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Top Brand: ELAC

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	This Item ELAC Uni-FI UB5 Slim Bookshelf Speaker (Finshed Satin White Cabinet, Pair)	Recommendations DALI Oberon 3 Bookshelf Speaker - White (Pair)	dummy ELAC 4" Passive Wired Bookshelf Speakers	dummy Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speaker - Hi-Res Audio Certified, Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Compatible, 1" Tweeter & 6.5" Woofer, Power Port Technology for Effortless Bass (Pair, Contemporary Walnut)	dummy KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System (Carbon Black)	dummy Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers with 4-Inch Woofer (Pair) (Renewed)
	See details	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart
Price	Currently unavailable.	$800.00	-23% $138.58 List: $179.98	$399.00	-7% $1,299.99 List: $1,400.00	$74.99
Delivery	—	Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2	Get it as soon as Friday, May 3	Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2	Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1	Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2
Customer Ratings	4.5506	4.8172	4.6161	4.72,095	4.4106	4.357
Sound quality	4.6	—	4.5	4.6	4.5	4.4
Value for money	4.6	—	4.8	4.5	3.9	—
Quality of material	4.4	—	4.5	4.7	—	4.8
Bass quality	—	—	4.5	4.6	—	4.0
Sold By	—	DALI US	Amazon.com	Amazon.com	Audio Advice	Micca Outlet
speaker size	—	6.5 inches	4 inches	6.5 inches	4.5 inches	4 inches
power source	AC	Corded Electric	Passive	Corded Electric	Corded Electric	Corded Electric
connectivity tech	Wired	—	Wired	—	Wi-Fi	—
speaker type	Bookshelf	Bookshelf	Bookshelf	Satellite	Bookshelf	Bookshelf
mounting type	Floor Mount,Shelf Mount	Shelf Mount	Shelf Mount	Wall Mount	Table Top	Shelf Mount
weight	35.75 pounds	18 pounds	8.2 pounds	17 pounds	—	0.01 pounds
control method	—	voice	—	remote	application	—

Product guides and documents

User Manual (PDF)

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What's in the box

Speaker

Power Cord

Product information

Mounting Type

Floor Mount,Shelf Mount

Unit Count

1.0 Count

Controller Type

Corded Electric

Surround Sound Channel Configuration

3.0

Material

Aluminum

Color

Satin White

Included Components

Power Cord, Speaker

Speaker Maximum Output Power

70 Watts

Item Weight

35.75 Pounds

Impedance

4 Ohm

Is Waterproof

FALSE

Number of Items

1

Power Source

AC

Package Type

Frustration-Free Packaging

Product Dimensions

11.6 x 7 x 13.4 inches

Item Weight

35.8 pounds

Manufacturer

ELAC AMERICAS LLC

ASIN

B01LYQD1SJ

Item model number

BS U5-SW

Customer Reviews

4.5 506 ratings

4.5 out of 5 stars

Best Sellers Rank

#657,197 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
#852 in Bookshelf Speakers

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer

No

Date First Available

October 4, 2016

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Product Description

Space constraints should never compromise great sound, and the unit-fi BS U5 slim is the perfect solution when floor space is at a premium, but audiophile sound and refined good looks are not negotiable. Using the same outstanding driver and crossover components of its bigger brother, this compact, 3-way, bass-reflex monitor delivers the sonic signature of unit-fi in a smaller package.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

506 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, value, performance, clarity, and quality of the speakers. They mention that it has a very good soundstage and imaging, with surprising deep bass. They also appreciate the solid value, and performance for their intended purpose.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

188 customers mention155 positive33 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the speakers. They say they have a very good soundstage and imaging, with surprising deep bass. They also say the music is balanced and smooth, with a wide sound stage. Customers also mention that the speakers have an amazing response and the clear sweet highs mix well with the prodigious mids.

"...Amazing response in the speakers themselves and the imaging and staging is insane...." Read more

"...can equalize it and need to save money the Fluance ai40 are highly enjoyable speakers and a huge value...." Read more

"...good, I prefer the Sony SSCS5 due to its better pricing and sound quality...." Read more

"Very nice and well rounded speaker. Generally comes to life at higher volumes. Imaging and soundstage sounds best paired to my Yamaha N-303...." Read more

60 customers mention56 positive4 negative

Customers are satisfied with the value of the speakers. They mention that it is the best in its price class, solid gear for an affordable price, and delivers solid value. Some say that the quality of low cost drivers has greatly improved.

"...Emotiva seems to make solid gear for an affordable price. I picked these up when they were $280 and I am very impressed...." Read more

"...of B6.2 is passably good, I prefer the Sony SSCS5 due to its better pricing and sound quality...." Read more

"...Value is off the charts. Very different sound vs. say the debut 6.2 orJBL 530...." Read more

"...The quality of low cost drivers has greatly improved. The use of computers in designing loudspeakers...." Read more

42 customers mention35 positive7 negative

Customers like the performance of the speakers. They say the sound stage is absolutely great, adequate, and perfect for their intended purpose. They also say the speakers are well-made and perform well on their own. Some customers say the product exceeds high expectations and is worth the wait.

"...While the sound quality of B6.2 is passably good, I prefer the Sony SSCS5 due to its better pricing and sound quality...." Read more

"...Andrew Jones really did a great job with his midrange tweeter combination...." Read more

"...Buy them if you can find them and then add power.They are super. Uncle Chetty" Read more

"...Once you get the right amp, and placement correct, they are quite rewarding. Phasing and imaging is impeccable...." Read more

36 customers mention36 positive0 negative

Customers are impressed with the clarity of the speakers. They say that they have good imaging and detail, producing a clear and beautiful midrange. Customers are also amazed at the clarity and power of a smallish bookshelf speaker. They mention that the imaging quality is the best they have ever heard, and that they are impressive for rendering instruments, especially rock.

"...Amazing response in the speakers themselves and the imaging and staging is insane...." Read more

"...The treble is a bit laid back but usually it is very clear and clean. The mids are slightly imperfect but are usually outstandingly detailed...." Read more

"...The Elac Un-fi UB5 excel in producing clear and beautiful midrange. They are absolutely perfect for jazz, folk, acoustic and chamber music...." Read more

"...Stereo imaging is excellent on axis, but the sweet spot is very narrow, and sitting in an off axis position (even a few degrees) erases the tweeter..." Read more

31 customers mention29 positive2 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the speakers. They mention that it's a very high quality unit, well constructed, and has quality binding posts and magnetic. They also appreciate the high-quality cables that really make a difference. Overall, customers are happy with the build quality and audio fidelity of these speakers.

"...You will never need a sub with these! The construction of the cabinets is super solid and the binding posts are high quality...." Read more

"...they have used on the box - it is something like a gritty textured machined material...." Read more

"...The speaker grills are held on with magnets and are also better construction than the AAMs...." Read more

"...CD quality AIFF files from my media server so the source files are high quality...." Read more

22 customers mention16 positive6 negative

Customers like the appearance of the speakers. They say it has a very good look, the finish is impressive, and the satin black finish is sexier. Some customers also mention that the speakers blend seamlessly with their surrounds and provide a pleasing, engulfing sound stage.

"...I like the bigger box of the old design. They look really cool in my room and the sound is highly pleasurable and smoothly soothing...." Read more

"...The Elac's are a bit better finished and featured some of the nicest speaker terminals I have ever seen...." Read more

"...They blend seamlessly with my surrounds and provide a pleasing, engulfing sound stage...." Read more

"...Subwoofer optional.P.S. The cabinet is remarkably.... meh." Read more

20 customers mention16 positive4 negative

Customers like the bass of the speakers. They mention that they sound much larger than they have a right to, they play bigger than their size, and have restrained controlled highs. Some say that the bass is good for the size, but they would definitely recommend using a sub for better sound quality. Overall, most are satisfied with the sound quality of these compact speakers.

"...bloated in the bass and crunchy on the top...." Read more

"...Soundstage is decently large with good separation and depth...." Read more

"...They also have really good bass for the size...." Read more

"these are the first gen unfi speakers. you need quite a powerful amp to get them to their potential...." Read more

12 customers mention6 positive6 negative

Customers are mixed about the brightness of the speakers. Some mention that they are very clean and bright, while others say that they may not shine through enough.

"...They do shine, the bass is substantial. Emotiva seems to make solid gear for an affordable price...." Read more

"...I thought that they were a bit to bright; just didn't know if I could listen to them for hours at time...." Read more

"Very nice and well rounded speaker. Generally comes to life at higher volumes. Imaging and soundstage sounds best paired to my Yamaha N-303...." Read more

"...especially rock, vocals tend to be weaker in comparison and may not shine through enough if you like vocals...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Mobley

Incredible!

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

I purchased the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers about 4 years ago. I had watched the video reviews and waited for the price to drop. The price finally did and I bought the pair for less then $150 US. As soon as I plugged them in, I knew that I had something special. About 3 weeks later the speakers started to open up and they were the best speakers I had ever purchased at any price. I’ve been following the price of the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5’s for sometime as I’ve heard such rave reviews about them. Amazon put them on sale for $199 and I pulled the trigger. As soon as I hooked them up I just couldn’t believe how much better the sound stage and imaging is compared to the Debuts (don’t get me wrong, I adore them). Also, the bass response is incredible. You will never need a sub with these! The construction of the cabinets is super solid and the binding posts are high quality. Other reviews say these are power hogs (and maybe they will sound even better with more watts) but my 100 watt Yamaha is driving them just fine. These are incredible speakers and I see them on sale for $200-$300. I’m more than satisfied and I’m only 20 hours in getting these things broken in. Amazing response in the speakers themselves and the imaging and staging is insane. They are far from fatiguing and I just have nothing bad to say about them.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Pumpkin

Andrew Jones you are an Audiophile heaven send!

Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2019

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

Probably the best speakers I have ever listened to. I own or have owned Definitive Technology BP8020 (pretty good but a bit unexciting - definitely prefer the BP8060), Klipsch RP600M (which are grave disappointments of the year), Fluance ai40 (a very good imaging and enjoyable sounding speaker), Infinity Beta 50, Optimus Pro LX 10, some Bose box Bose speakers from my younger days, Aiwa Exos-9, Doss Soundbox XL, a pair of Sony floorstanders and a variety of headphones including my faves the Sennheiser HD600 and to a lesser extent the Monoprice M1060. Elac UB5 are every bit as enjoyable as my sennheiser HD600.

The treble is a bit laid back but usually it is very clear and clean. The mids are slightly imperfect but are usually outstandingly detailed. Bass - these guys can push really low. I don't need a sub in my room. I have a DIY kit sub from Parts Express the 8" 250 DSP sub, which is great, but even it takes away from the sound, being slightly not blended and calling attention to itself. I feel no need for it anyway. I mostly listen to Rock. If I listened to more bass heavy music I could probably readjust the DSP settings of the sub to get some reinforced bottom end, but I never felt these were lacking bass - or tonal quality.

They say these need a lot of power and beside the Klipsch RP600M they do need more but my 50W Emotiva A100 drives them perfectly well. They do shine, the bass is substantial. Emotiva seems to make solid gear for an affordable price. I picked these up when they were $280 and I am very impressed.

I expected these to look rather boring and ugly. However, getting them in my room they look quite modern and delightful. I appreciate the type of material they have used on the box - it is something like a gritty textured machined material. I am sure it is wood but the finish has some sort of metal type of look reminding me of a metal amplifier with the machine lines - so it doesn't quite look like a simple paint job but something modern andd decorative. I like the bigger box of the old design. They look really cool in my room and the sound is highly pleasurable and smoothly soothing.

I have spent a lot of money in audio over 25 years. These $280 speakers are true to source and I endorse them 100%. If you are comparing these with the Klipsch RP600M, I say those were a huge disappointment and Joe'NTell was correct that these Elac UB5 are my favorites, too. If you need a good speaker and can equalize it and need to save money the Fluance ai40 are highly enjoyable speakers and a huge value.

Thank you Joe from Joe'NTell, Andrew Jones, Elac and Amazon!

12 people found this helpful

Helpful

Shoe Horse

Fantastic speakers, I really enjoy the sound these produce.

Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

Very nice and well rounded speaker. Generally comes to life at higher volumes. Imaging and soundstage sounds best paired to my Yamaha N-303. Other receivers sound good but that pairing is somehow magical up to volumes that becomes uncomfortable, then it is clear more power would be needed.

Mind you I have not had any issues driving it to higher than comfortable levels, but if your space is larger then keep that in mind.

Do not fear the 4 Ohm rating, just get it and immediately enjoy it for year or work it into your next upgrade plan.

Value is off the charts. Very different sound vs. say the debut 6.2 orJBL 530. Fun to swap them around and enjoy the sounds up hi-fi on a shoestring!

Helpful

yao

Uni-Fi UB5 performs as well to Sony SSCS5.

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

I had purchased Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Sony SSCS5 bookshelf speakers. While the sound quality of B6.2 is passably good, I prefer the Sony SSCS5 due to its better pricing and sound quality. I make the decision to buy Uni-Fi UB5 after watching a test video on YouTube and learning that it is just as good as the SSCS5 with slightly different characteristics. Uni-Fi UB5 has little more base than SSCS5. I really like both SSCS5 and Uni-Fi UB5.

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Ala Suliman

Amazing sound at a reasonable price

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2023

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

The box they came in is big, the grills are individually wrapped as usual with Elac, the sound is amazing, wide sound stage, good bass and detailed sound, Elac reputation is well deserved and the price is right, if you want bookshelf speakers, you can't go wrong with these

Salter

Relaxed. Balanced. Friendly. Meaty. Tight.

Reviewed in Canada on June 9, 2019

Style: Slim Finished Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

I was looking for a pair of speakers for a mid field setup, about 5 ft. away behind my desk, powered by a Rega Brio and matched with a superlative SVS SB2000 sub. I'm streaming Tidal's HiFi (Flac like quality) .

I auditioned the Klipsch RP600Ms for about a week or so, clearly a favorite among discerning audiophile reviewers. I found the 600Ms to be too exuberant for my liking. I was looking for a more relaxed, even "dark" sound signature, and the Elacs seemed to have hit my sweet spot.
All things being equal, more or less, there's no right or wrong when it comes to speakers that are meeting a certain level of quality of design and execution. It comes down to your own preference. It's like a good steak: some like it medium rare, others like it rare and so on.
They have a hefty bass that's pleasant and detailed, good mids and highs that are well contained and not too bright (I run no EQ in my chain). I do however use MiniDSP for cross over to the fabulous SVS sub, and use the latter sparingly. I find that this combo works well for the many types of music I like listening too, from classical, through R&B, indie, and HipHop.
Like others who reviewed the Elacs professionally, I noticed the quality of staging they provide. I don't have enough exposure to other speakers and therefore can't put this in absolute terms, but I'm very satisfied with how wide the stage feels and pinpointing distinct location of instruments and voices. I sit in an almost ideal position in front of them though, so your mileage may vary.

I decided to go with their "European" version; a narrower, deeper design with a smooth black finish - and I'm happy I did. They're reasonably elegant.

One final comment: being 3 way design they are power hungry. Make sure your setup can drive 4ohms speakers, and depending how loud you'd like to listen and the size of your room, it recommended that you'll get at least 50wpc. My setup affords me almost 80wpc and it's more than enough.

I'm listening to "Big Thief" as I type this, and truly love how wholesome they sound. Lovely.

And for those who need this classic tip: break them in (like any other speaker) for at least 15 hours before doing critical listening. They came into their own after about 50 hours.

Really good buy for the money too.

7 people found this helpful

Bruno Barrera

Andrew Jones logrando excelentes resultados con sus diseños

Reviewed in Mexico on December 14, 2017

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

Considerando todos los aspectos en general diría que son unas excelentes bocinas y las recomiendo ampliamente, las mejores que he tenido (las más caras también pero tranquilamente pienso que lo valen) y pienso que dificilmente necesitarías mejores bocinas que estas. Haciendo el par con un amplificador de buena potencia, arriba de los 100 watts, más aparte teniendo suficiente espacio para el setup porque no son pequeñas, logras muy buenos resultados en audio y se disfrutan demasiado. Todas las frecuencias resaltan bastante, incluso los bajos para los cuales muchas bocinas batallan, y son bajos muy bien definidos, no todos embarrados como algunos subwoofers te dan, no son tan fuertes como un subwoofer claramente pero sí se alcanzan a distinguir muy bien, sobre todo el pedal de la batería en la música. Si las encuentras por ahi de los 400 dlls creo que son muy buena compra. No estoy seguro que tan alto es el beneficio de que el tweeter sea concéntrico pero seguro si ayuda porque el audio es excelso.

De los pocos puntos negativos que le encuentro es que no tienen patas entonces es más fácil que se te desgasten de la base sobre todo si las mueves de lugar frecuentemente. El acabado esta muy bueno, muy suave al tacto y los materiales también se perciben de altísima calidad. Si las encuentras en oferta no dudes adquirirlas.

5 people found this helpful

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Srinivasa

Best speakers in the market

Reviewed in India on December 20, 2018

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

This is the best speaker available.... I am using it with soundking sk 4000 amplifier... This 40 watt amplifier is enough for this... I can't go beyond 30% volume... Its really loud and so clear.. Must have for audiophiles... No need to go anywhere else

5 people found this helpful

ghlau

Gems that need some time to open up!

Reviewed in Singapore on July 11, 2020

Style: Standard Cabinet, BlackPattern: SpeakerVerified Purchase

Bought this after doing quite a fair bit of research. Using it with a Yamaha AS500 and surprisingly powers it well enough. Initially out of the box they sounded a bit boomy to me and lacking TOP end though vocals were good and seems to have a wide sound stage. I was on the verge of returning them but at the 3 week mark they opened up ... bass became tighter and defined... TOP end more distinctive yet not bright. Imaging was good too! So you have to give it some time to open up!

12 months later : paired this with a pair of HYPEX 500wpc monoblocks and great improvement. It’s like no more hesitation (that I did not realize) and lots of bass and super mid range.

One person found this helpful

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Brand	ELAC
Model Name	Uni-fi UB5 Slim
Speaker Type	Bookshelf
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Subwoofer Diameter	5.25 Inches

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ELAC Uni-FI UB5 Slim Bookshelf Speaker (Finshed Satin White Cabinet, Pair)

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