Elac Carina BS243.4 Review (Bookshelf Speaker)

[panther]

Does anyone have the EQ in a peace export please? I thought I did this right, but then I thought also I had done it right for my 58x headphones and it wasn't

 

[jjdresselhaus]

I picked up a pair of KEF Q Concerto Meta's at the Best Buy closeout. Considering selling and picking up either the Carina BS243.4 or the ELAC DBR-62. Any thoughts?

 

[DMill]

I picked up a pair of KEF Q Concerto Meta's at the Best Buy closeout. Considering selling and picking up either the Carina BS243.4 or the ELAC DBR-62. Any thoughts?

I think the Elacs are not a huge upgrade. If it was me I’d save more and go for something else. I own the ELACs you mention btw. They are really great. If it was me upgrading I’d probably look at BMRs or an active speaker like Genelec. To me baby steps don’t amount to much so my suggestion is save for your dream speaker

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

I picked up a pair of KEF Q Concerto Meta's at the Best Buy closeout. Considering selling and picking up either the Carina BS243.4 or the ELAC DBR-62. Any thoughts?

I think that will be a straight downgrade, keep you KEF speakers.

 

[Roland68]

I picked up a pair of KEF Q Concerto Meta's at the Best Buy closeout. Considering selling and picking up either the Carina BS243.4 or the ELAC DBR-62. Any thoughts?

Even though I'm a big fan of the Carina BS243.4, and also the DBR62, I don't think you're doing yourself any favors.

I'd call getting the KEF Q Concerto Meta on sale a stroke of luck. With the KEF Q Concerto Meta, KEF has created strong competition for its own R3 and LS50 Meta.
A sensible upgrade to these would probably be in a different price range.

I would recommend good, sturdy speaker stands. A subwoofer could be a further upgrade.

 

[jjdresselhaus]

Even though I'm a big fan of the Carina BS243.4, and also the DBR62, I don't think you're doing yourself any favors.

I'd call getting the KEF Q Concerto Meta on sale a stroke of luck. With the KEF Q Concerto Meta, KEF has created strong competition for its own R3 and LS50 Meta.
A sensible upgrade to these would probably be in a different price range.

I would recommend good, sturdy speaker stands. A subwoofer could be a further upgrade.

Yeah, super lucky. Landed them at Best Buy Open Box for $500. If you have a Best Buy near you, check it out -- they're liquidating all their high end hi-fi. 50% off open box prices. Got the Yamaha a6a for $1000.

I think I get stuck in the not knowing what I don't know since these are my first nice speakers. I found a Youtube video where they said they didn't like them and I'm getting stuck in the "well what if they're NOT that great" thought. And since I have the UC52 that's what led me down the Elac train.

Subwoofer is the Hsu VTF-2 Mk5, so I'm good there. They're on some wall-mount stands, since my room is limited in that way.

 

[Roland68]

Yeah, super lucky. Landed them at Best Buy Open Box for $500. If you have a Best Buy near you, check it out -- they're liquidating all their high end hi-fi. 50% off open box prices. Got the Yamaha a6a for $1000.

I think I get stuck in the not knowing what I don't know since these are my first nice speakers. I found a Youtube video where they said they didn't like them and I'm getting stuck in the "well what if they're NOT that great" thought. And since I have the UC52 that's what led me down the Elac train.

Subwoofer is the Hsu VTF-2 Mk5, so I'm good there. They're on some wall-mount stands, since my room is limited in that way.

Are you serious? Really?
There are now some good reviews from very experienced users and YouTubers who rate this particular speaker as very good. And you're letting a negative opinion sway you? Then you've got a long way to go.

Personally, I don't like the UC52 at all, but that applies to all speakers in the Unifi series; I can't change that with EQ.
Carina, DBR, and Vela are the exact opposite for me.

The speaker has to appeal to you first and foremost, not to anyone else.
You can easily compare the UC52 and the KEF Q Concerto Meta. Take just one speaker at a time, place the UC52 upright next to the KEF, and try to set the volume for both as exactly the same as possible. Then listen to them alternately with a mono signal. That should give you some insight.

By the way, with every speaker in the world, you'll find someone who doesn't like it.

 

[jjdresselhaus]

Are you serious? Really?
There are now some good reviews from very experienced users and YouTubers who rate this particular speaker as very good. And you're letting a negative opinion sway you? Then you've got a long way to go.

Personally, I don't like the UC52 at all, but that applies to all speakers in the Unifi series; I can't change that with EQ.
Carina, DBR, and Vela are the exact opposite for me.

The speaker has to appeal to you first and foremost, not to anyone else.
You can easily compare the UC52 and the KEF Q Concerto Meta. Take just one speaker at a time, place the UC52 upright next to the KEF, and try to set the volume for both as exactly the same as possible. Then listen to them alternately with a mono signal. That should give you some insight.

By the way, with every speaker in the world, you'll find someone who doesn't like it.

You're probably right about the one bad review. I'm probably chasing something unknown.

I think I've also gotten stuck on the whole "you HAVE to match your Center and LR!" and have been wondering if I'm missing something crazy that I don't know. It sounds good to me though.

I think I'll probably hold with the Kefs LR, UC52 Center, and my Hsu Research Sub.

 

[Roland68]

You're probably right about the one bad review. I'm probably chasing something unknown.

I think I've also gotten stuck on the whole "you HAVE to match your Center and LR!" and have been wondering if I'm missing something crazy that I don't know. It sounds good to me though.

I think I'll probably hold with the Kefs LR, UC52 Center, and my Hsu Research Sub.

A center speaker should sound right, but it doesn't have to be from the same series or the same manufacturer. Often, center speakers are tuned differently anyway because of the two-way design with two bass/midrange drivers or as a 2.5-way design.

But just to give you some food for thought, an MTM center speaker like the UC52 (and all other MTM-C speakers) is by far the worst solution for a speaker to reproduce a center channel.
This is nothing more than a horizontally placed speaker with a D'Appolito arrangement, so you have a narrow and aligned vertical beam in the center and every inch outside of it is garbage. But it fits under the TV and meets aesthetic requirements.
Plus, the "same speaker" approach creates a good buyer loyalty.

So if you want a really good center speaker, buy a third KEF Q Concerto Meta.

 

[jjdresselhaus]

A center speaker should sound right, but it doesn't have to be from the same series or the same manufacturer. Often, center speakers are tuned differently anyway because of the two-way design with two bass/midrange drivers or as a 2.5-way design.

But just to give you some food for thought, an MTM center speaker like the UC52 (and all other MTM-C speakers) is by far the worst solution for a speaker to reproduce a center channel.
This is nothing more than a horizontally placed speaker with a D'Appolito arrangement, so you have a narrow and aligned vertical beam in the center and every inch outside of it is garbage. But it fits under the TV and meets aesthetic requirements.
Plus, the "same speaker" approach creates a good buyer loyalty.

So if you want a really good center speaker, buy a third KEF Q Concerto Meta.

The UC52 is a three way, not an MTM.

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 Center review (by Erin)

Thanks to @hardisj for another review. This is the 3-way coaxial center channel by Elac. Discuss!

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[aendre]

Dear Elac Carina users, can You please post a picture with the complete crossover(s)? Thank You

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

My current LCR setup consists of a pair of BS 243.4 and one CC 241.4. I'm considering replacing them with three KEF Q6 Meta speakers for LCR. I'm curious what others think, would this be considered an upgrade or a downgrade?

Spinorama

Currently, I'm using the setup in my bedroom, but I plan to move it to a small living room in the future. Typically, there will be one or two listeners—most of the time, just one.

What I can think of so far is that the transition between the LCR channels would be smoother, and the center channel would offer better horizontal and vertical dispersion. However, these KEF speakers seem to be more demanding on the amplifier compared to the Carina series. Also, the KEF Q series tends to roll off noticeably above 15kHz, and I'm not sure how audible that would be in actual listening. Most of the time, I use them for gaming and movie.

(Price isn't a factor, as I expect to sell the ELAC speakers second-hand for an amount equal to or greater than the cost of the KEFs.)

 

[Ktacos]

Also, the KEF Q series tends to roll off noticeably above 15kHz, and I'm not sure how audible that would be in actual listening.

I'm not really seeing that roll off you describe in their data. The Q3 for instance is linear right up to 20khz. I don't think most users could tell the difference between a speaker that starts to roll after above 15khz and one that doesn't. If one can hear it, it would be an incredibly small difference. I actually have a low pass on my speakers set at 15khz because everything above and around that tends to sound like a buzzy mosquito and some artists I like such as Empire of The Sun seem to think listeners want 18khz signals piercing their ears.

I would consider the Kef an upgrade.

 

[Rustdust]

My current LCR setup consists of a pair of BS 243.4 and one CC 241.4. I'm considering replacing them with three KEF Q6 Meta speakers for LCR. I'm curious what others think, would this be considered an upgrade or a downgrade?

Spinorama

Currently, I'm using the setup in my bedroom, but I plan to move it to a small living room in the future. Typically, there will be one or two listeners—most of the time, just one.

What I can think of so far is that the transition between the LCR channels would be smoother, and the center channel would offer better horizontal and vertical dispersion. However, these KEF speakers seem to be more demanding on the amplifier compared to the Carina series. Also, the KEF Q series tends to roll off noticeably above 15kHz, and I'm not sure how audible that would be in actual listening. Most of the time, I use them for gaming and movie.

(Price isn't a factor, as I expect to sell the ELAC speakers second-hand for an amount equal to or greater than the cost of the KEFs.)

I have the same Carina speakers and I just got the CC 241.4 delivered today, got it open box from ELAC cheap and it looks new. I have the Elacs paired with an HSU 12" sub and using some old Phase Techs for the surrounds and 4 in-ceiling speakers for my theater and it sounds fantastic (so far), curious as to why you are considering replacing? I had KEF Q350 a few years ago and wasn't really happy with them.

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

I have the same Carina speakers and I just got the CC 241.4 delivered today, got it open box from ELAC cheap and it looks new. I have the Elacs paired with an HSU 12" sub and using some old Phase Techs for the surrounds and 4 in-ceiling speakers for my theater and it sounds fantastic (so far), curious as to why you are considering replacing? I had KEF Q350 a few years ago and wasn't really happy with them.

I’ve been using two‑way speakers for a long time, and I’m just wondering whether switching to three‑way speakers — with a dedicated driver for the midrange — would result in an audible change in sound quality (even though I have no big complaints about my current sound).

One thing I’m certain about, however, is that when it comes to center speakers with drivers arranged horizontally, three‑way designs generally offer better sound dispersion than two‑way designs. In other words, I wouldn’t always have to listen from an on‑axis seating position.

 

[tw 2022]

I’ve been using two‑way speakers for a long time, and I’m just wondering whether switching to three‑way speakers — with a dedicated driver for the midrange — would result in an audible change in sound quality (even though I have no big complaints about my current sound).

One thing I’m certain about, however, is that when it comes to center speakers with drivers arranged horizontally, three‑way designs generally offer better sound dispersion than two‑way designs. In other words, I wouldn’t always have to listen from an on‑axis seating position.

I have one set up with 2 way books and 1 with 3 way books , there is a difference in clarity (small margin for the 3 way), but in general it's the "air" and separation of instruments that is emphasized as an advantage of the 3 way... of course this is very anecdotal and ymmv greatly...

 

[DMill]

I’ve been using two‑way speakers for a long time, and I’m just wondering whether switching to three‑way speakers — with a dedicated driver for the midrange — would result in an audible change in sound quality (even though I have no big complaints about my current sound).

Depending on the three-ways it might improve and maybe audibly. I would just say I’ve spent far too much trying to make baby steps with speakers over these last 30 years. The Carinas are a really decent speaker. I have them. For me, to really be much (and I mean 10% maybe) better, I’d be looking at some higher end KEF or Revels. I “downgraded” from B&W 805s. That said, it’s a journey to perfection that we all have to figure out if it’s worth it. I’ve always wanted a pair of BMR bookshelves cause I love the finish and science behind them. But I don’t think I’m lifting veils if I buy them. My point is you are at diminishing returns for sound vs. price. Sure buy some Blades and not have to worry if it keeps you up at night.

 

[tw 2022]

I’ve always wanted a pair of BMR bookshelves cause I love the finish and science behind them. But I don’t think I’m lifting veils if I buy them. My point is you are at diminishing returns for sound vs. price. Sure buy some Blades and not have to worry if it keeps you up at night.

the bmr's are very good.. it isn't so much "lifting veils" as it is clean, refined mids and treble , with honest to goodness 40 hz bass that is as clean as i've heard.. my 2 way speakers are emotiva b1's modified by Dennis Murphy.. the guy took good $300 books and turned them into something that rivals a lot of $1000 stuff I've heard...my thoughts is the Carina's are somewhere near the ceramic mini quality ....which is to say : pretty darn decent...

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

Depending on the three-ways it might improve and maybe audibly. I would just say I’ve spent far too much trying to make baby steps with speakers over these last 30 years. The Carinas are a really decent speaker. I have them. For me, to really be much (and I mean 10% maybe) better, I’d be looking at some higher end KEF or Revels. I “downgraded” from B&W 805s. That said, it’s a journey to perfection that we all have to figure out if it’s worth it. I’ve always wanted a pair of BMR bookshelves cause I love the finish and science behind them. But I don’t think I’m lifting veils if I buy them. My point is you are at diminishing returns for sound vs. price. Sure buy some Blades and not have to worry if it keeps you up at night.

Thank you for your response. I think I’ll continue to keep the Elac Carina. What I truly care about is whether switching to the KEF Q Series Concerto or MTM would be a downgrade or an upgrade. If it’s an upgrade, I wonder whether the improvement would be audibly noticeable. At this point, it seems I might be going through all this trouble for nothing. As for the center channel, since I’ll be the only one listening to this system for at least the next few years, I don’t need to prioritize wide sound dispersion performance.

 

[tw 2022]

Thank you for your response. I think I’ll continue to keep the Elac Carina. What I truly care about is whether switching to the KEF Q Series Concerto or MTM would be a downgrade or an upgrade. If it’s an upgrade, I wonder whether the improvement would be audibly noticeable. At this point, it seems I might be going through all this trouble for nothing. As for the center channel, since I’ll be the only one listening to this system for at least the next few years, I don’t need to prioritize wide sound dispersion performance.

i think as we spoke of, the 3 way difference will be most if not all of an upgrade.. I 2nd the notion of staying with what you are happy with...if you want a serious upgrade go to the bmr or r3 or one of the sierra's from ascend(with the raal tweeter or the lx ) ..