binding posts for 4 and 8 hom speakers which way should this 6 ohm pair go ? By the way my Willsenton R8 delivers 45 wpc in ultralinear mode and 25 wpc only in triode, would it be enough to drive the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ?
Would it negatively effect this speaker in any way by put replacing the inexpensive cabinet with an attractive baltic birch enclosure of identical measurements?
![BabyChiefDoit - Wonderful Time (Official Music Video) [Shot By @Rxllo]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Bfqt3zV2KE/mqdefault.jpg)
Awesome review. I’m going to plagiarize about 82% of this on my upcoming review. Thank you Ron for all of your hard work on my upcoming review.
Hahahahaha
It's not plagiarism, it's sharing
I spit my drink out reading this 😂. Thank you guys both on your reviews, my dad likes a nice flat, natural sound curve he just doesn’t know it yet. He asked me to shop for his new house, and said they would be going in actual bookshelves with inches of clearance from the wall, that are pre-wired and built into his entertainment center (along with 4 mystery surround in-ceiling speakers), the front port design and your off-axis, sound staging and imaging experiences were what sold me on these (along with neutral sound), we live 1,100 miles apart now so it will be after break in when I get to hear them and I can’t wait! Bought the matching series center channel since it will get dual purpose hifi and home theater use, and pairing those with a Jamo c910 subwoofer, hope that AccuEQ and Onkyo with an integrated does my dad justice until I arrive.
if you did that your reviews would be much much more useful honestly. it’s a pretty hack lazy effort even if you’re personality saves you.
@@chinmeysway labeling them as lazy is quite a compliment.
Ron, I don't say this flippantly, this is a fantastically useful and professionally done review with high end production quality. Period.
Hey thanks!
@@Newrecordday2013 What subwoofer do you recommend with these Elac's?
Rivals and exceeds Gene's reviews.
Not only is this an incredibly useful review of the UB52, it is an exemplar of how all reviews should be done. Straight to the point without skipping over critical information and including insider tips on how best to use the product. Very well done. Thank you!
Ron, I have to say this video review is by far, your most professional, thorough review I have seen from you. Well done!
Thanks, Ron. I ordered these speakers largely on the strength of your review. They are every bit as amazing as you describe. Stunningly true to the music...
Glad you’re enjoying them!
Same, just ordered them of your review. What stands would you recommend? I'm slightly concerned on some of the top plate measurements I've seen out there. I have a cat that occasionally likes to jump on my console and current speakers. I'm afraid he may topple them over if I get the wrong stand. Thanks again for a great recommendation.
@@slavetothemusic I’m getting great results with the B&W Stav24 stands ($199/pr). 24” tall, top plate is 6” wide by 7.5” deep. Put four pieces of Blu Tac on the top plate and the UB52 is solid as a rock.
I use the monoprice stands and like them. You can easily fill them with sand or kitty litter
Are you still loving the UB5.2's?
I bought two pairs of UB52's based on your and Guttenburg's reviews. One "B" which had a barely detectable corner smudge that easily yielded to a black magic marker. The 3D holographic soundstage is incredible. Also Elekit 8w Triode and Aegir amps. 10.5' X 13' room.
Finally!!!!! I was waiting for these to come out after the revisions to the debut series
This is a review done very well, Ron. Some background on my ELAC experiences: I met AJ at Axpona when the original Unifi speakers were introduced. They sounded amazing at the show. I snagged a pair of the "green edition midrange" speakers when they first came out and they were very disappointing in my home setup. I was driving them with plenty of McCormack DNA-125 solid-state amplifier power but the Unifi were just lifeless in my listening environment. Years later, I tried the Debut Reference DBR62 and found them much easier to drive, more flexible in regards to placement, with a very balanced sound from top to bottom, but, they were a bit lifeless. Nothing about them was bad but they weren't very engaging either. I did end up buying the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers and I've been very happy with them. The Borea replaced the concentric driver KEF Q150 in my setup which were quite nice but the Triangle brings so much more to the experience. I appreciate your candid review and I'd like to pit the Uni Fi 2.0 against my Borea BR03 if I can secure a review pair from ELAC.
Did you ever end up putting the BR03s up against the UB52s? Those two are my main contenders at this moment!
@@mattynorris610 Yes, I did. I preferred the Triangle speakers but they present a more midrange forward sound over the extremely laid back sound of the DBR62. Eventually, I went with the Wharfedale EVO 4.2 and haven’t looked back. They are that good.
I liked these speakers so much that even after buying Ascend Acoustics 2EX at $1600 for the listening room and Philharmonic BMRs for the theater at $1900 I went back and got a pair of the UB52s for L/R surrounds. Probably overkill for that, but they cost only a little more than the surrounds I was going to use anyway and the ATMOS imaging should be second to none. Thanks again for the review!
Gosh, I'm so interested in trying a pair of these. Do you have the Sierra EX V2 or Sierra LX? How are they?!?! ..There are zero reviews anywhere but I keep hearing rumblings about them and their website basically claims that they're the best ever lol 🙏
@@Gpray75 The Sierra 2EXs are amazing and the V2 version is just a little bit better according to some. Not sure what I'm going to do with mine. I'm getting Eminent Tech lr8bs for the theater and will move the Philharmonics back to the listening room which leaves the Sierras without a home even though they deserve one for sure.
NRD is looking pretty slick and professional, Ron. When you said 40K, I happened to look at your 40K subs at the exact same time, which kinda weirded me out. Oh, and congratulations on 40K subs! Excellent review, Ron. Looks like a great speaker. “If you hear a mic drop from somewhere in the distance, that’s Andrew Jones” Haha! Perfect!
I appreciate that Nick!
Agrees with u totally.
The Unifi 2.0 is terrific.
I kept the unifi 2.0 over the Debut reference.
Pair the Unifi 2.0 with the REL T7X and behold. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Were the unifi 2.0 better than the Debut reference?
@@JaredSchumaier my opinion is the Unifi 2.0 is better then the Debut Reference.
Imaging is better and tidier.
Vocal and instrument separation is way ahead.
Bass of the Unifi 2.0 goes deeper and natural.
Unifi produces a darker background.
NRD, Ron, is the go-to guy when it comes to getting a true understanding of all-things-audio. Could I say, Ron sets the
gold standard for his art. I somehow suspected Andrew Jones was going to sprinkle some fairy dust on the Uni-Fi
but much like he did with the new Debut Reference (which I own), he's really created an entirely new speaker. The cross
over alone, which I have seen, is a beast of electronic grace and then there is every thing else which Ron covers here.
To say I am curious about owning these new Andrew Jones creations is an understatement. If I could wish for but one
more improvement? .... Release a version of these with a kick-ass real wood finish. I'm talking Dynaudio special 40s
type finish. Sure it would command more dollars but I'd be all in assuming these speakers are as good as they probably
are. Nice job Ron, very nice job.
What a kind comment! Thank you!
even with a real wood finish, i'm afraid the dynaudio special 40 are on a league of their own. truly "special". i actually would love ron's take on the dynaudios...
Wanting these now!
Nice work Ron. I would like in future reviews a mention of how the bookshelf speakers sound near field on a desk and also how they sound on an actual console. It may sound silly but most folks aren’t putting these guys on stands.
For example, I thought the old UB5 would be great on my desk because of point source coaxial...but not so much.
I just subscribed and saved the video while on my way to answering an email agreeing to buy a pair of the Uni Fi2.0's. In short, great review. I am also quite sure i will not be disappointed, and i am very picky! Superb job.
What do you think of them?!
What a great speaker to review! ....ruined by cable nonsense.
I believed the same thing as a kid and tested different cables when I was around 14 using a good pair for one channel, and extension cord for the other.
Tested again at 18 having a guy switch back and forth with high end cables vs normal ones.
I changed my mind after being honest with my personal experience and admitting I couldn't accurately tell when the cables were swapped, and then seeing measurements and hearing about blind tests.
I'd recommend you do the same. Need more objectivism as the science progresses with audio.
Yup! You can buy some good coax cables, some connectors, and ,heat shrink, and sleeve material for under 20 bucks! 400.00 plus for those connects is like being robbed!
I hope they are paying you the big bucks for the sponsorship! 10% off 400.00 plus cables is dam right shameful!
Must pay the bills. He only states that cables "can" make a difference. Maybe he means that a piece of string won't pass the signal
@Looking Forward If speaker cables made a difference, Genelec would sell specific ones for their speakers.
I bought a pair of these about a week after watching this video and am very happy nearly three years in. I really appreciate the thorough and professional reviews.
Thanks for the review of this new product! I am looking for an alternative to the ELAC - Debut Reference DBR62, as many say the performance isn't significantly better than its predecessor to justify the price. This Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5 looks really interesting, as it seems to have addressed all the previous shortcomings.
I'm running the UB5s right now and I'm certainly a fan, but I was thinking about spending big on a pair of Buchardt S400s or GoldenEar BRXs as an upgrade (both are $1600 - $1800 a pair) in the near future, but now I'm questioning if that extra $1000+ is even necessary. I already have a good subwoofer, so bass extension isn't a problem.
Hmmm.....
Good question.
I just bought a pair to replace my front channels. Thank you for the detailed analysis, it helped so much!
Glad it helped!
@@Newrecordday2013 Will 1 Aegir drive these?
The real question is how do these compare to the Debut Reference line since they are the same price. And why can’t we get the Uni 2.0 with a good exterior look. Give the the DBR style.
Debut reference is more balance dynamic energetic and a little bit forward in mid range compare to b52’s.
They used to, when they had a back port. A much cleaner look. The slot didn't work with these, for a front port?
@@chrispalanca1250 So which is more soft/sweet sounding (less fatigue) with uppermids/ highs?Bass,which of two has the strongest/deepest?
@@andreassouth1523 Reference debut is would i say peoples choice, mid is neutral and highs is a bit rolled off compare to B2s.
Had the UB5s, Saw the Debut reference come out. Made some guesses on the next unifi. I got some of the changes right. But in the end could not wait for the next generation and sold the Unifi's and went for the Gr Research Encore X-SLS. Maybe 1/2 way through the build. We'll see.
Please let us know what you think!
@@mikehuntington4440 Not sure how to do that. Post on the final GR Research Encore X-LS build video I suppose, not appropriate for NRD channel I would say. Except maybe on NRD Encore review perhaps.
@@briansimmons5363 that would be awesome if you just post a comment on one of those videos. I'll be sure to check...and I'm sure others would be interested as well.
Just wanted to mention this wonderfully concise, snappy delivery is very, very much appreciated. Really like this (as far as I'm aware) new approach. Think a lot of people will be into this. Only thing I felt which was maybe missing (and I know you said this is because it's a particularly balanced speaker) are things like, is the treble incredibly 'detailed' or is it a 'fast/rhythmic' speaker, non tonal characteristics. However, like I said, excellent review style, thanks so much Ron!!
Great review. All your reviews are very thoughtful, heartfelt, honest and done with joy and respect, qualities becoming all too rare these days sadly. Cheers.
Thanks!
Great review. Thanks! I would say it's a real service to the community.
Based on this review and a few others, I picked up a pair of UB52s to replace some Q150 fronts for music, and my observations are while they're both fantastic speakers with great soundstage and imaging, the UB52 takes it the extra mile. I also like the slightly less warm profile.
I'm guessing the smaller source/guide cone and reduced cone motion due to not combing bass with guide helps to ensure all the reflections in the room stay balanced and give a sense of depth and space that KEF Q150s also create, but more. I would imagine a home theater system with these speakers would be fantastic.
“I was told that I could listen to the music at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven...”
Would’ve liked to see magnetic grilles. Amazing to see Danny ritchie’s rules of thumb being utilized on some of these better reviewed speakers, here for instance the minimum distance between the mid high and mid/bass drivers to reduce the distances from driver center to acoustic center, and the narrower baffle design. Wonder what upgraded crossover components could do for texture and tonality....
You’re party animal!
Very interesting that there is 3D dimension to the sound. My biggest criticism of the old UniFi towers was it sounded completely 2D & flat. On these new speakers, the boost around 4k-6k scares me.
I liked the original but I feel like a 2 way speaker will always be lesser than a 3 way. The original sounded a bit "scooped" albeit very dynamic, clear, and powerful. AJ is a master of the 3 way design and crossover integration.
I agree with your conclusion. Would love to see what he could do with a larger budget to work with. Wish it had magnetic speaker grills.
Great review Ron. Love my BSU5s, and I'm glad to see and hear about some of the changes Andrew made. After finding the BSU5s on sale for $325 I'm going to have a hard time giving up their nice satin painted cabinets for vinyl, but if these go on sale I may just have to do it and listen in the dark.
beautiful review! confused about the measurements not going into LF terrain but wow this is great.
I realised that Expensive doesn't mean always better. So far, like the Amplifier Arcam 9, polk loudspeaker, and Mission Speakers. Also, I like Cyrus! I have tried the Monitor Audio, DALI, and others but not all perform wow!
My UB5s are still serving me as desktop speakers for the PC. But it seems like these UB52s blow them out of the water. Favourite under $1500 you say? The Adantes were going for under that too when they got price cut. There's also the UF52.... It's just too bad I have pair of floorstanders on the way that would 'relegate' the P3ESRs to the desktop.
Congrats Ron on being an early (first ?) reviewer of the new Elac's ! Nice, descriptive review touching on most of the key points that will interest your audience about these speakers. However, some of us are equally interested in placing these speakers in a HT setup so a few words about dialogue clarity would be appreciated or, perhaps, a followup review about the new center channel Uni-Fi 2.0.
No one seems to have compared these to the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2. I really think that head-to-head needs to happen.
Coming soon elac vs JBL vs Kef
I have the unifi uf5’s and they are great! These are supposed to be a lot better ........ I’m in! Only I’ll get the uf52’s. Great elaborate review, thx👍
Ron, you showed that Marantz at a different angle and in a different light in this video and, I gotta say that contrary to what I may have said in the initial review, it is a very handsome piece of kit! I stand corrected.
Ron, I was about to pull the trigger on a set of DBR62s. How do their tonal characteristics and imaging compare to the Uni-fi 2.0s?
Same exact question....
Ditto
Try both. That's the only way. Both are excellent.
Hi Ron! Man right off I like that front port. I have a pair of 2.0 B6.2 speakers, their front ports make for easy placement. I have one negative think to say about my B6.2's, only positives! I have really been looking forward to the UB5's getting the 2.0 treatment. I really like what they came up with for the 2.0 generation. Great review man!
Can you tell mi if it would be a god thing to place them as my computer speakers so about 1.5 meter away from me?
Genelec uses aluminum drivers, and are in another league for playing accurately across genres compared to almost all other speakers.
This is my new favorite video from you. Awesome job!
Hey, thanks!
Thanks Ron and Thanks Rob for sponsoring the video , i will check them cables out! 😆
You got 2 hands and can only walk away with 1 pair, which do you take, the UB52s or the GR X-LS Encore (with the upgrades)???
@ New Record Day. Given your glowing review of these speakers. I am curious how these would be when compared to, let's say, the Kef Q-350's. Yes, I know they are more expensive, but I have been eyeing them for a while and they are known to go on sale from time to time and when it does, it is closer in price to the UB52's. However, the UB52's go on sale as well and when they go around $400 for the pair, I am wondering if these might be the better bet.
Just got a notice that a pair of these have just shipped to me. Looking forward to them! We'll see if they will unseat my old Dynaudio Audience 42's.
Did they?
@@ConnahJay They did. Sold them pretty quickly after that. They were good speakers but these new Elac’s are just really, really good.
I have a pair of the Debut B6.2's that I love to listen to but I'm tired of staring at the all-black cabinets so I've had my eye on the new'ish Debut Reference DBR62's because they look so good. So, how do these new Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5's compare to the DBR62's, especially since they are priced the same?
Yes I'm holding back DBR62 due to this release please help!
I'd say, listen to both. Difficult to find fault with either of them.
I auditioned these a year ago and liked them a lot. Eventually got a pair of Ascend Sierra 2EX up around $1500, but the UB52s were the most interesting speakers below that price point. Strangely Audiosciencereview ran a test of the UB52 and must have gotten a bad production sample which resonated around 550 hz. I didn't hear anything like that. I did notice slight harshness compared to the 2EX, but the 2EX is a giant killer at $1500 so thats not fair. Cool speakers and if $500 - $1200 was my budget this would be my choice.
BTW: I just decided that my side surrounds (Emotiva A2+) which cost about the same are not in the same ballpark as UB52s, so I'll be swapping them amped by a couple channels of Hypex NC252 ( 200 wpc into 6). I'll let you know how it sounds.
This review is detailed and Awesome! 🤘😁 The playing together with commintery is how a great review is done.Iam a big fan! Your delivery is informative and extremely interesting and helpful. Your High quality of Audio knowledge is impressive and very professional! Your welcome 😁 Please answer my question... ha ... Don't forget details 🤘 love your stuff 😁
Hi Ron, I know you are the only one with experience with open baffle speaker and coaxial speaker. Is it possible you can do a comparison between two two types in future video? Specially with the GR Research NX- Series such as the NX-Studio? Thanks
I guess I picked a good time to be shopping for a $500-$600 pair of bookshelves. How do you think these would pair with the IOTAVX SA3?
This speaker smokes most, love the Sound stage, imaging neutral, clarity, bass etc.... WOW FACTOR!!! ❤️😁
I really like your reviews but there are so many ads it is not watchable.
I am seriously considering a replacing my Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 with these Uni-Fi's. Money is not a constraint, especially considering how affordable the Uni's are. Do you think I'll hear a marked difference? Should I get them?
Great review! Sounds like they are definitely capable of some magic ... Would be real curious how they would sound after a trip to Texas ...
Now that I have sent back my Triangle AIO Twins, I'm considering those RB52's paired with an Powernode Edge.
Andrew is The Man! Just when I thought I knew what I was going to get. BAM this comes out. I had no idea Andrew made a new line...and whatever made me tune into your station Ron, I thank, because frankly, I think I am going to get these bad boys and upgrade my front end...maybe to that Marantz you have, or hell, maybe a Parasound or a Pathos or Anthem integrated, who knows. But those spec on that speaker...OMG. Did I say "Andrew is The Man" sure I did, but he IS. Thanks Ron for yet another great review. PS: I really like that room you were in with the red baffles, I don't know how old that video was, but Dang Bro' you got that pimped out. Stay Healthy. Cheers.
Have u compare this woth KEF Q350? I find KEF imaging way better compare to this unifi 52. Correct me if Im wrong 🙏🏻
Fantastic review, Ron! Love the NRD production changes! Very highly considering these, does the midrange metal cone impart any sense of coolness or metallic-like quality at all? Worried about that.
Not that I can hear!
Ron, how would you compare these and the tower version compared to the old unifi version. Also compared to the DBR62? I returned the DBR62 as they were a little dull and the treble seemed a bit veiled. Thank you sir!
Love love love 😍 😍 😍 your new format your review the speakers Andrew Jones elac the whole damn thing 😂 😂 😜😜 my mind is just blowing away and how good these speakers are technically great🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Thanks Steve!
You have me at the balance. However, I didn't get the original one because of the price in my country, They're still selling the the original UB5 for 1100 USD, US market has those for 550 USD. Those are not resell-retail, they are official distributed. I hope that Elac get a difference distributor next year.
Great review! I'm building a budget hifi system and these speakers are at the top of the list. Do you have a recommendation for a budget amp that would pair well with these? Preferably something $500 or less.
Have the same question, did you find some answers?
@@benfarrow9498 I've got an Audiolab 6000a that is incredible with the UB52s, plenty of power, clean, detailed, good bass control and an excellent soundstage. The 6000a has gotten a lot of love from the British audiophiles on RUclips and I couldn't agree more with their reviews. Unfortunately it's not $500 but is < $1000. The Iota VX SA3 and Emotiva TA-100 (being replaced and is out of stock) are $500 or less and get solid reviews. As does the Cambridge Audio AXR 100 receiver. It's a bit warmer than the others, but for a receiver it's gotten some strong reviews. Ron's review definitely nailed it on the strengths of the UB52s. I love them.
Hi Ron, thank you for the review. I am considering buying a 2.1 system with Elac Uni-fi 2.0 UB52 speakers. Can you recommend some best AV receivers to match the speakers. Also will appreciate if you could recommend a subwoofer. Thank you for your help.
How close or far off are these to the xls encore?
Do you have any word on a reference unifi line?
Ron, I wanted to compare the bass response for the UF 52 and the UB 52 to decide which speaker to purchase, but the info you posted for the UF 52 at 15:39 and 16:09 and the equivalent info you posted for the UB 52 at 14:31 and 15:49 appears to stop just above the 200 Hz crossover point where the woofers come in. Would you please add a chart that shows what happens at and below 200 Hz to help me decide whether it is worth the extra $600 to get the UF 52s? Your review is very helpful, thank you!
Holy crap, Ron, your videos are top notch. I purchased the DBR62'S but now I'm wondering if I should switch. Hmm.
Thanks David!
@@Newrecordday2013 Any thoughts about these vs DBR62 please?
Love your enthusiasm and frank talk Ron, honest, thoughtful and thorough without silly gimmicks. Just ordered a pair last night.
I own the same speaker stands. What did you fill them with and are they spiked? Thanks!
What’s the make and model of those stands. They look great. Thanks in advance and all the best.
Good pairing with a Yamaha A-S801? If not, what’s good in the 500-1000 dollar price range?
Interesting, I've inherintly crossed speaker streams naturally with out having otherwise heard about it, for the intention of crossing the streams.
I agree on most of your view, but there is something weird about 3 way speakers crossover when you try to push them louder. The front port execution on the bass region is so damn complicated to place with unless your placing them in front of your pc or your playing them at a small room. I really like them a lot but I intend to put them on my garage so I pick elac reference debut since they are way better over all. I can go on and on about this speakers but sometimes the best are not meant for every situation.
Can they be next to the wall?
Hahaha Randy Man...Plagerism at its Finest.... Ron, Ronny here... This review or your amalgamation of their attributes make me think of another speaker I lean toward the Golden Ear BRX? Anyway there are several factors that now place these at the head of my list of options besides the, Thank You for the Stellar review in all respects. Those factors begin Off Axis, and Balance responce. Im going to hazard a guesstimate that for my peculiar circumstances, a small office bedroom of roughly 10 x11, a sloping celling, a floor that's carpeted etc these would satisfy and ease my ability to achieve my goal of Balance, Roim Resonances and placement. Placement besides critical is an issue they'll have a small area to inhabit. That placement being 3 ft from side walls and 3 feet from floor with an appropriate spaceing of 5 feet and 4 feet from my listening position. That they holdvthe ability to "disappear weth my space leaves me giddy. I will not be driving them to more than 65-70 Db if that. So, do yiu think a Sansui 7070 would be a good fit power and tonality wise?
Sadly, as an owner of UB5's I will not be getting another set, however, know the new ones are even better is great.
Wow! How can I not buy these after this review?😳
lol, are you getting funded to review these too?
Ok i will give them more room to breath they arrived last week only about 10hrs into them and I have lots of amps and they do like power ! To be driven properly
I still feel like the top is a lil dark maybe i need more breakin time and this is compared to me KeF and Triangle horns
Very nice review. Professionally, useful and friendly!
Great video! Thanks. I understand the UB52 extend low however do you find the bass tight, speedy, musical? I just ordered these speakers and hope I didn’t jump in too soon.
Oh Maaaan! I love my UB5s. I wonder what they'll bring on eBay?
As another UB5 owner, I was thinking the very same thing. The 1.0 UB5s are on closeout for $300 (what a great deal) right now, so you might want to wait until those are sold out.
Hi Ron! Thanks for sharing your honest opinion! How does this fare on a desktop (table) setting and would you have any speaker recommendations for a desktop setup? Much thanks!
Bugger! Just when you think you’ll not be tempted again!
great review! very interesting and thorough! wonder how these new elac uni-fi2 would compare to the adantes as61.... which pair would be better for jazz and classical music? love an open, honest sound. instrument placement is also high on my list. they would be powered by an IOTA stack... any advice anyone?
Great review. I just ordered these based on your review and Randys. Can you please tell me what stands they are on? Thanks
Nice.... Got that little verbal wink wink at the end. Don't be surprised if Andrew comes out with something better.
Alright I'm sold
I wish you rock star reviewers would give a percentage figure for where speakers are on the food chain. You say that these offer the best balance of any Andrew Jones Elac offering. Are you saying these are better than the Andantes which I remember you saying they were pretty damn good?
Fantastic review. Measurements!
I know it wouldn't be easy but I'd love to see the Navis with front ports
How do these compare to the Debut B6.2? I'm especially interested in the bass performance of these in comparison to the Debut B6.2.
I would love to see the same comparative. if you find it please share here the link.
I need help please!! Im buying the ELAC Unifi UB5.2
And need to decide between
1) Yamaha WXA 50
2) Cambridge audio axr100
I don't know how they would combine with the ELAC Unifi 2.0 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I would love to know if these are more detailed than the original ones. I owned them and I loved the holographic presentation of all the elements on the soundstage and the natural tone but they lacked clarity/resolution. Are these better in that regard?
Nailed It!
How would you say they would perform as home theater fronts? Are they dynamic enough? How do they perform at lower volumes? Thank you!
Will you be able to tear them apart to have a look inside?
Hi Ron...new to your channel. Love your review/approach...look forward to following you going forward. Quick question...was calling a local AV dealer and one of their "experts" claimed the UB52 is fairly hard to drive. I am just getting my start in the audiophile realm, and have a Onkyo TX-SR604 and dont have the budget for a new amp AND a low-mid level "decent" speaker like the UB52...or perhaps the KEF q350? Was hoping I could drive a stereo set with the old receiver. manual showing 90 watts minimum continuous power per channel 8 ohm, 2 channels driven from 20Hz to 20 kHz THD.08%. In your opinion will I get all/most of the Elac with my amp? thanks in advance!
For a 3D soundstage....GR XLS encores or these?
Thanks Ron
It’s close, but I think these actually might take the lead with holographic like imagery. If these had top shelf components in them like the encores, that would be very interesting to hear as well.
Fantastic review!
I am curious how this compares to Kef R3's?
Never heard the r3s so I’m not sure!
I’ve got the debut 2.0.
Do you think these unifi are much better?
And worth the upgrade?
Hi Ron, thanks for this thorough review. One question: when hooking up with a tube amp with different binding posts for 4 and 8 hom speakers which way should this 6 ohm pair go ? By the way my Willsenton R8 delivers 45 wpc in ultralinear mode and 25 wpc only in triode, would it be enough to drive the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ?
Would it negatively effect this speaker in any way by put replacing the inexpensive cabinet with an attractive baltic birch enclosure of identical measurements?