ELAC Uni-fi UB5 vs. SVS SB-1000

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer
MSRP
$500 $500
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.81” × 7.94” × 12.19”
325mm × 202mm × 310mm
13.50” × 13.00” × 14.60”
343mm × 330mm × 371mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 24-260 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to filling a room with rich, detailed sound, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the SVS SB-1000 subwoofer are two standout options that come to mind, each excelling in its own right. The UB5, designed by the legendary Andrew Jones, brings to the table a coherent soundstage with a three-way design not typically found at its price point. On the flip side, the SB-1000 is a powerhouse of deep bass, designed to plunge into the depths of sound that even the best bookshelf speakers can struggle to reach.

Design and Build Quality

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 exudes a sophisticated, understated aesthetic with its custom-designed drivers and a solid MDF cabinet, showcasing a build quality that speaks to the audiophile's appreciation for attention to detail. The concentric driver, which merges the tweeter and midrange, not only contributes to the speaker's sleek appearance but also promotes an idealized point-source sound dispersal. Meanwhile, the SVS SB-1000 boasts a compact and sealed enclosure housing a 12-inch driver. The subwoofer’s rigid and well-braced cabinet reduces unwanted resonances, ensuring that it delivers tight, punchy bass without any hint of boxiness.

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

Performance and Sound Characteristics

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 shines with its remarkable midrange clarity and treble detail, a signature trait that can be attributed to its concentric driver design. The midrange, where most of the critical musical information lies, is rendered with an organic warmth and realism that is pleasing to the ear. Highs are crisp without being sibilant, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the SVS SB-1000 delves into the lower octaves with confident authority, providing the kind of room-shaking presence that can make movie night an immersive experience. Its speed and control in bass reproduction mean that music benefits as well, with bass lines and kick drums gaining a newfound sense of weight and texture.

When paired together, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 and the SVS SB-1000 can create a symbiotic relationship that elevates the listening experience to another level. The UB5s, while having a decent bass response for their size, naturally roll off in the lower frequencies. The SVS subwoofer fills in these gaps, seamlessly integrating with the bookshelf speakers to produce a full-range sound that is both expansive and cohesive.

SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer
SVS SB-1000 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Matching with Amplification

Powering the ELAC Uni-fi UB5s properly is crucial to unlocking their full potential. They are known to be a bit power-hungry, with a 4-ohm impedance and a nominal efficiency that can challenge lower-powered amplifiers. To get the most out of these speakers, a robust amplifier with ample current drive is recommended. On the other hand, the SVS SB-1000 is less demanding in terms of amplification due to its built-in Sledge STA-300D amplifier, which delivers 300 watts RMS of clean power. This means that even though they might be part of the same sound system, the considerations for driving each are quite distinct.

Tuning the SVS SB-1000 to blend with the ELAC Uni-fi UB5s is also a straightforward process, thanks to the subwoofer's intuitive controls, including volume, phase, and crossover frequency adjustments. Dialing in the subwoofer to match the natural bass roll-off of the UB5 ensures a smooth transition between the speakers and the sub, yielding a sound that's balanced from top to bottom.

In conclusion, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the SVS SB-1000 subwoofer stand as testament to the incredible performance that modern audio equipment can deliver. Whether it’s the detailed and articulate mids and highs of the UB5s or the authoritative and nuanced low-end response of the SB-1000, both components excel in their respective roles. For the audiophile looking to build a system greater than the sum of its parts, combining these two pieces can provide a truly transcendent listening experience—one that is richly detailed, full-bodied, and capable of bringing your favorite music and movies to life in a way that few other combinations can.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer
SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer
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.