Elac Debut b5.2 - The Best Speaker Under $200. Period.

[@MrEdsTheRef]

Been listening to these 5.2s for over a year now and they just seem to get better and better. Punk, Mozart, Bunny Berrigan, Cold Play, Metalica , Motorhead, Romones, Dr Dre, House, Rave, Trance, Dance, James Brown, BeBop, Vivaldi, Miles Davis, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Opera, et al just Brilliant

[@mrpink3630]

a rave is an event. youre welcome

[@randomasianguy80]

@@mrpink3630 maybe there is an artist called rave

[@scottpatrick541]

After watching pretty much all of your cheapaudioman speaker reviews I nabbed these on sale up here in Canada. Wow, they really are terrific and have been very much the overachievers. Thank you for making reviews that I understand and can relate to. I love these speakers!

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you like them!

[@charleszeitler3857]

Many congrats on reaching your goal for a 1000 subscribers. You are an authentic soul, not surprised!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thank you so much!

[@SugarBear14]

Congrats on 1,000 subscribers!

[@alvarofernandoserrano8905]

Congrats on hitting 1k. Can’t wait to see your next milestone

[@jjavalon]

Hi I follow the channel from Europe. This morning Amazon threw me a meatball on this speakers at 146 € (something in the 170 $ range). I swung the bat and hit it out of the park. Thanks to your review I was sold on this speaker for my budget. You and Steve are the best. Now I have to choose the right amp to drive them.

[@doug_h_nuts]

Congrats on 1000!

[@johnpeschke7723]

after almost two years of use my b5.2's are wonderful. my old electronics and my new RT-85 turntable are helping me go through nearly 600 records and hear which are the best recordings.

[@mikecrotser3631]

I'm happy with mine. I have against the wall due to not having a dedicated listening room plus room constraints. My first time listening to a neural speaker. Thanks randy your videos are fun and informative.

[@chrisohanlon69]

Hey, you made it! Congrats on 1000.

[@chrisgblues]

The Debut 2.0 are great sounding all around speakers, I just wish they would add some more colour combinations to their lineup.

[@Feliciano12v]

99,000 subscribers later and you continue to be my favorite Audio KZbinr.

[@athensbiker]

I would like to thank you for making this video. I pulled the trigger and bought the B5.2s. They were on sale for €200 at amazon. I have a Yamaha amp (rxv479) and I was a bit sceptical. I was worried that the Elacs wouldn't be neutral enough and they couldn't cover my 30 sq.m. living room. Oh boy I was wrong. I placed them on the floor with rubber pads, and this is the best experience I've had in years. I use them in direct mode for Spotify, and 2ch stereo mode for movies. I'm the happiest kid for this month. Thanks again Randy for all the help.

[@alexanderson368]

Got these speakers and they sound awesome for that price. Andrew Jones did a great job. Thanks for the review. Thumbs up.

[@cheapaudioman]

Yes they do. Appreciate the watch. I'm actually listening to the b6.2's right now and I actually prefer the b5.2's.

[@zer0dave]

I have a set of Mackie monitors for my home studio but I haven't bought a set of "consumer speakers" for "normal listening" since I was back in college. This review convinced me to pull the trigger and I'm excited!! Thanks much for this channel, you've got a subscriber!

[@Brutemandave]

I bought these 8 months ago, out of the box they didn't sound so good. But now after 8 months of use they sound fantastic with incredible sound staging and projection. Break in is a definite necessity with these excellent little speakers.

[@jamesvw769]

Break in is a myth. Likely they still sound horrible as most Elacs do and you just got use to crappy sound. It happens man.

[@olgaserga9976]

@@jamesvw769 Which speaker do you listen to?

[@ianwilliams7740]

no such thing as burn in.. its pyscho-acoustics.. you're getting used to them

[@jeorgealtagraciayunes5959]

Congratulations 1k + 💪🏽🍾🎈🎉

[@saravasquez489]

I am glad I took your advise and got these ones. They do all you say they do. Thanks! Amy suggestions on affordable 3 way center speakers?

[@oscar542241]

Just got these today and wow, you weren't kidding about the Soundstage on these speakers. These put my sony sscs5 and klipsch rp400m on the shelf lol.

[@Anand.Asrani]

Hey Randy ,loved the analogy of the ' Good Kid ' 😂

[@christhompson3543]

Bought these and the Klipsch RB 51 ii’s. I A/B tested them and my family universally liked the Elac’s better. Thanks for the recommendation! Now I just need to decide if I keep my old 1995 Sony STR-D565 AV receiver or hook up the Denon PMA-600 NE I bought.

[@BartekChlebek]

Congrats on the 1000 subs!

[@GalcianBTH]

Just ordered a pair of these with the same series center channel speaker, 2 10in core series subs, core atmos speakers, and core surround speakers. Was going to go just sony but wanted a bit more juice up front while still impressing my audiophile brother and dad lol.

[@metintoptas9874]

Hi Randy! I appreciate all the things you taught me on audio. You are inspiring me! I have a mid-sized living room and I want to buy a vintage turntable to listen to there. I don't want to add a subwoofer into my audio system, thanks to the lack of space. Independent of price, which should I go for ELAC debut 5.2 or DALI Spector 2? What do you think...

[@justinwilliams7471]

I was one of you first subscribers and am so proud of your 1000 achievement mate! Like many who watch your reviews we get your passion for audio and down to earth approach. Your getting some real momentum so keep it going. Would love it mate if you could review the klipsch rp 8000f towers.

[@cheapaudioman]

Man I would love to but that's a pretty hefty investment. I'm trying to buddy up with some Klipsch dealers so I can make that happen much more easily. I've heard great things about them and would love to have them in the house... Thanks for supporting me early on, brother. Much appreciated.

[@justinwilliams7471]

@@cheapaudioman I recently got a pair of klipsch rp 8000f and they are a seriously good speaker. They are everything the rp600m are but much larger and even more dynamic soundstage. I did compare them as have both now. Fingers crossed that you can get a pair as I would love to hear your thoughts. Maybe the 8000f might get you back to having towers again in your setup.

[@stanith8799]

Only just watching this and you now have 195k subscribers, nice work! :D

[@williamvezina1944]

The bang for the buck guy! Knowledgeable, Sarcastically fun, and funny, unique, and loves coffee, like myself 😁🤘❤️ Alot of reviewers out there, yet I think this guy will grow faster than most. Entertaining factor, yet he knows what he is doing, and does it well! And he introduced me to Elac! And he showed me the B52s-2. 0 unified baby beautiful-kickass soundstage imaging neutral clarity bass etc. Gem. Thank you Randy! 🙏🤘❤️😁☕ Iam hooked, now just looking for best$$$👀 Thank you're over 1000 subscribers as I speak, and iam not surprised! And he's a drummer, like myself. All I need now is that Coffee ☕🥁 mug 🤘 Keep it common Bud, wishing you all things good... With really good sound stage ❤️🤘

[@MichaelEvansGeo]

It seems like Elac made some great changes from the original Debut models. I have the original Debut B5s and the C5 and they are a bit warm for home theater use. Still great value and they work amazing for music. Andrew Jones fiercely defends the use of tweeter grills for the same reason you mentioned.

[@Joker-ig8im]

According to the comments you hit your much anticipated 1000 subs last Saturday. It's Tuesday and including my sub you are already up to 2500 subs. Congratulations.

[@cheapaudioman]

Not quite 2500. About 1575 but thanks so much for following us and being a part of the Channel. Greatly appreciate that.

[@Joker-ig8im]

@@cheapaudioman Oh sorry. I obviously confused the views of the video with your subs but 500 more subs in two days on a channel that is young as yours is very impressive. Must be the great, straight foward, no nonsense and direct informative info in your reviews. I am a brand new subscriber just today and looking foward to more great content in an under represented segment of the community. Thanks for your work.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Joker-ig8im really appreciate that. I’m still humbled this is growing.

[@donswanson3322]

Bro you make sick Audio reviews !

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks. You’re not Ron’s brother are you?

[@shaunyweavey2470]

I've just purchased these speakers, well that's not true, Amazon in there wisdom sent me the 2.0 5.2 so I'm not sure if I'm up or down . But Randy has these spot on, they just do everything so well . Very pleasant listening experience . So thanks again for honest informative insight .

[@jarvisluke]

Which is a good match, Elac Debut B5.2 or B6.2 for TOPPING MX3?

[@jasonreyes9504]

Bass really tightened up when I moved them from my tv stand to dedicated monolith stands. Imaging and soundstage also opened up when I could separate them a bit more.

[@victordeanda1517]

Can't wait for the Sunday shoot out, I was leaning toward the Qs ... I wonder which of the two have better midrange balance at a lower volume. I like blasting music sometimes music but my current place is kinda small. Thanks again for an awesome review. I like that you go into the details at different volumes and especially the midrange impact, many other reviewers gloss over these details.

[@cheapaudioman]

It's in the can and will be up tomorrow morning. Thanks for watching!

[@donalddeorio2237]

This is a good time for affordable audio. Jones has produced some great speakers. Way to go

[@cheapaudioman]

He certainly has.

[@donalddeorio2237]

I have a suggestion, I recently purchased an ifi zen blue dac because the bluetooth reciever I was using didn't do the job. This Zen Blue was not only a better bluetooth, that supported all the codex and had bluetooth 5.0 but the DAC in this was amazing for $129 buy in price. It would be a good budget piece for review

[@vincentcrecca6061]

Enjoy your reviews and need some advice. If you needed a bookshelf speaker for near field listening as well as playing back self recorded material to mix, which speaker would you choose. I'm looking at Emotiva B1+, Elac Debut 5.2, JBL Stage A130. Would any of these satisfy my needs? I realize I'm asking for a speaker to do 2 different things. My current setup incluse the Pioneer BS22 and Neumi BS5. Thanks for your help.

[@mikedinno8413]

The NHT SuperOne 2.1 is close in price point and definitely should be considered along with the Elac's, IMO.

[@Locomotore99]

Hi. Do you think that these speakers require lots of power to drive them, that is 50 w/c RMS and up? Also, are these speakers fussy about the quality of the input amplifier that feeds the sound? In other words, a lower-levelamplifier would NOT yield a good sound with these "diva" speakers ( as one YT reviewer called them)? Thanks.

[@themydisplayname]

First of all, thank you for a fantastic and really entertaining channel! I've been binge watching your videos since last week and decided to jump the gun on these speakers after your review. A question thou, what amp would you pair them with? I'm going to use them for desktop setup, I'm thinking of buying the AIyima A07 since I own a portable DAC already.. would you go for this combination or spend some more a get another of the amp you reviewed on this channel?🙏🙏🙏

[@zardoz2627]

I have been very happy with my pair

[@maze400]

I am replacing my center channel and was wondering how this would pair with my front (Wharfedale Valdus 400SE) speakers. Amp is an AVR, Onkyo NR7100 is a 5.1 configuration.

[@SDR-DXobserver]

Randy, thanks for the in-depth review. I'm in doubt between the B5.2 and B6.2. Have a listening room of 4x5 meter and a Yahama AX-956 amplifier and listen about 3 meter from the speakers. Is the B6.2 better for this space?

[@HEARDIFFERENT]

Congrats mate. I could easily use them. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🎧🎧🎧🔊🔊🔊

[@AngelGarcia-5BignsFishing]

Would you prefer this speaker or the Fluance signature? Im down to these 2 or the Sony for my home theater setup

[@StellarAudyssey]

Looking forward to the 5.25" shootout 👍

[@kadan_gustafson6609]

Currently listening through my Klipsch R51Ms and whoever wins that giveaway is a very lucky person

[@PrezidentHughes]

I'm planning on getting the ELAC S10.2 sub to pair with Kantu YU bookshelf speakers (don't want to have to deal with a receiver) as a soundbar substitute. ELAC seem to deliver amazing value and I'm looking to spend to least amount for the best I can afford. Why get a soundbar with less proficient drivers and a virtual surround sound DSP that is already built into the TV.

[@royd7984]

What caused the original Debut speakers to have great soundstage? Do you know? There has to be some reason. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@peterderidder9922]

Hi everyone, dear cheapaudioman wich one would you chose ? The Elac debut b5.2 or the polk RTi A1 ? and wich one is the best overall ??

[@krzysztofjakubczyk5555]

Can you tell me do you have any knowledge about old ELAC BS53 speakers? They are really cheap right now and I wonder if it’s still a good sound for a value.

[@williag1970]

Hi Randy, which sub did you add in the test? I've just purchased a set of these (hopefully will arrive soon) and would be interested in the sub option possibly

[@jonasduell9953]

Funny enough the Sony SS-CS 5 is completely unobtainium (no stock anywhere) and listed for 180-200$ in Germany/Europe right now but the Elac is way under 200 and readily available. I think I made my pick here. Great content Mr. Cheapaudioman!

[@christophstuwe4330]

Elac is a company from Kiel so naturally they should be one of the best options in Germany. How happy are u with the B5.2?

[@jonasduell9953]

The speakers are great, a steal in my opinion. I am still looking for the Sony ones for a good comparison just between the two but I don't regret my decision. I ran the B5.2 on a buddy's full tube setup as well and they just sounded silky and great. A bit weak on the low end but my neighbors definitely appreciate it I guess :) The audio get's a bit weird (high frequency heavy) if you go for extremely scooped stuff like EDM/Techno/DnB since the speaker loves mid/high range but if I ever feel like listening to stuff like that I might just get a small sub. My old NAD C352 probably doesn't really do justice to the already "old" 2015 dual AK4490 DAC either but I don't even consider myself audiophile, I just love to hear good music properly and detailed :)

[@johnvilardi9763]

How would these be for PC monitors. I know I would need a amp. and if so what amp would be good. john

[@lutzschumacher5891]

Do you think it is a good idea to pair them with a cambridge axr 100 d or a denon dra 800 h in regards of upgradebility? Anyone?

[@OldTerrible]

1.04k subs congratulations.

[@smilingbuddha536]

I need some advice if possible, for personal reasons I could not use my Stereo equipment in a property I was living in but now I have one I can play music in. I originally had a pair of AE 109 speakers (cat tore them to pieces) a Rega baby brio amp and a Mirantz CD63 MK II CD player. I know my amp could drive speakers a lot more powerful than these but my budget is super low. Could these be a good fit for my amp?

[@gestsessentaenove8873]

hI, are these speakers good for a cambridge axa35 (35w)? or will it suffer because of the watts shortage?

[@Jaredcouture12676]

How often do you find them at $200 though? I’ve always seen them for $329. How are they for that price?

[@michaelkennedy736]

Forgive my lack of knowledge. I have a Pioneer SA-410 which is a 20 watts per channel amp and I'm just wondering if I buy these speakers am I wasting my time ?

[@joemartin6439]

Hi good guy A Canadian here I think they are the best speakers for the buck love your videos

[@GaryBarclay]

is he doing this on an old ironing board? I wanna see the review of the iron!

[@cheapaudioman]

That's awesome. No, it's an old sheet but the color on the label is "old ironing board" so bravo. No color blindness for you, my friend.

[@Enemji]

@@cheapaudioman 🤣

[@GaryBarclay]

@Gunner Grayson What's her name? ... actually, on 2nd thoughts, don't answer that!

[@charleyweinhardt]

hey man b5.2s or b6s? can't find a comparison anywhere 🤷‍♂ sound stage and then bass is most important, trying to find some rears for a no sub 5.0 setup with klipsch forte IIs. the signature wont match but i want 3d vibes and bass without sub so... and the highest tweets on the fortes are out, and been playin them out for 30+ years so they're really layed back compared to any modern klipsch

[@sonjicelevizrs3710]

Hello cheapaudioman ! For 149 euro Elac Debut b5.2 is a good deal ???

[@samuelchan9501]

These have gone up to $289 and the Fluance is still at $199. Are these worth the extra $100 over the Fluance?

[@juddery]

Hi Randy, out of curiosity, in your opinion, how much of an upgrade would these be compared to my Wharfdale Diamond 9.1 speakers? I'm relatively happy with what I have, but I sometimes wonder if there's more detail to be had with better speakers and maybe a better amp too. My current amp is an old Kenwood 660D by the way. I'm really enjoying your videos by the way. I'd say they're tonaly very well balanced. 😁

[@mark17840]

for me the elac 5.2 debut sound is fantastic very good speakers.

[@nevilleprice2132]

Watched your Dali Spektor 2 review as well, if you had to choose between the 2 which would you go for?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Bought these new on Amazon this past weekend for $179 on a sale (New) worth every penny! Totally agree with Randy's opinion.

[@Enemji]

18:30 - The Debut 2.0 are not bright speakers, contrary to popular belief. They are just more detailed. Adding the sub effects your hearing of these micro details and hence they feel warm.

[@Andre_1972_DE]

Thanks for the advice. I just paid 160 EU for a pair of these. They are fantastic! Impressed with the level of detail, dynamics and pleasant bass. Oops! A.J. did it again! :-)

[@MrJossher700]

If you haven't yet, can you do a best $300 speaker without needing subwoofers? Thanks.

[@strovaltios]

Good job!

[@daemon951357]

Thanks @cheapaudioman . Can these be paired with Marantz PM5005 amplifier?

[@diegocanale1124]

Hey Randy, how do they compare with the Spektor 2?

[@MelanicWarrior]

Just got the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's today, and I am very happy with what they are giving me right out of the box. I listened to Dave Brubeck "Take Five" and that song and the drum solo sounded so good I had to sit up and pay attention. When I get about a hundred hours on them I will shoot a test video. I really believe (already) that these are the best bookshelf speakers under $500, at least to my ears.

[@MelanicWarrior]

They were good but the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52’s are even better. I’ve had these for about a week and they are sounding like a winner!

[@mark17840]

@@MelanicWarrior thay are really good but the 5.2 for me sound much better

[@MelanicWarrior]

@@mark17840 Now check out the Dali Oberon 3’s! The very best speakers under $2500!

[@mayelop4478]

"...I like a little bit of thickness." - cheapaudioman winter 2020

[@cheapaudioman]

Little meat on the bones never hurt anyone...

[@johnpeschke7723]

thanks, do you think the 316 may be too forward?

[@cainankitts7216]

You got a weird flow to your videos. It's honestly refreshing lol

[@cheapaudioman]

I'll take it. Thanks for watching.

[@btone911]

That's what functional alcoholism looks like

[@cheapaudioman]

@@btone911 It's interesting that you say that. I've had another person comment that I looked hungover. You're the first to say I was drinking. More coffee is needed I guess. Appreciate the accusation and for watching!

[@juanportillo7702]

Wow lol reaching 1k subscribers three years ago! Now you’re over 200k. That’s fucking awesome lol

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks! although I don't usually let profanity be used in the comments. but since it was a giant compliment I'll let this one slide. thank you so much!

[@iamarnab1]

have a pair of these (Gen 1) and watching the New 'Dune' was a treat on these!

[@joshblank1]

should I get the Sony SSCS5 or ELAC B5.2? Sony is $200 and ELAC is $285. I like Rock and Metal. My favorite headphones are Grados for sound signature

[@vinylthoughts5201]

I had a pair of the original B6's and still wish I would have held onto them. I upgraded to the B6.2's and absolutely love them, but I agree with you, there was definitely something very special about the first generation of the B6's. Andrew Jones has made audiophile quality speakers affordable, I still have my Pioneer FS52's and absolutely love em'. On a different note, have you ever heard the JBL Studio 230's? they're similar in price to the ELAC's but they are even more livelier than the B6.2's imo...

[@cheapaudioman]

Livelier than the 6.2's doesn't sound like a speaker for me. I'm trying to break them in as we type as I feel like these have less bass than the 5.2's I just reviewed. Do they need a lot of break in? This is my second set as the first set was way too bright for me. I'm hoping things settle down and the bass comes up.

[@johnpeschke7723]

question, were i listening to steven stills would i be happy?

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

Do you have any song that you play first on new audio equipment? The first thing I play on any new audio equipment is Orion. My best friend and I have been doing it for the last 26 ish years.

[@cheapaudioman]

OMG I hate myself for that never occurring to me. I know what I'll be doing from now on.

[@owlexS]

Still trying to get my boomer dad to give Metallica a chance. Pushing Orion, but pearls before swine.

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

@@owlexS Low Man’s lyric is what finally got my Dad to give them a listen. My Mom is super open to music meanwhile my dad never left the 70’s.

[@mjpurdy]

Great review. Instant subscribe. Wondering if an old 20 watt Marantz drive these ok or if I need something more efficient?

[@tonsingmuan]

Elac b 6.2 and quad s2 which one is better?

[@ginom407]

Why do I want to buy almost every speaker you review, and always come back to one of the Elac's...? Thank you your daily reviews, an BZ on 1K!!!

[@cheapaudioman]

Gino, I have the same sickness. This price range things start getting very tough because everything is really good. These new Elacs are really really good and a great, if not the best, value available right now.

[@ginom407]

@@cheapaudioman I'll be watching the $200 Shootout with Visa card in hand. 👍

[@cheapaudioman]

@@ginom407 don't even bother. The Elacs are the way to go unless you can cobble together $50 more for the 6.2's.

[@lilpoindexter]

YOU DEED IT....1000 subs

[@diegorojas9947]

Hi. It is compatible with Fosi Audio BT30D-S amp?

[@wrathbliss]

Better than Sony Sc core bookshelf?

[@Kmmc2011]

Would this still be worth it at $290? That's what they cost in my country .. I could instead get the Dali Spektor 1 at $212, or Wharfedale 220 at $290

[@Aki-or9gi]

I just bought a nearly new pair of these, and I was a bit taken aback to begin with by their brightness. Then again, I did just switch from the QA 3030i speakers, which are now in the bedroom for a while. Hopefully, I'll get used to the difference in tone, but if I don't I'll sell 'em and try out some others!

[@cheapaudioman]

I thought the 6.2’s were pretty bright when I got them too. I’ve been told they take a long time to break in.

[@DavidGonzalez-fh9zn]

My primary audio system is Dynaudio Evoke 10, do you think these Elac speakers could be my secondary audio system?. Good video!

[@arpanroy9048]

Congratulations sir. Do you have any plan to review some Dali speakers? Like dali spektor 1, spektor 2, zensor 1

[@cheapaudioman]

Would love to. I'll see if I can get my hands on some.

[@mangeshbagwe778]

What is the current cost for these ? In Mumbai India these cost equivalent to 410 dollars approx today what is the right price to buy these? Justified

[@oscar542241]

Better than the fluance 2 way?

[@offason]

Yes I think a sub affects the frequency response of the speakers

[@bigjay1970]

This guy is a content producing machine!🤪😇

[@isaidstream4547]

Yeahh

[@josaphcj7199]

Factss...

[@arcforceworld]

Congrats on 1k bro. I take credit for at least 300 of those, since i posted you to my fb wall lol. Just kidding. But i really did share you out tho. =D

[@cheapaudioman]

I really appreciate that, Mr Machete. I’m pretty humbled by all of you. I’m just a babbling idiot and I’m surprised anyone is watching. Thanks again for the support.

[@MRunar007]

i still have some elac speakers from 2001 , very good speakers the base is tight so im looking for some nice subs for them , i belive they need to be small

[@foxcolorado]

What is the difference in sound between the Elac debut 5.2 and 6.2, which do you like best? Thanks! Keep up the good work!

[@matthewbyrnes2879]

Interested in this comparison too!