Elac Debut b6 vs b6.2 Different Strokes...

#elac #speakerreview #elacedebut
We review the Elac Debut b6.2 and compare it to the original Debut b6.
Elac Debut b6 Original amzn.to/2JHYt2e
Elac Debut b6.2 New Version amzn.to/2UYTLj4

[@AmericanProud7]

Just found you after longing for a HT upgrade. I enjoy that you speak in plain English and you are not a snobby person. Thanks for the stuff.

[@Quietprofessional1]

I am a firm believer in break-in especially with speakers when I first received my RSL speedwoofer 10s Mark II it sounded horrible. I almost sent it back but I played it for a few days and it started sounding better and better and now it sounds fabulous.

[@peterbundy8799]

I discovered your channel recently when searching for feedback on Elac speakers. I just want to compliment you; in general your videos are both informative and entertaining (although your live streams and non-review videos... not so much). Anyway, thanks!

[@joshuarobinson5330]

Hey, Randy, I dig your speaker reviews man.I think most of us that have discovered your channel appreciate your style...natural, unscripted, no graphs and no charts. I could care less to see fancy graphs or charts with findings in reviews. The meat and potatoes of the speaker in means of overall sound, build quality, value for dollars spent, etc is what matters most. Keep doing what you're doing! Btw, Nebraska guy here. I saw you wearing a Nebraska hat in one of your videos, are you local?

[@cheapaudioman]

GBR! I grew up in Nebraska on a farm and graduated college in Lincoln. I was in the Navy so I moved away in 97, came back to finish school with the navy in 2001 and then moved away again in 02. I still have family there and I come back a few times a year.

[@user-gz5fw3yn9f]

@@cheapaudioman Hi. What acoustics do you think is better for rock, and in terms of sound quality? Elac Debut B6.2 or Fyne Audio F301.

[@Jamy4ya]

Just 3 videos.. Sub'd!!! Because i love this man for his unique and soothing way of explanation. (Finally i dont have to slow down the videos anymore.. Yayy)

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Burn in is real. After maybe hundreds of hours my B6.2's sound really good. Some may say I just got used to them but I believe the burn in is the greater factor. Great review, thanks!

[@docdeens4030]

I agree. Audio is like soup...it's better the next day when everything has melded together. Temperature does this with cooking; time does it with audio

[@tomhamilton6377]

I just found your review and appreciate your laid back approach. I own both these speakers and agree with you for the most part though the equipment you power them with will make a considerable difference in the sound particularly in the 6.2. They both do well with a bit of high current. My main amp at the moment is a marantz 2285B which I pair with a variety of speakers including the elac's and my favorite bookshelf jbl l1. They are my reference for comparing any bookshelf. Keep up the great reviews, I'm a subscriber now.

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks. I've got a new review of the b6.2 coming out tomorrow morning that you may want to check out. I haven't tried the 6.2's with my Anthem yet which is a ton of power but I'm going to give that a try later tonight.

[@tomhamilton6377]

@@cheapaudioman Actually your review has made me want to listen to the first gen Debut to revisit the sound stage you referenced. I dont know how you are able to review, record and release so much content but I appreciate it....try not to burn out please.

[@Chiroman527]

Cheapaudioman, i bought the Elacs Debut 6.2 during this year. Unfortunately, I paid more that $300 on Amazon. I committed to the Audiophile No No, I mixed these with also purchased for my basement studio, Fluances Signature Series Surround HiFi Bookshelf speakers. The basement studio was created due to COVID hibernation. These play pretty well together , driven by a Denon DRA-800H Receiver. Now retired during this year at 69yo, I enjoy My Music for listening pleasure and playing music to my renewed interest in playing Drums after a hiatus of 51 years. Although, i am generally content with the setup, watching audiophile videos produce major intentions to improve the system........Dam you guys (Sean at Zero, and Guttenberg).. so, Im looking to replace the Flus with either another pair of Elac UB5s or new Triangle BRO3s? Or the Klipsch 600M? Obessession is a disease !!! Be safe and well in this Madness. Great , siimple layman vids.

[@cheapaudioman]

I like it. Consider the Elac debut b5.2's as well. They're great. I didn't care for the Triangles but love the Klipsch.

[@redogfizbal]

Thanks for this review! I appreciate the in depth explanation of frequency response, and how to use a tone generator.

[@olaniyi570]

Burn in is absolutely a (significant) factor. I'm glad you acknowledged it. Just subbed.

[@rickszabo4312]

Yup you nailed this one .I've got both. The B6 was ready to party right out of the box, 6.2's needed several kicks in the ass to get them going. Everyone, listen to what Randy is talking about here. Break in , Placement ,placement ,placement. Now I've got to save up some pennies and try a horn style speaker, Also I borrowed a $1500 tube amp to run these speakers and I could not believe how frickin great these speakers sounded over my 75 watt Cambridge amp.

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice. The 6.2's are a little harsh in the upper mids and treble. I could see a nice tube to bring these around.

[@longmuskox4194]

@@cheapaudioman They really belt the horns if Jazz is your thing, or even Donald Fagen or Steely Dan. Certain tones from an organ (think Bach Toccata) can really catch you sometimes too.

[@Aki-or9gi]

That's weird, I just bought a pair of the B5.2s and they were incredibly bright outta the box, but now, a few weeks later, they sound awesome...and awesome is a word I very rarely use!

[@DougMen1]

Actually, many tweeters, even high end ones, start to fall off some above 10k. There's very little information that high, and anyone older than 50 probably can't hear much above 15k. If you ever listen to just the tweeter in your speaker without the woofer connected, you'd be amazed at how little sound is coming out of it, even those that are crossed over pretty low, like around 2k.

[@mdd47]

I have the original B6. I like the way they sound. I like the cool anodized-looking finish on the cabinets. I even like the little grilles that go over the tweeters. I do not, however, like the weird silver trim piece on the front. Very strange design choice, I think I'm going to paint them black or a darker gray.

[@chinmeysway]

oh good idea - i agree.. i’m thinking to do the same thing. did you end up painting it, if so is the paint staying on well?

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

I'm 55 years old I was the only kid in third grade that had a subscription to stereo review magazine so I've been into this quite a while. My non-scientific theory is that there is no such thing as break-in. I think after a while your brain just starts filling in the gaps especially if it's music you've heard repeatedly. Mathematically the speakers excursion both on the woofer and the Tweeter is only going to go so far. If that parameter could somehow increase I think that would lend more to the theory. When it comes to speakers I think the breaking happens within the first couple of minutes. I've been in information technologies for 20 plus years and the theory of burning doesn't exist there. A circuit path doesn't get more conductive resulting in a faster computer processor. It has fixed parameters just like any integrated circuit board. When it comes to cables and interconnects I do believe you get what you pay for but once you get to a certain point you start to have diminishing returns. An information technologies there is no such thing as high definition printer cable if you don't hear claims that it'll make your printed images sharper the signal either gets there or it doesn't. That doesn't mean I or you should cheap out on interconnects and speaker cable but it also doesn't mean you have to spend a king's Ransom. Just my opinion. I really enjoy your channel sir

[@chinmeysway]

so glad smart ppl weigh in on these marshmelloey youtuber channels! ive always felt like it’s an old myth that things break in. nobody ever explains physical changes that occur over the 100 listen hrs / return policy’s ending lol.

[@charleyweinhardt]

I just combed every speaker option on the market and I mean everything new and used, days of looking at every bookshelf on ebay, and I can say we are in a speaker deal depression. Finally, finally I found what I was looking for in a pair of semi beat up Debut b6.0's for which came to $226 shipped, but it is what it is, and at least I found these...

[@JF-em6hr]

My Elac b6.2's sound totally muddy. I wish they were more bright. A lot more bright. And yes I like rock and roll music. With these speakers...I can't hear the guitar near enough.

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Your video quality is quite good also . I like how you like Elac, I do too. Sometimes you want a cappuccino !! 👍

[@jeffcsMN]

Great review, Randy. I’ve had my Elac Debut 6.2’s for about a week now and I really like them. However, comparing them to my Sony SSCS-5’s I’m still unsure if they’re really all much better. Would love to compare them to Emotiva B2+ everyone is raving about, but it’s a little outside my budget.

[@TheIcegoblin]

Just ordered the b6.2 from Richer Sounds (UK) Thanks for the review

[@jeffsloane8628]

Another great video. I own the originals and have zero doubt Andrew made the .2s better in every way possible. That said the BB8 look of the beauty rings, inverted dust cap on the aramid fiber woofer, and initial splash of the original Debuts made in the industry means they will forever hold a place in my heart no other speaker can displace. I also have the Unifi BSU5s and see you have a video comparing those to the original debuts, so I'm off to watch that one next. I'm thinking of doing a GR research upgrade to both, have you seen Danny's videos? Lastly, I see you have a set of Fostex RP series headphones. After going through several headphone amplifiers I finally got happy with the Schiit Asgard 3 to power my T50RPs.

[@cheapaudioman]

I've seen his videos and he's only about 1.5hr drive from me. I'm going to reach out to him and see if we can do a video together.

[@wymotome]

It only took a few years, but glad someone finally put these two head-to-head (why the delay...No idea). I think now that the hype has faded people are realizing that the .2 isn't necessarily all that much better and perhaps lacking in some ways vs. the original. And for the record, the original Debut B5 is probably a better speaker than the original B6 in many ways...tighter bass (still digs low too), more accurate, more pinpoint soundstage, etc. I own both and much prefer the B5. Good channel by the way...just sub'd.

[@cheapaudioman]

I'm not sure why either. It also confused me that some just said the 6.2 was a better version of the b6 and I think they are completely different speakers. I also prefer the b5.2 to the b6.2 personally. Sounds like our ears are similar. I haven't heard the b5's but I may pick up a pair if I can find them somewhere.

[@louiesipes2257]

Randy, we are kindred spirits in that we both are cheapskates and want the best sound for the money. I built speakers as well. The best soundstage I ever got was a two way I built using a lineaum dipole tweeter. Same thing you mention, sounds coming from everywhere. I’ll have to pull those back out👍

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice. I'd like to get one of those for a build. Does Parts express have those?

[@louiesipes2257]

@@cheapaudioman No, back in the dayI I bought them from radio shack. Might find ‘em on EBay.

[@yedir007]

Great review! I enjoy the straight talk and honesty. Thanks for that. I had a thought, do you have a way of direct messaging?

[@cheapaudioman]

Sure. What did you want to talk about?

[@CyBrChRsT]

What if you stacked them driven simultaneously? I have a JVC-RX715 from 1994 that has 4 front outputs + center + rear + RCA sub + RCA rear. Speakers = ESS Heil's from 1970's. Nothing beats AMT Tweats. Play Def Leppard Hysteria album. A lot of challenging frequencies and very spacial. I replaced the original rotted woofers for 10" Pyramid 600 WATT Super Blues in 1994. Pair nicely! Heil was a genius before his realized time. I was told in 1994 they were $10,000 speakers just for the two. A few weeks later i went to the flea market with my mom by chance 17 at the time and NIN was it at time. Ran into an identical pair for $50!!! I got them of course. I remember listening to Nine Inch Nails: Broken on the way there lol. I have vivid memories. I wanted to build my own tower speakers back then. You make me want to do that now. Thank you for reminding me of my first love besides computers at the time. Now I'm a system's architect. I miss this care free part of my life before computers sucked me in.

[@peterfitton4529]

Can't you prove the whole "burn in" thing, one way or the other, by taking audio measurements (or the tone generator test) when the speakers are new and then again when they have been (supposedly) burnt in?

[@m4nc1n1]

For clarification, the one on the right is the original B6 and the one on the left is the Debut 2.0 DB62 correct? (emphasis on the 2.0) I mentioned before I have the whole Debut 2.0 line in my HT. Debut 2.0 DF62 for fronts, Debut 2.0 C62 for the center, and Debut 2.0 DF52 for surrounds and rear surround. They are FANTASTIC for the money!!! I also have a set of Debut 2.0 DOW42 and two sets of Debut 2.0 A42 that I replaced with ceiling speakers and are now in their box sleeping in my closet lol. Off access is so good this is the first time I have not towed in my fronts in my HT. Beautiful wide soundstage firing straight 10" apart.

[@m4nc1n1]

ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) $250 on Amazon right now!

[@richardhernandez7741]

Most pics of stereo owner's systems show their speakers shoved up against the front wall. Some peeps have no other options. But people with this speaker placement will never know what their systems, even humble setups, are capable of. Speakers should be (ideally) 1/3 of the room's length into the room. And subs should never be placed in a corner. The goal is to listen to the speakers and not the room.

[@jamesbennett1634]

I remember when the 6.2s came out the impression I got from most reviews is that it was just hands down better, the first generation is now obsolete. It's eye-opening to see you treat them as equals, and highlight the differences.

[@cheapaudioman]

Don’t tell anyone but I like the first generation better.

[@matthewfrew]

@@cheapaudioman I agree. Considering the generation ones are half the price of 6.2 (At least in Canada), It's hard to argue that the gen ones aren't your best value (unless you need the front port).

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

I may try them both, I sincerely like the 1st one better, maybe because it is a much heavier speaker. More magnet. more depth.

[@cheapaudioman]

I like them both for different reasons. The b6.2 needed to grow on me for a bit.

[@garrykindred1022]

I picked up the Elac Debut b6.2 based on this review. I have to be honest. I am completely underwhelmed. My ear is probably not as refined as Randy's but side by side with the Polks that these were going to replace I cannot say that this is a better speaker. I'm going to give it a week or two to burn in but these are likely being returned. Love the channel though!

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

What kind of amp are you using? They need power to come alive and will also highlight your system and source weaknesses

[@garrykindred1022]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial You are likely on to something. I am using a cheap Sony receiver that was recommended here. I have a nice Marantz receiver for my home theater but this is sitting down in my pool room. It seems that every time I go cheap I regret it and end up paying more to make it right, Lesson learned and thank you.

[@docdeens4030]

Terrific review. Everyone I have a question about speakers, you end up having a video about it lately

[@cheapaudioman]

Creepy isn't it, Doc

[@docdeens4030]

If you're going to live in my head, I will tell you this:. The rent is cheap but not free and you will most likely need rat poison

[@cheapaudioman]

@@docdeens4030 I’ll bring a cat

[@saandroosgobi9402]

Thanks for the review! Awesome! Since I´m an eager Heavy Metal listener could you please give a hint about speakers that stand out the intensity and punch this genre requires? I mean, the ones which really blast the guitars out without sparing any effort, strong bass and so on...would Elac fit properly? Thanks in advance

[@longmuskox4194]

Since Randy has not responded, I'll put my two cents in. I would recommend vintage speakers. Maybe something late 80's to the early '90s.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

Have both pair now... difficult to choose.. Leaning to older model.. better base but highs slightly better on new. deciding.. I have not decided but the newer speaker might be more balanced but I do not think it is better, I think because they cost more people may think there better.. The low end on the older one is cleaner and more rich. Still evaluating..

[@cheapaudioman]

Yes. Too different speakers to me. I prefer the first gen too.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

@@cheapaudioman lot of test between them, trying some different DAC's soon but I am leaning to the 1st gen, they have a more rich sound but slightly less balanced in my opinion. Try some DAMIEN RICE like Delicate or 9 crimes, the earlier one is clear winner..

[@cheapaudioman]

@@user-fl4wn9dn2c agreed

[@markkasick]

I have a 90's era Adcom 60W power amp (GFA 535) and preamp tuner combo (GTP 400) . The amp is based on a Nelson Pass design . Nice stuff a tad on the bright side for me with the old Spica SC-30 speakers I have. I am setting up a system in a 10x 12 room where moving the speakers far off the wall is a no go. I like listening to jazz and blues, some older stuff and I really appreciate imagery and soundstage- where the speakers disappear. Any opinions on either of these two . I am also interested in the Wharfdale line.

[@ginom407]

Great review. Your links both take me to the B6. Please update the B6.2 link. 👍

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks. Will get that changed.

[@aristotlechanerevera]

Hi Randy, i enjoy watching your reviews.I managed to buy the smsl ad18.Then i’m supposed to buy these Elac b6..but because some of the retailers dont deliver to my country i takes time to look for the once who can delivered.Then when i got one who can deliver i didn’t notice that i got order the Elac b6.2 Now my question is the b6.2 will be ok tonpair the smsl ad18?

[@wastelan1]

Nice review! Simple and to the point! I like it. I`ve owned the B6 and it was the first speaker that made me realise that quality sound dosnt need to be expensive. Since then I`ve had speakers from b&w, Tannoy, Fyne Audio and now the Wharfedale diamond 225. The diamonds are very good with my Audiolab 6000A! Simular soundsignature like the B6 with the rolled off top end, but not as boomy in bass. I really like them, but my curiosity for something new is too strong.. I have now ordered the Elac debut reference speakers and cant wait to get to listen to them! Looking forward to your impressions of them. Keep up the good work! Subbed

[@cheapaudioman]

Really appreciate it. I’ll have the initial impressions video out today too. Thanks for watching and subscribe if you’d like.

[@CookingDaniel]

You should title your video to match the placement of your speakers. For example, as I watch the 6.2 is on the right but on the title it is on the left. It would help dummies like me a little.

[@gregmiller7900]

Ron Swanson of budget audio

[@albertmanzo9510]

Let hear more comparisons on high end bookshelf monitors..... cant decide on which has a cleaner mid tight smooth base and soft tweeter ? closer to my focal Utopia cas system?

[@tomkershaw4384]

I SWEAR when I first fired up MY B 6.0's they didn't sound that great. The only way I can describe the sound was "nervous"; but after about four hours of various tunes they settled down nicely and became awesome. Soundstage, Depth, Imaging, it's there. But guess what? These are not really "bookshelf" speakers, unless your bookshelves come out about three feet. I checked out your link for those speaker stands so I guess you'll earn a couple bucks when I get them, and frankly, I don't see the logic in not keeping your 6.2's because you have the Debut References. come to your senses Man. or give them to me. I've been looking for a great pair of Bookshelf speakers.

[@slr12001]

Great job on analyzing speakers. I'm looking to replace my Bose 601s (front) and 301s (rear) with Elac speakers. Any suggestion on an Elac configuration for surround sound? Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Depends on your budget. If you can afford the Debut Reference are simply amazing. I don’t run a center channel for my home theater but most people do. Couple of options. You could do the debut reference for your fronts and a set of the debut b5.2’s for rears or even the b6.2’s. You could also do the b6.2’s as fronts. There’s a matching center channel for both the b6.2 and the debut reference. Also, I believe there is a wall mount very small version of the debut b series. If you have the room and the budget I’d go debut reference fronts, debut reference center, debut b6.2 or 6.2 for surrounds. If you can’t just go with the b6.2’s for the fronts and matching center channel and then 5.2’s or wall mount for surrounds. Thanks for the watch. I also have a video on the debut reference you may want to check out

[@colossusrageblack]

I found the b6.2 kind of boring, but that was because it had no wow factor to it like the OG b6 that sounded huge. I ended up giving my b6.2s to my mom since they do everything well and made her music sound better than she had ever heard before. They just weren’t for me.

[@Akstergrind]

I have the Elac Debut B5.2s, and I'm wondering whether it's worth upgrading to the B6.2s, or isn't there enough of a difference to notice? I do really like the B5.2 speakers, but I'm obsessive-compulsive and will probably end up buying the others unless physically restrained.

[@panchoconce6929]

which of the two for electronic music style trance?

[@dencoban92]

Liked the video and you :D

[@rdtservicesconcrete]

When you talk about speakers talk also about amplifiers that could push the speakers you’re talking about for the best sound. Just my opinion good amplifier can make a bad speaker sound good it’s pretty important just saying.

[@valeccylinder8703]

i would really need your opinion on klipsch r51m vs elac debut 6.2

[@cheapaudioman]

That’s a great comparison. I’ll see if I can get a hold of the klipsch

[@valeccylinder8703]

👍 i am trying q acoustics 3020i and 3010 for a very small room. give them a try someday. i am interested, what you will think of them. have a nice listening.

[@cheapaudioman]

There’re on my list to take a listen to. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@MohamedAli965]

Good video. Do you think 50w/c is enough to drive the old B6's?

[@cheapaudioman]

Is that rated at 8 ohms or 4? I will say that when I hooked them up to a higher powered amp they did sound much better. 50 will work. But not to their potential. What amp is it?

[@MohamedAli965]

@@cheapaudioman it is 50 watts into 8 ohms, an Onkyo TX 8020. I like because it is a fully analog discrete component amp. Has a very hefty mid bass region and nice sparkle to the treble that makes it very musical, and a big presentation. Not the last word in terms of texture and resolution but beautiful to listen to. Right now I am using cheap Dayton B652’s but the Elac B6’s will be replacing them.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@MohamedAli965 of yes did sure. I mistakenly thought you were referring tot what UB5’s. They’ll sound beautiful. They’re warm to begin with but I’m sure it will be great.

[@robertjacoby2927]

Just bought the elac 6.2 will they match up with my Denon AVR polk subwoofer and polk RTI A3 with a 55" 4k tv ? Havnt hooked it all up yet. What I mean are they compatible ?

[@cloveraniumfreezingraine7870]

Спасибо за русские субтитры! Скажите пожалуйста подойдет ли для этих колонок Cambridge axa 35 ?

[@johnnycashlives316]

Do you believe when a receiver is first turned on the sound is different?

[@thedude3423]

The debut B6.2 are now $390-$400. No way are they worth that. At $250-300? Sure, a great bargain and a great little speaker imo. But not at $400. Way overpriced now...

[@Enemji]

I have the Pioneer, Debut and Debut 2.0 and I have to say that my experience about imaging is quite the opposite to yours. The Pioneers are very centered. In fact playing 2 channel TV sounds like it was playing center channel. The Debut are similar but not as much. The Debut 2.0 are not at all centered. In other words, it has a very wide soundstage and details are amazing. The Pioneer and Debut lie. But they lie for more fun and entertainment. In other words, they are more forgiving to poor recordings - ie Pop Music, Rock and Roll, Heavy Metal.

[@cheapaudioman]

Agree with you. I don't run a center. For me, the center image didn't come in strongly until I got the placement right. I think, to your point, the debut b6 and the reference have a wider dispersion and therefore lend themselves to an "easier" center image regardless of placement... within reason of course. It took a lot of experimenting to get it though with the 6.2's and when I got it, it was good and the soundstage was very nicely laid out in front of me in a very forward manner horizontally. I'm going to get into it on the speaker shootout but the 6.2's are very fickle and akin to a true audiophile piece that only works in certain situations and on the second tuesday of each month...

[@Enemji]

@@cheapaudioman - yup! The Debut are Set It & Forget It. The 6.2, like a high end model girlfriend continually asks for your attention and time to treat her right.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Enemji Nailed it. I wasn't going to go there but with this bunch I'm sure we're safe.

[@Enemji]

@@cheapaudioman - 👍 On your song list, can you add this one? Ain’t No Sunshine - Cover by Canen - Album “A Matter of Time” open.spotify.com/track/0QqdroPD7RVt4pepppIPBJ?si=1WIfHAOgRS-kRGbdh12SOA

[@krispmanutd]

is denon avr x250bt enough to drive a pair of 6.2? I also have plan to add a center in future

[@cheapaudioman]

Should work just fine.

[@krispmanutd]

@@cheapaudioman Thank you....

[@Klocaine237]

fuk yeah RANDY

[@Chiroman527]

Oh , please realize this is a 2.1 stereo system only. No 5.1 or other , no video. Just music . I have a Monoprice 60 Watt Sub woofer too.

[@Wooster77]

What people really want from Elac is a UniFi UB-6 for $700. C’mon Andrew!

[@chinmeysway]

sphere. not a circle. lower freqs are omni which is a spherical shape. earfth is a circle tho. for certain. kinda like boomer audioperves heehe

[@edwardbalboa5528]

I got so excited I had to go to sleep

[@mrlkrish]

Debut b6 or JBL STAGE 130 ?

[@jeeeeeeeefro]

Took 6 minutes to get to the point after an annoyingly audible coffee sip and like 3 ads 🙄