ELAC Debut 2.0 Review: A Good Budget Speaker

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Buy: shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh ^ Affiliate Link. Earns me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@EchoBaseNetwork]

I love you.

[@HawkFest]

Thank you man! I fumbled onto a link to your Website then this clip, while reading a thread on Reddit: _"How to chose model of Elac speakers for front L&R?"_ (misspell included). And glad I did: as things are meant to change, for now you're my number one KZbinr in the category "rigorous audio analysis" - "model branding analysis" is another story 😁. Very useful for those who already have an idea about how their actual hearing tastes relate to the underlying "science" - at least it'd be enlightening, in order to then discover such correlation. Thanks 👍

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Erin. Your measurements and thoughts are always appreciated. I bought a pair of these last month and even while breaking them in they quickly jumped to #1 in my budget bookshelf speakers collection. Surpassing the Wharfedale D320's, JBL Stage A130's and Klipsch R14M's. I also noticed the bass drop off but since I live in a condo and don't crank up the volume it's pretty inconsequential. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@nerwin]

This is good to hear. I was using M-Audio AV40s for a long time that only go down to 85hz if you're lucky. Surely these Elac 5.2 must sound better? I was very very happy with the M-audio setup...so hopefully I am not disappointed.

[@glennh7297]

Sounds like a good budget 2.1 setup crossed at 80hz to clean up the compression in the low end. A good 12 inch sub, should make a good number of people happy for the cost. Great review, as always, Erin.

[@nextari]

So you are saying to set the sub crossover to 80hz for a 10" sub? vs 120hz I think is normally recommended? $250 Klipsch R-100SW 10" . Thanks!

[@glennh7297]

@@nextari I would start with mains and sub placement first, then play around with your crossover to see what sounds the best to your ears. The lower that I can crossover usually sounds best to me, but you may like it at a higher frequency, and your room will play into the equation. If your running off of a home theater amp, you should be able to go to your system menu and find the crossover frequency setting and sub level, and either a crossover frequency setting for front speakers, or a large/small setting. You can find out what the frequency is for the large/small setting in the manual and go from there if your amp doesn't have a sweepable frequency adjustment for your mains. Good luck and have fun!

[@1337sim1]

You are now officially my favorite audio KZbinr! Thank you very much for your great work. Keep it up! 😎🤘🎶

[@Mark-ro5zg]

I just came across this channel and appreciate the detailed information you give. Thank you. I purchased the Elacs about 4 years ago for $150. Also have the Klipsch RP600M for about 3 years. I've used both with a Reisong A12 tube amp connected to a Rega P2 turntable, Schitt Mani Preamp. I have mostly used the Klipsch, but can be a bit harsh on the higher frequency range and can be fatiguing to listen to sometimes. I recently hooked up the Elacs again and listened to several hours of music and found them to be easier on the ears but lack the high end, cymbals are hard to make out compared to the Klipsch speakers. I like the 600's more than the Elacs but as you mentioned they need some equalization.

[@ilmatanela1816]

What's your experience with the Klipsch 's bass?

[@joshcatstream]

I wasn't prepared for that straight fire beat boxing Erin

[@marckroll9544]

I just bought a pair, looking forward to the listening. I am currently dirt poor, I used to have $5K B&W 803 D’s. I haven’t had anything decent in 15 years. I think I will be happy.☺️

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Does anybody else love the beatbox when the speaker is spinning in all of Erin's reviews!!!?!? It always tickles my fancy 😅😭

[@poisoncobra7]

picked up the b5.2 as my first passive set of speakers and I'm very happy with the sound, they do well with whatever i throw at them and i love the neutral and balanced sound. i got them on Amazon for 209 euro which is a very fair price imo. now i don't know what to listen for as I'm just starting out in this hobby so for me as a someone who's listened to headphones and Bluetooth speakers my whole life i can't hear any shortcomings, it just sounds amazing and detailed to me. The design has grown on me, it's the stereotypical speaker, it doesn't look amazing but they are minimal which i like and it's possible to remove the tweeter mesh which improves the appearance a bit.

[@juicebox853]

Pretty good looking measurements on this speaker. The Elac's I have seen, seem to be intended for moderate volume listening and compress a little early. I have the Unifi UB5s and like them, but they are volume limited. The Klipsch RP-600 on the other hand, have their flaws, but will play loud.

[@GB-je5tc]

Erin, I LOVED your intro b-roll music when the speaker was rotating 360 degrees... the old school human synthesized beat box riff was very a propo... LOL Nice touch. Again, another VERY user-friendly review done in VERY understandable terms... pointing out many of the variables that can explain the resultant data. I really appreciate how you specifically conduct your reviews (and intros LOL). Excellent science. Keep it up, THX.

[@okay1904]

Erin - The video quality of this - is fantastic, your lens, sensor and lighting and post production was nice - and the audio was ok - You looked superb in this video.

[@avnut5517]

Thank you for testing and reviewing these speakers. I love your explanations of what you are hearing in the test data

[@thomosburn8740]

Erin didn't talk about soundstage presentation, but everything else was well covered!

[@trog69]

I have a lot of bookshelf speakers. From the first gen Elac b6's to the Vienna Acoustic's "Haydn". I would never give the VA's away, but I will likely give the Elacs to someone since they're mostly set and forget. The only bookshelf's that beat the Elacs are the aDs L810s, which are much larger and with dual-8" bass drivers.

[@acemacgruber6593]

Great review. I really appreciate comparing the data with the listening experience. Thanks.

[@rosswarren436]

Picked these B6.2 up a few years ago for use in my computer room for $250 on open box special at Crutchfield. Some reviewers say the smaller B5.2 has better bass ironically. But I am running some tone controls on it. I play them at relatively low volume most of the time. That compression is good to know about, but I don't think I encounter it in my small room too often. Some say you can remove the grille around the tweeter and get a better response, but I've never tried that. Great review with data to back it up. Thanks! If I had to do it over again, I might save up and get the DBR version for $699 (or less when on special) instead, but overall, I'm happy for the price. If I add a small sub in there, I'll take your advice and match them around 80 Hz. Cool.

[@DSRT888]

I've still within the return window of my Encore B6. I'm thinking of trying out these guys.

[@UncleKarlito]

I have an Elac Debut 2.0 bonanza going on in my HT. Four of the in-wall versions and two in-ceiling versions along with the DB62 and C62 for LCR. I even had two Elac 3010 subs lol. The center is definitely the weak point, it gets the job done but it sounds kind of "boxy". Will be replacing LCR soon with something a little more high end but keeping the in-walls for a long time as they get the job done very well. I like how neutral they are. I don't have a huge room so keep everything at a moderate volume.

[@angelmelo350]

Hi, I am very happy with mine for over 2 years, this speakers likes power, good amplification

[@GrandHeresiarch]

I've had a pair of these for years. Never saw a measurement. I think I agree - also they're nice enough speakers as-is. Love 'em. Mine rest on studio accoustic pads to avoid surface vibration.

[@davidniquot6423]

I like your technical way of doing things ... we can have a "physics" view of the performance and then your personnal feeling. All good .. thanks.

[@DearSX]

Wish I saw this before I got Jami S803, still all good. Thanks for the review and data

[@zer0dave]

Great channel, like your review style!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Much appreciated!

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Erin, I agree with your review. I have owned these for 3 years now, grew up on silk dome tweeters. But maybe it is my age, I needed more in the highs, so I bought the Klipsch RB 81ii's, better highs but yes I gave up some midrange for sure. One note, you and Cheap Audio Man are opposite on the Jamo 93ii's and this speaker which he did not like at all. However your reviews is in keeping with most reviewers for sure, they really like these speakers. I do too, however they are sitting in the box they came in. Thanks, great review as always.

[@TheBassallyear100]

My son just moved to his first place and with it decided to get the HT bug. I hooked him up with a spare yamaha AVR and surrendered an LG 65 OLED that had been in my master bedroom (yeah i'm still crying! lol). He bought the speakers and sub. I found him a killer deal on some Elac Debut 2.0's and he (for him) splurged on an HSU VTF2 Mk5. All in all a great foundation for a first HT.

[@themastroiannis]

Erin, great review! my favorite budget speaker, period. musical and neutral. i still own a pair and use it in my garage. it upscales well with fancier amps. how does the elac compare to the emotiva B1+ you also like? i must admit i have issues with ribbon tweeters. have owned Quad S2 and Elac Carinas and did not like either. both lacked vertical space/depth. time to explore the best $500-$600 speakers??

[@sdtx1112]

I've had a pair of these for a little over 3 years and have been happy with them. Spot on about the upper mid-range brightness. Depending on the source and music it can getting very noticeable and a bit fatiguing (for me) pretty quickly. But like I said, I've been overall pleased, especially at the $150/pr I paid for them at the time. I am looking to upgrade though.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

It'd be really nice if you could review some more Elac speakers 😀 Specially the b5.2s and the ub52s. Keep it up!

[@joekean8555]

I have had these a few years. They like a little power. I have a couple of old Bose 201 series iv. I added an 8 inch dayton audio sub. Plenty loud for my.apartment. I thought maybe getting some rpm 600 to play with less volume. Using onkyo 696 to power.

[@jean-pierremailloux392]

I loved them for a year. And then, Loooove them with a sub. (should you get a 2.1 sut up? yessssss!)

[@welderfixer]

Great review as always. Thank you!

[@danielcarlsson615]

So. Now I subscribed =) like technology and all you put into it. So. Keep on going 😃🎵👌🏻

[@kevinbehnke7149]

I've had 2 pairs of the 6.2's over the course of the past 5 years. I did enjoy them but always wanted just something a bit more. I have been curious of the 5.2 since some reviewers preferred over the 6.2. Been on the lookout for a decent used set .

[@EngineeringAllAround]

Thank you! Good objective review, as always.

[@zzt231gr]

Hey Erin,you should try the Carina floorstanders!They are excellent speakers for the money and Andrew Jones designed them!

[@kobush18]

great review as usual

[@wzywgwzywg]

awesome review. lines up perfectly with my experience with this speaker as well.

[@snakedude61]

I'm trying to find 3 towers for lcr behind an a.t. screen. That can also do 2 channel for my vinyl. I'm trying to stay around 1500 to maybe 2000 or less for the 3 speakers. I have 2 feet behind the screen. That has open insulation on the walls and ceiling of the small "room in a room" behind the screen. Think walls made of diy absorption panels. I tend to prefer a more smooth laid back speaker if that helps. Any thoughts would be super helpful.

[@commanderrussels2612]

I hear you have some Triad Gold LCRs in? Really curious how those measure. Thanks for the videos as always!

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

Great video. What speaker would you recommend between the Elac b6.2 or the UB5? The UB5 is selling for around the same right now as the b6.2. The UB5 was highly rated 5 years ago when it came out. Which would you recommend? Please answer.

[@nerwin]

Now I'm a little concerned...did I make a bad purchase? I been using M-Audio AV40s for my general music listening at my desk for the last 13-ish years and I been extremely happy with the way they sound and yesterday they unfortunately died so I saw these Elac 5.2 on amazon for $199. I also picked up a decent amplifier to powered them...I can't imagine these sounding worse? I don't listen to them extremely loud but just want full sounding music while I'm working at the computer. I hope these do that, I don't have them yet,. ordered them yesterday....I don't understand much about audio but your review kinda has me worried 😅

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

See how you like them when you get them. If you like them then no worries. If not, my review may give you a better understanding why.

[@TheDenix8]

I wish it had a bit wider soundstage (by looking at the graph)

[@StarcraftGT500]

You think one would be able to mount this on the ceiling using the screws that have plugs on the back screwed in?

[@BhavikPatelhr]

Thanks for your review. It's great. Can you please review Polk ES20 and ES60?

[@stevenholt5484]

see the review on ASR re the es20's, you'll be pleased.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

Howdy, say on the webpage where you posted a PEQ example you have one filter that is @89.5hrz, -5.6db with a Q of 2ish. That seems very out of place. Might want to double check in case anyone emulates that example. Anyway thanks for the review!!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Just ignore it if you want. That’s to target a particular roll off. Don’t recall what it was, though. Sometimes the auto EQ on REW works better when you change that rolloff especially when you have upper midbass areas you want to target.

[@Boxkerp]

Do you have any plans to review any SVS speakers, such as the Ultra Bookshelves, prime bookshelves, or Prime Pinnacles?

[@tk45440]

Try a review of the on wall version of this!

[@officialchill1706]

So how do these compare to Emotiva B1+? I saw you have just reviewed Wharfedale 12.1 too, perhaps there's going to be a three way shootout? Would be interesting to also include JBL 530 when they go on sale for $240 again!

[@joelopez7459]

Woot, had these and the 1.0

[@swllz]

👍👍👍, data speaks by itself, would you compare this with Emotiva b2+?

[@daijoubu4529]

I would be interested in your review of the budget ELAC BS41

[@DougMen1]

It's actually very similar, in that it uses the same tweeter, and is voiced very similarly too. Of course, it will have less bass extension and output level. It's very good for $149 a pair, and even better when it's on sale

[@Jul0570]

need your help. Can you recommend a pair of bookshelf speakers with a very detailed and open sound, especially at lower and mid levels? My budget is up to 300€, they need to be active . Thanks 👍👍

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

2:57 The data can tell you which speakers are really bad and which speakers to flat out avoid all together. These speakers are not those speakers 😅😭

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

10:47 the looks of it!!?! Leaves something to be desired. 😭😅

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Yes. So ugly. Girlfriend thumbs down

[@kiv9431]

Hey Erin, what’s your opinion about Q Acoustics 3030i?

[@hiu35]

Deep & Clean Info 🔭🧪🌍 Hi from India 🇮🇳

[@RdandTrk1]

Please do the SVS Prime Bookshelf!

[@theboatyboat]

I run a pair of DB5.2's in near-field on my desktop. Yes I want a sub. No I don't need it. They sound great - way better than I originally thought they would. I have enough room I could run the 6.2's - but anybody questioning if these are decent for a desktop and Chi-Fi amp - go for it. A give Deadmau5 - Strobe a listen here and there just to tune up my ears. Definitely satisfied.

[@vicg5323]

Interesting review

[@nextari]

Do the charts tell you everything about the music, for example the feel? I don't mean a U shaped response with strong bass/treble, but the definition of the sound, etc? In other words, how is the chart applicable but limited to judging a speaker?

[@castro619a]

My new Dac revolutionized my headphone system, I didn’t hear any difference in my Ub5 though the receiver from Dac. Do I need a separate amp?

[@castro619a]

@Douglas Blake there’s no difference between a good Dac and bad Dac? If I heard a significant/night and day difference in headphones, I shouldn’t expect any difference through my speakers? Great advice, keep up the good work! 🙏

[@anaxa4883]

I used this speaker for several months before selling it years ago. The highs were very subdued making it a very boring and soft sounding speaker speaker to me. I now have the Emotiva b1+ which is MUCH better. I wonder why both speakers sound so drastically different and yet both measure pretty flat.

[@NosEL34]

Might be the 2 different type of tweeters they use. Emo's have that ribbon type.

[@anaxa4883]

@@NosEL34 Nope. I had/have plenty of soft dome tweeter speakers that did not have this problem like the Polk monitor 7a (have), Micca rb42 (had), and Polk signature s60 (had). I've been into hifi for a long time and had many many others too. The elac b6.2 were soft and boring sounding. Not good for exciting sounding music like rock or pop.

[@TheDarius1968]

Thanks for steering me in the right direction, away from the Elac, towards the Emotiva B1+! What are yoh using to power the B1+s?

[@purpasmart_4831]

The B1+ has better low end response. That alone makes it better then the 6.2's.

[@steadisteve]

Vs the 5.2. Worth the extra $30?

[@trevorbartram5473]

Does anyone know the cause of the 700Hz resonance & have simple passive/practical cure for it?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

There are some fools over at that site bitchin about why you are measurin speakers that already have been measured there like you owe them somethin. Without you being to be able to defend youraelf there, I feel pissed. I really wished that fella would come and talk like that outside of that site without the protection he gets from there. As for you Erin, I hope you establish your own database and not rely on that place. You are coming up with more data than that site because of your open mind, measurements and science arent stagnant. Thank you so much for ushering us measurements folks into the next phase.

[@McMaxW]

Could someone please tell me what would be a good option for powering these speakers?

[@bbfoto7248]

It would depend on your budget and the features you needed. There are too many options without knowing that. Would the speakers be used for 2 channel listening only, or with a HDTV for a home theater type setup? Do you want a remote control for volume?

[@McMaxW]

@@bbfoto7248 As I would use them in my desk to listen to music (as 2 channels), I would like something relatively small. A remote would be a nice addition but not necessary. Of course, I am looking for something not too expensive as I would use it for these speakers. Thank you!

[@McMaxW]

@Douglas Blake thank you!

[@DougMen1]

@@McMaxW The Cambridge AXA35 and Yamaha A-S301 are both good sounding and affordable amps. Others are the Denon PMA600NE and NAD316BEE

[@McMaxW]

@@DougMen1 thank you very much, I’ll check them out.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

Hey Erin

[@Gamez4eveR]

looks like an excellent option for budget surround/height speakers

[@BL-yj2wp]

For 235€/pair these would make decent rears or the like, sometimes cheap and cheerful is just the right ting.

[@DougMen1]

From what I've heard, the B5.2 and B6.2 are some of the best in their price range, but they are a bit on the bright side. Andrew Jones did that intentionally, because one of the main complaints people had about the previous generation of these is that they were a bit too soft on top. That resonance is pretty narrow, which will make it less noticeable. However, being where it is, it's right in an area where a lot of musical information exists and where our ears are most sensitive.

[@Cakebattered]

Every speaker deserves the BeatBox treatment.

[@PNWDad]

I think you're missing a link to the web page review (unless KZbin is acting funny for me)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for the heads up. Just added the link. 👍

[@ld4974]

They are great speakers. I have a pair in my garage. Not the look I want in my living room.

[@harryburnett7086]

I just wonder all these speaker manufacturers how does number of high and super hi end speakers get passed and sent out for sale knowing they are not perfect , they are definitely not clueless and their engineers are smart , but why I just want to know

[@nagumaninagu9368]

Hi sir

[@chinmeysway]

Your beard is, good

[@word2RG]

👍

[@thedude3423]

Now at $400 a pair! No way are they worth that now. At $250-$300 sure, highly recommended. But now? Nope. Way to expensive for what they are. The hype is over and the cost way too much...

[@hbg70]

Your intro is intriguing, then you appear 😮

[@SimpMcSimpy]

No longer "budget" speakers :)

[@chrisb5986]

Most budget speakers don't suck. Don't believe audiopile garbage.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Of course not all. Unfortunately, many do. Thus, the delineation.

[@JukeboxAlley]

These are a terrible speaker, have em a shot, and real proper shot thier disappointing, my old dcm cx-07 walk all over em, not even close, that's sad because they look good. Just bad port design with lots of noise at 60+ db, cabinets thin and garbage, tweeter is decent though, woofers glasses out way too fast.

[@JonHunter80]

well this was most enlightening, kinda bummed me out as I was just about to order them, so anyone have other brands in mind that have about the same specs, 6/5'' speakers, around 40hz-20khz, under $1000. I might just save up more and buy the buchardt audio S300 MK2 SE at $1077 usd, or the ELAC Carina Bookshelfs at $1000