Do They Live Up To The Hype? Elac Debut 3.0 Bookshelf Speaker Review

[@charlesclifton1006]

Hello, appreciate this review. I have the earlier DBR62 and to be frank, I won them (@ 1/2 price) way back when Elac opened their Canadian distribution centres. I have used them sparingly until I recently. I just purchased a Schiit Ragnarok 2 integrated and the match with the Elacs amazes me. Seriously, I have been in the audio hobby since the 60s (yeah - I am 74) and I did not expect these speakers to sound as good as they do. Having said this, I am curious as to just how much better this new iteration is. I am certainly going to upgrade the speakers (Totem or AST) but I will not sell the Elacs and instead relegate them to near-field desktop duties because at low to mid volume they are champs.

[@chinmeysway]

these are in a different series than the ones you mentioned i think. the elac names are so confusing tho! so. i could be wrong

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

I could not resist,i bought a pair.They are amazing speakers.i am driving them with a macintosh Ma 7200 amp.sounds incredible!!!

[@peterbaugh51]

I can answer your question about more expensive elacs. The elac dbr62 reference. They are $700.00 and not quite as efficient as these, but with enough power they're getting down to 30 HZ. No sub required for my system. Just running a 200 watt class D amp with tube preamp. Making a lot better sound than my much more expensive B&W speakers... There's your sign 😊. Truly great sound with two speakers, very 3D. Not using a full theater system anymore. Don't need it.

[@tweedeldee8122]

30 HZ? F3 (SPL drops by 3db) = 53 Hz according to Erins Audio Corner Klippel. I power the DBR62's using a couple of Class D mono blocks via ICE power 125 axs2 in bridged mode for 450 watts each. Guntars Smits designed and made the case that houses the ICE power module and puts it in bridged mode. He also incorporates a Texas Instruments INA 1650 pre amp. He made a series about it here. "Story of the Perfect Amplifier" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnUqpWlq6iBoNk Interesting stuff. Still use a sub tho. I'm 2 channel only too.

[@kristjantolk126]

Thank you for the review, is it possible to review the Debut 3.0 - DF63-BK Floorstand Speaker as well. I have not found any reviews on these. Keep up the good work!

[@AV-Obsessed]

I actually live really close to the elak US headquarters, and I'm going to see if I can get them to send me something to review.

[@kristjantolk126]

​@@AV-Obsessed any update on these floorstanding Elacs?

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

I’ll go first. Thanks for the review. Looks like a great speaker for under $500 US a pair. Love quality 2-way bookshelf speakers with a pair of subs. Rock on!

[@serjturischev9557]

These speakers is more shiny ,clear and bright than others of Elacs for example dbr62 or ub52?

[@MikeK6046]

Back in 2020, due to various circumstances, I sold off my previous system, which included my "beloved" $4,000ish Chartwell LS6's, with Elac's approximate "$600/ $700 Debut Reference "DBR62". Anyway, these Elacs have been so good/ satisfying that I'd be hard-pressed to upgrade again (maybe this is because at 73 my hearing is not the same/ or my room acoustics better suit the Elac's?!?)

[@corey8910]

I would love for you to make a video about your speaker stands you made. I am looking to make some stands for the first time ever and I love the way yours look.

[@AV-Obsessed]

That might be somthing I would do if I build anonther pair at some point.

[@Anarchaotically]

I'm building a set up for the first time - considering these vs the Polk ES20s, Wharfedale 12.2s, and KEF Q350s (all similar prices in Canada). Wondering if you have any thoughts on the other ones I mentioned?

[@AV-Obsessed]

I have no experience with Wharfedale but have heard the polks and used to own the KEF's, I think the Elac's are the best choice of the 3 you mentioned that I have heard before.

[@raydoetnietmee]

@@AV-Obsessed Thank you, I 'm contemplating ES20 vs DB6.3 as well, looking for a little bump up from my Polk ES15

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I don’t think that the ES20 would be much of a step up from the ES15. You might get a little more phased, but the sound signature would be very similar. I have heard both of these speakers and didn’t really notice much of a difference. For a step up I would look at the Polk R100 or R200. I am not sure about Canada, but in the states they are similar price point to the debut 3.0 line.

[@henson2k]

These are great speakers and post-COVID price is reasonable too. I'm still rocking DB62 (with Marantz amp and SVS sub), bought for $250 in 2019 but it was different era totally ;-)

[@jacobb1354]

I’m playing music via Bluetooth (AAC) into SMSL SA300 through ELAC DB6.2’s in my office. I’ve tried to hear the shortcomings of these speakers reported from reviewers, but either my source is too lo-fi or my hearing is not that sensitive, or both. I’m in the process of getting hi-res to play through the SMSL at the moment. That will hopefully make a big difference. If I can’t hear the difference then there’s no point in spending more $$. so far it’s been a great little starter setup. If the hi-res makes a big difference to me, even through this setup which by audiophile standards is “ok”, then I’ll look into better speakers and DAC and Amp. Starting with improved source, then going on down the line…

[@wynkoop2000]

Thank you for the review. I’ve been going back and forth between these and the KEF Q series… hoping to find these on a Black Friday sale!

[@820stovall]

Can't go wrong either way. Similar sound to the Qs.

[@wynkoop2000]

@@820stovall Bought the Elac and LOVE them!

[@immanuelsuresh7739]

Any difference between 5.3 & 6.3 in sound stage? Like to see some comparison with their previous gen 5.2 & 6.2.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

I have been very underwhelmed by the Elac BS243.4-SB Carina pair that I have and am hesitant to get another Elac speaker. I use a pair of SVS Uktra bookshelf speakers that are probably my endgame speakers, unless I go to replace my AR 318 PS floorstanding with Emotiva Xt1 Towers. Thank you for your perspectives, time, and sharing this with us all.

[@AV-Obsessed]

If you like the SVS Ultra Bookshelf you should check out the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf. I reviewed it and is is fantastic, it may be what you are looking for and also the towers might also be a competitor for you Acoustic Research towers.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@AV-Obsessed Thank you so much for your reply and suggestions. They are both a little to pricey for me right now but are on my bucket list. Happy New Year to you, and I wish you continued channel success and happiness.

[@53HeadPan]

It's funny that I am the opposite with the SVS Ultra vs the Elac Carina BS, the SVS Ultra's even lost out to an old pair of Energy RC-10's that were brought out of retirement for bedroom duties.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@53HeadPan Thanks for your reply and perspective. We are in a very subjective environment.

[@JR-ho5qm]

Great review! The new soft touch finishes will not degrade like the ones in the past. 👍🏻

[@AV-Obsessed]

Let's hope so!

[@roybrolsbeak]

which speakers had this problem then ?

[@JR-ho5qm]

@@roybrolsbeak not necessarily speakers but automotive interior pieces on cars like BMW as well as other items that used the early soft touch finishes. It was prone to break down and failure which turned into a sticky mess. The process is much better now and shouldn’t fail

[@nongnetbourhood5934]

I live in tropical. My B&W M-1 mk1 with rubbery top and bottom are still looking fine. Hope new elac uses similar durable materials. I am considering debut 53.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I believe that the soft touch services degrade in cars because of the range of temperatures they are in and they degrade on laptops because of skin oils. I would think that if you keep the speakers in a temperature controlled environment and don’t touch them very often they should be just fine. a good wipe down now and then would help as well. Not saying this would be a 100% guarantee that they will not degrade but should help a lot.

[@a.j9645]

"Now when I am out of college and can afford more expensive speakers" he tells me. I am a 45 year old working dad still listening to my Wharf diamond 225😅

[@teamstevensonGenEric]

Great review we all need a reference point, starting point, at a price point that keeps growth and competition in the speaker market.

[@peterbaugh51]

Good review. I have a secret, a big tip. Armor All these things. Get some armor all, apply liberally and let dry. Several times. Apply only to painted, rubber, plastic, or vinyl surfaces. Do not apply to tweeter domes or woofer cone fibers. Many pros out there already know this trick. If you don't believe me, only treat one speaker first and let it dry thoroughly. Now compare it to the other untreated speaker. I treated my elacs this way and it made them look like $2,000 speakers instead of $700. It works that well, and protects vinyl and rubber and will make it last nearly forever. If anyone has tried this on the sticky rubber problem please comment below. Thanks for the video.

[@johntucker5994]

That's a great tip! Thanks.

[@chinmeysway]

😂 what?! everything’s a used car dealership now? mmk

[@jasonmelo1974]

I've heard a lot of crazy shit over the years but this has got to be the craziest.

[@michaelpatrina6183]

I prefer a mayonnaise sheen.

[@jds6000]

Excellent review Sir! Thank you! How would you rate these vs Klipsch RP600M-II? I’m torn betwixt the two! Please help!

[@AV-Obsessed]

I have a video directly comparing the two on the channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpOnZ4KMgsytpqM

[@Billy-rr7re]

i have been considering the ubr62 but i am not sure, i do not really trust the front port. that usually kills base. the same with the ub52. the elacs prevous to this one all have front port.

[@joshblank1]

How do these ELAC compare to the RP600 (vii)?

[@AV-Obsessed]

I have both in house so I may be doing that as a full comparison review soon.

[@joshblank1]

@ perfect. Look forward to the video

[@bovlietstra2620]

@@AV-Obsessed I'm looking all over the internet for that comparison but can't find any. Really looking forward to your comparison because I need to choose really soon for my birthday! ;)

[@bovlietstra2620]

Wow that was fast! Thanks for your quick comparison video!! Great work!

[@joshblank1]

@@bovlietstra2620 exactly, this comparison was very helpful

[@tomasmikeska]

thank you for a great review, how would you compare them with Debut b6.2, please?

[@AV-Obsessed]

Better all around speaker , the DB63 has more and tighter bass and cleaner clearer highs.

[@johntucker5994]

I've had the same experience with banana plugs on Wharfedale Diamond 225 speakers. It made me wonder if there were shorter banana plugs that would be a better fit. The problem with too-long banana plugs is that they do tend to slip outward and interrupt the connection.

[@AV-Obsessed]

It is quite annoying, I wish more companies used longer binding posts so the bananas go in further for a better connection. The Martin Logan's I am reviewing nextseem to have binding posts that are deeper!

[@chinmeysway]

banana plugs only come in one size pretty sure.

[@daseinoseven4514]

I’ve got a new set of this still sealed up in the box. I’m really excited to check them out.

[@noodlehat3250]

How do they sound?

[@josedesouzajunior6688]

can you compare whith whaferdale diamond 12.2

[@AV-Obsessed]

i Will look into getting those, I have always been curious about wharfedale but have never had any of their speakers.

[@sclassen]

Do you think the DB53-BK model would be sufficient for a smaller room?

[@AV-Obsessed]

If the room is much smaller that my 13 x 16 living room then I'm sure they'd be fine.

[@johntucker5994]

I ordered these after my Wharfedale Diamond 225 speakers bit the dust. I have had them for a little over a month and am returning them for a new set of 225s. Technically, these new Elacs have more bass definition than the 225s, and they can go louder as well. But in my opinion, they do not have the natural mid-range of the 225s and are just not as engaging for me. I think that it just comes down to the superior tonality of the 225s. On the Wharfedale 225s everything in the mid-range, including voices, just sounds more like real life. I wouldn't say that the aluminum tweeter on the Elac Debut DB63 is at all harsh or sibilant. They can also go louder without distorting. It just comes down to tonality and engagement for me. That might just be my tastes so your mileage may vary. I was powering these with a Parasound Halo amp.

[@rickyhils]

Might you say that, say, orchestral and baroque string music might sound good on both Elac Debut and the Wharfedale Diamond 225 and it's just a matter of personal taste?

[@jim010109]

I've never heard any Elac speakers, and these get nothing but positive reviews. The towers with 6.5 woofers at a 1000 or little really have peaked my interest. Good review.

[@AV-Obsessed]

Yeah, I would love to hear the towers but logistically towers are harder to review.

[@Synodalian]

Totally off topic: What is that center channel speaker above you, and does it pair well with these ELACs?

[@AV-Obsessed]

The center channel is the Canton Vento 866.2. It doesn't really pair well with the Elac's. the Canton is much higher end, it uses a ceramic dome tweeter that has very crisp clear highs and dual 175mm titanium woofers and is a 2.5 way design so it is flatter thrugh the midrange and bass as well. It pair perfectly with my main speakers, the Canton Vento 896.2 towers but if I were building a home theater with the Elac's I would just buy the matching center.

[@ray-lee]

How does it compare to bs403?

[@AV-Obsessed]

I've not heard that speaker.

[@RetiredRetro1]

Thanks for the review. I’m just putting together my first “good” system and have been considering these with my first “good “ amp in more than a few decades that i just ordered today. You mentioned maybe graduating from college and upgrading? How about us who finally retired and can now upgrade! Sub’d!

[@AV-Obsessed]

NO age limit to good hifi!

[@trevorbartram5473]

Should you buy the 63's if you bought the 62's last year for $225/pair? In other words what's the difference?

[@AV-Obsessed]

It's been a long time since I heard the DB62 but I don't remember them having nearly the bass and the new tweeter gives you more sparkle in the upper treble.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Thanks for the reply. Erin's measurement of the 62 & 63 show almost identical bass performance & the 'character' of the bass is one of the reasons I like the 62. It surprises me on soundtracks etc. If you need more sparkle from the 62's tweeter simply remove the diffuser grill with a small pick tool. Every little adhesive is used to hold the grill in place. Perhaps you could borrow a pair of 62s & create another video with a comparison? Have you encountered any technical info on changes made to the midwoofer design?

[@michaelhead4387]

Any thoughts on these compared to PSBT20 speakers which are a bit more? I'm looking at speakers even though I have the PSB T20's. Wonder if you think these are different enough or just a lateral change.

[@AV-Obsessed]

Would love to get some PSB speakers in for revie one day but I have never heard them so I can't say.

[@michaelhead4387]

@AV-Obsessed I love PSB and have some PSB Alpha B1 standmounts for my tv that I've had for a decade. Very neutral and smooth. T20's are smooth treble wise and kind of vanilla I would say. I've been wanting some standmounts and these seemed interesting.

[@tommyt.5049]

What do you think are the differences in Sound signature between the Elac and JBL Studio 630?

[@AV-Obsessed]

I returned the JBL's already so i wasn't able to do a direct comparison but the elac's are definatly more laid back and warmer soundign with more bass and a more diffuse soundstage.

[@RolexDSSD]

Great review !!! 🫡

[@RubenFdez-br1ff]

Do you like them better than the JBL Studio 630? I’m thinking of buying some new speakers and I really can’t decide. Thanks!!

[@AV-Obsessed]

Yes, Elac to me sounds better than the JBL and Klipsch.

[@carlosh8113]

I would ask you to do a review on the elac atmos speakers, there is literally no info on them, you would be the first on the net to do it. Just a thought.

[@havasubob]

great point abt the prospects of gummy coatings

[@GarageZan]

Αwesome review, may I ask about nearfield listen to a desktop system (1 meter far from the speakers) and I mean the smaller speaker 53...

[@AV-Obsessed]

Never set them up on a desk but sitting close to them on the stands near the tv they still sounded great.

[@GarageZan]

@@AV-Obsessed thank you very much mate!!!

[@AlanMorris-l1e]

Vinyl wrap the things and you can have any colour/wood effect you like. Can always remove it if you want to sell them later.

[@jeffarthur322]

We will soon see I’ve chosen these over speakers costing 3x the price. I love bang for the buck products. I also know longevity isn’t anything that happens today

[@sjdominguez1]

I wonder how these compare to the Polk R200’s 🤔

[@fatboyvin]

not even close

[@thomasgerhardstein4908]

What size room do you have the speakers in?

[@AV-Obsessed]

My living room is 13 x 16 ft, and I found they sounded best about 1.5ft away from the front wall. Should have said that in the video.

[@fhaquuu]

Comparing theee to soundbar? What?

[@AV-Obsessed]

These speakers and a WiiM amp would cost the same as a mid tier soundbar and I think it is a better sounding more flexible system.

[@KillerSneak]

Heard nothing but good things about these (price/performance wise) my issue is (coming from floor standing speakers) that it seems getting some good stands for these (as in good stands can become expensive compared to the price of these speakers)

[@KillerSneak]

That said I couldn’t resist. Just ordered them and they should arrive in about 2 days from now 😅

[@AV-Obsessed]

Honestly if that is a concern and you are coming from floor standing speakers anyway, just buy the Elac Debut tower speakers.

[@tweedeldee8122]

Thank you!

[@JohanKraan]

The best speakers in

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Good review. All due respect to Jones, but ELAC was there long before he joined them. I have the Elac Debut 6.2, listened for 2 years, now they are back in the box for almost 2 years. Mint condition. Switched to Klipsch bookshelves, I'm older the horn tweeter is better for me. The soft dome in the original Debuts were the downfall, glad the new units have aluminium domes.

[@LexusAllTerrain1]

Now...if you can just compare them to my reference bookshelf Emotiva XB2.

[@AV-Obsessed]

Yeah, I will have to try to check them out soon. It's funny, before I started the channel I thought it would be hard to come up with something to make a video about once per week but now I have so many planned I am thinking about moving to twice per week but that is hard to do while also haveing a full time job.

[@LexusAllTerrain1]

@@AV-Obsessed I started following from the beginning, you are good. I like your content. Just a heads up. I have Musical Fidelity amp that I compared to OSD HTA5200 amp both 5 channel...same build. Sound? WOW for the price difference. Just a heads-up if you decide to review amps Also, it would be nice doing like you are presently doing. Reference under 500.00 / 1,000. and then towers 1000.00/1500/2000 Just an example.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

The whole new line up of this model are excellent and have magnetic 🧲 grilles. The towers, center channel, atmos and a subwoofer. 🔊 The sound that comes out of these speakers gave the SVS Prime gear a run for the money. I have SVS gear and considering the as a second system. I also heard this line up Cost Mesa at T.H.E SHOW 💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@bradleydurbin6784]

Burned out on hearing about Elac Speakers

[@MichaelBishop-uw6wx]

It certainly seems like every audio person on YT is reviewing this Elac model. I'd love to hear them. However, one thing that bugs me about their appearance is the ugly little IUD device plastered over the tweeter. This is not a clean aesthetic - and I just can't believe it helps to improve sound quality. So what is it doing there? Obviously, some designer decided to put it there - for apparently no reason at all - as a random element. I see an IUD - but perhaps others see it as a credit card slot. It's a psychology test embedded in a speaker.

[@chinmeysway]

dang your room has some cancelation issues at around 100hz so all things drums gonna sound bad 😢

[@AV-Obsessed]

I know right! I need to look into some room acoustic treatments to try to fix the peak at 40Hz and the null at 100Hz.

[@Cinoism]

$2 it's not even as good as DBR62.

[@AV-Obsessed]

That would make sense, the Debut Reference is a lot more expensive.

[@jamesatkins8344]

That speaker was worse than the B5.2 it's smaller sibling

[@asm200sx]

​@@jamesatkins8344 when I listened to the DBR62 at my favorite audio shop the salesperson warned me that they were a very boring speaker and after 5 minutes of listening I agreed!

[@desinho9]

@@jamesatkins8344Completely different model, there is no 5.2 Reference

[@Cinoism]

@@jamesatkins8344 DBR62 is about 2 classes above both B5.2 and B6.2.

[@ancientalien815]

Bro, you have some serious room issues to work out.

[@AV-Obsessed]

I am aware of this and am looking into room treatments.

[@2._-1.-_]

@@AV-Obsessed I've been looking at some interesting 3D printed treatments, have just received a printer. They all seem to be priced fairly high.

People put their hands all over and spill drinks on laptops. An irrelevant comparison.

[@ppsvandijk]

These ELAC speakers combined with a separate subwoofer are "women liberators": their husbands have no more argument for HUGE floor standers?

[@AV-Obsessed]

They do blend well with a sub but I still like towers and think they look better than bookshelves on stands.

[@C-man553]

The Agony.

[@AV-Obsessed]

?

[@shipsahoy1793]

There really is no hype when you take away the content creators on KZbin😂

[@Carl-bd1rf]

The measurements totally suck. There’s no smoothness there at all. 30 db swings in room, that’s unacceptable.

[@playlist1697]

I'm concerned about the sound not measurements.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@playlist1697 You can’t have good sound with such wild frequency response swings. But you do you and believe what you will.

[@AV-Obsessed]

Real in room measurements always look like that. Every room has peaks and nulls. The only time we see measurements that donn't look like that are frome inside an anechoic chamber. This is why I was saying not to put too much weight in the measurements. everything below 500Hz is dictated by the room.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@AV-Obsessed I must have a magical room then because it isn’t an anechoic room and I get consistent +-3db response from 31hz to 16k hz minus a room bass peak of approx 5db at 50-55hz. A 30db swing tells me something is seriously wrong with speaker, room, or a combination of both. That much of a swing cannot possibly sound good. I’ve had speakers measure less flat than others and it’s clearly audible. Any peak of just several db above the average is usually heard as a coloration on the overall sound.

[@supergrissi]

Are you THE Carl, that Andrew Robinson always refers to? :)

[@zvonkoprosen4096]

china........

[@goodsound4756]

Which hype? There wasn't any.