ELAC Uni-fi UB5 vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
MSRP
$500 $100
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.81” × 7.94” × 12.19”
325mm × 202mm × 310mm
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 80-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 4.3
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of bookshelf speakers, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 exudes audiophile allure with its concentric driver design, offering a rich and detailed soundstage that appeals to hi-fi enthusiasts. The Presonus Eris E3.5, while more modestly appointed, punches above its weight class in the near field studio monitor market, delivering tight, accurate sound ideal for content creators and casual listeners alike. Both provide exceptional value, but the UB5's sophisticated three-way design and build quality cater to critical listening, whereas the Eris E3.5 excels in multimedia applications and space-conscious setups.

Speaker Comparison

When we delve into the world of serious listening, the contrast between ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 monitors becomes a study in the pursuit of sonic truth. The former, designed by the venerable Andrew Jones, is a beacon in the hi-fi community for providing an audiophile experience without breaking the bank. On the flip side, the Eris E3.5, while a more modest proposition, is no slouch; it's a workhorse that has endeared itself to many a home studio engineer for its clear and honest sound reproduction.

Design and Build Quality

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 is a testament to elite speaker design, with its three-way configuration that includes a concentric midrange/tweeter for a seamless integration of the high and mid frequencies. The craftsmanship is evident, with a solid MDF cabinet and an attractive brushed vinyl finish. In contrast, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is more utilitarian in its approach, with a compact and efficient design that is less about aesthetics and more about pure functionality. The build quality is sturdy, but the UB5 clearly aims to impress not just with sound, but with looks as well.

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Character and Performance

When it comes to sound, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 shines with its exceptional tonal balance and detail. The bass is surprisingly authoritative for the speaker's size, and the highs are crisp without being fatiguing. The Uni-fi UB5's soundstage is broad and well-defined, allowing for pinpoint placement of instruments within the mix. In comparison, the Eris E3.5 offers a flat frequency response that is crucial for mixing and mastering tasks. While it may not envelop you in the same warmth as the UB5, it provides clarity and accuracy that is indispensable for content creators.

The Uni-fi UB5's concentric driver design goes a long way in creating a cohesive and immersive audio experience. This engineering feat means that the treble and midrange emanate from the same point, delivering a unified soundfield that is both natural and engaging. The Eris E3.5, with its more traditional two-way design, lacks this level of intricacy but compensates with a direct and unembellished sound that reveals the raw truth in any mix.

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Power and Efficiency

Power handling is another area where these two contenders diverge. The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 is a relatively power-hungry beast, demanding a robust amplifier to truly come alive. Its 4-ohm impedance and sophisticated crossover network require a bit of muscle to drive them properly. Conversely, the Eris E3.5 is much more forgiving, designed to perform admirably with the built-in class AB amplification. This makes the Eris E3.5 a plug-and-play solution that's ideal for smaller spaces and desktop setups.

Efficiency is not the UB5's strong suit, and its sensitivity rating reflects that. You'll need to crank up the volume to achieve room-filling sound, but when you do, the payoff is a rich and dynamic audio experience. The Eris E3.5, while not as dynamic, offers consistency at various volume levels, ensuring that even the subtlest nuances of a recording are discernible at low levels, which is a boon for late-night mixing sessions or casual listening.

In conclusion, choosing between the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 depends largely on your end goal. If pure listening pleasure with a touch of luxury is what you seek, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers will charm your ears and your living space. For the aspiring producer or an audiophile who craves a no-nonsense, accurate sound profile for critical listening, the Eris E3.5 will fit the bill perfectly. Ultimately, both set a high bar within their respective realms, and the discerning listener will be well-served by either choice.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.