Elac Debut Reference vs Unifi UB5 - Shockingly Good!

[@voodootomato]

LOL....you had 55 subscribers at this point.... It's crazy how much your channel has grown.. congratulations... I've been around since you've had 16.... It's always good to be able to reference some of your older videos for reviews.. keep up the good work!!!

[@osvijazz]

I'm totally liking these reviews!!! I got the Unifi UB5 for $256 and I'm using them with a Yamaha RX-V2600 in stereo direct mode and they just brings me joy. I also have the Kef Q150, very nice speaker too. Keep it up!!!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks. I'd like to give a KEF a review. I briefly had the LS50 and I didn't care for it at all.

[@charlesking678]

Which you prefer. The unfi or q150?

[@osvijazz]

@@charlesking678 That’s really a matter of taste but ub5 is more capable of volume and body. Kef Q150 sounds very nice too, just a little bit thinner not as full as the Elac. I have change recently to a pair of Elac DBR62 with Cambridge axr100. That Elac is my favorite.

[@peterbaugh51]

Honestly to beat Elac DBR62, yer looking at 5 to 6X the price. I know...

[@osvijazz]

@@peterbaugh51 Well you are right my friend. I traded the unifi UB5 for de DBR62 and some cash…can’t be happier!!!

[@JonHunter80]

Congrats Randy your now at 156k sub's.. I'm one of them 55 sub's you mentioned here. you've come a long way as a youtuber

[@peterbaugh51]

Great review! I totally agree, DBR62 reference is a kicker. Add a tube amp and woah... Stunning. The sound and sound stage is 3D in my small home theater room. Performances sound like you are THERE. They sound as good as another system I have at 5x price. No joke. Allow break in time. They just keep sounding better with time. My other speakers? Bowers and Wilkins, B&W, very pretty pricy cabinets, no better sound than Elac DBR62. Just my humble opinion.

[@Jeffiefly]

Newer tech dbr62 vs older version 3way ub5 speaker is not exactly apples to apples but nice comparison for price point and flavor comparisons. I really enjoy the way you compare so many different current speakers out there in the particular price point. Its nice to see you you include some of the "upper end" "cheap" speakers.

[@MisterReen]

I own a pair of the debut reference DBR6 and the Center speaker. They sound fantastic. I’m totally satisfied wie these speakers :) For music, games and movies... so great.

[@cheapaudioman]

It’s far and away my favorite speaker. If you watch my dedicated review of them I think I get closer to explaining how good they are.

[@peterbaugh51]

Movies shake my couch with Elac DBR62! AWESONE realistic sound.

[@skyanakinwalker]

Wow you’ve come a long way from 55 subscribers

[@b.borrelli8688]

Just got some scratch & dent UB5s off Crutchfield for $260 !! Looking forward to comparing to B1+

[@cheapaudioman]

That's a great price for those.

[@ablerauer]

Same here. I'm upgrading from the Pioneer FS52 Towers. I hooked up the UB5 and what a difference in clarity. I actually hear more and tighter low end than the pioneer towers as well. So crazy to hear how big these speakers sound for such a small package. I have them hooked up to a pioneer elite SC79 receiver and they sound great. The pioneers towers were great but these sound way better for home theater.

[@FlyGuy457]

I am apologizing. The first time I watched your review I didn't get your personality and now that I understand, I get the content a lot better. So, forge on man, good stuff and I am deciding between these two. Coincidence, I think not.

[@cheapaudioman]

No apology needed, my friend. I’m not for some and for others an acquired taste at best. Both incredible speakers. I’d take a look at the uni 52’s as well. One of the best if not the best speakers I’ve heard

[@FlyGuy457]

@@cheapaudioman Ok, so now I am deciding between Tekton mini lore at 575 or the Elac Uni fi 52. Any advice?

[@jamesdoranto9013]

you fail to mention your signal chain. how are you driving them?

[@Billy-rr7re]

3way is the way plus those are $300 or even less right now. the other one, $600

[@mika2oo1]

Which speaker would be a better fit with NAD digital amplifiers C388/C700, the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+/Airmotiv T1+, or the Elac Debut Reference speakers?

[@jacobb1354]

Would be interested to get your thoughts on the UB5.2 vs dbr 6.2. Really enjoying your videos. Sometimes I have to rewind to hear what you said because I am laughing. Keep it up!

[@cheapaudioman]

Don't tell anyone, but I actually prefer the 5.2's. I feel like they have better bass presence.

[@jacobb1354]

@@cheapaudioman what do you think about Unifi UB52 vs debut B5.2 for a small home office? Extra $400 worth it? Considering driving them with Yamaha RN803 2.1 amp which seems to have the features, power and tone controls I’m used to ( I have a few of Yamaha receivers and have been happy with them). Pretty speedy though. I’d welcome receiver suggestions too. I’d probably throw in a sub too

[@cheapaudioman]

@@jacobb1354 i just got the Unifi 5.2’s in and am breaking them in right now. I’ll let you know more soon

[@jacobb1354]

@@cheapaudioman looking forward to watching your review. I’m considering either 1) Debut B5.2 bookshelfs + S10.2 sub + 100 Taco Supremes (or 45 whoppers); or 2) Uni-Fi 52 bookshelfs. To be driven by Yamaha R-N602 I picked up used. What do you think?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@jacobb1354 is recommend a double cheeseburger and a mcchicken. Take off one of the buns of each and press them together. You can thank me later. I’ve got the UN52’s in right now.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

First, appreciate your video. Thank you. Looking at DBR6.2 vs UB5.2 but also considering B&W 606. Have you ever compared these? Any opinion you wish to share?

[@MrJossher700]

At $899.98 a pair, that one would probably be reviewed by Expensive Audioman.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@MrJossher700 Decided to get the Elac Debut Reference and save the $300. Will see how it goes. Should have them later this week. Went back and forth several time but figure I would try to save the money.

[@rayray8645]

@@stevenwaldstein2249 how do you like the Debut References?

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@rayray8645 Really happy with them.

[@peterbaugh51]

Elac will eat 606 for lunch. Dont waste yer money. - B&W owner. Now Elac owner.

[@curtman2k]

I’d like to get that gray cloth on my UB5’s

[@richardsmith1161]

Speaker buying is tough. I originally wanted the Reference, but they don't go on sale. Then I thought if I'm going to spend $600 should I spend $999 and get the Ultras. I wound up getting the Unifi and an SVS PB 1000 for a little over $800 total. I think I'm getting a better overall sound now.

[@cheapaudioman]

For sure getting a way better extension. I have the Unifi's and I really enjoy them.

[@peterbaugh51]

Elac DBR62 has gone up in price. Still selling like hot cakes. Does that tell you someting? Other brands lowering price, running sales. Competition is a very, very good thing.

[@gavinwagner1766]

Unicorn tears....haha, funny stuff! I have a Denon DRA-800H receiver, will this drive the Debut Reference nicely? The claimed specs on the Denon website state: Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) 100 W and Power Output (6 ohm, 1 kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive) 120 W. I'm looking to upgrade from an old pair of Mission 732 speakers I inherited. Was almost settled on the Klipsch RP600M, but now you made me rethink that with perhaps something from the Elac arsenal. Great reviews on all your products!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks so much. I have a dedicated review of the Debut Reference you might like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGa2p6evnZetjq8 And your receiver will drive them very well.

[@Chiroman527]

Gavin. I have the exact same Denon Receiver - Love it. Their HEOS and Receiver setup is a bit convoluted for this old Man at 69 YO, but I'm figuring it out. It would be easier if I had it hooked up to a TV or monitor to be able to read the Menus easier, But maybe for the future. Right now I use the Denon for 2.1 Channel Stereo in my finished Basement studio created during COVID Hibernation. I have 2 different pairs of Elacs that I acquired in the past 6 months: Elac Debut Reference 6.2s ( per advice from Randy and Zero's Reviews), and Elac Debut 6.2s. The Denon plays both or either very well.... achieving very nice sounds. What I also did (breaking Audiophile Rules Big Time....). I hooked up the Debuts 6.2s together in parallel with a another pair of speakers - Fluance Signature Series Hifi bookshelfs to the B Connection and the other pair of Elacs to the A connection.... after playing for an hour or so, The Denon clipped (overheated and shut down). I learned from Audiophile forums whose posters Screamed at Me that I will "fry" the Denon and /or the speakers due to the drop in impedance. I knew nothing about that - I was just seeking the Optimum sound in my Basement Studio which I use for My Music listening and to play my drums to. Then I purchased a IOTA SA3 Integrated AMP and an Emotiva A-300 Amp to which I connected the Elac References on the Emotiva Amp and connected the Fluances (which are very good especially at the $200 price - check with Randy ), Whoa Baby.... Terrific sound production. The Elac References in unison (not paralleled ), with the Fluances IMHO, "sing" together brilliantly - sounds like a Much Larger Tower. Then I have the Debuts in parallel with newly acquired Sony CSS5s on the B connection on the Denon. They seem to "sing" together very nicely as well..... not quite as well as the Reference / Fluance pairing. After I got accustomed to HEOS Music system on the Denon, it is a good Network Player - I am using Tidal, Spotify and Pandora (free one) and it is hooked up to play via Alexa.... Once I left only the 2 pairs in parallel on the B connection with mo other speakers hooked up , the Clipping / overheating was cured. Oh , I also have a Monoprice powered SW - 60 Watt purchased on Amazon (as was all the speakers) for a deal for $89 , now $99 (?). That was a great purchase with auto function and can deliver enough Bass that it would Rock my Basement. Oh Yeah, unfortunately, I am unable to place the Elacs in their Randy / Sean's ideal place - about 18 inches from the wall. I think that might further enhance the playback. But I'm a very Happy camper with this configuration. I'm Jamming to Rare Earth mega hits CD right now. Be well.

[@TexasCorgiGun]

Great review wich one is the most detailed and dynamic ?

[@cheapaudioman]

I think they are both dynamic and detailed. If I was pressed I'd say the main difference is that they Unifi's have a more seamless transition from midrange to treble and a bit of a flatter midrange response. This makes sense with the concentric driver. The Unis maybe a bit more detailed but one is splitting hairs

[@TexasCorgiGun]

@@cheapaudioman Thank you man i appreciate it the response, I'm waiting for the "Unifi Reference" i think that's coming, can't stand the holes and the crappy finish but seems like they sounds amazing

[@MrJossher700]

Looking forward to when you start reviewing integrated amps.

[@tycheesey]

Nice review! So yes, we have your thoughts on musical sound. Which is the better fit for 50/50 users or solely Home Theater usage?

[@cheapaudioman]

If you have height and center probably the UB5’s. If you only want two speakers instead of 5 then the Reference. I don’t use a center or height and am somewhat of a minimalist so I’d go with the Reference. However, I think there are deals to be had on Unifi center channels.

[@peterbaugh51]

Yeah what CAM said. 2 DBR62's are great for movies. I know this also 😉

[@shawnm1856]

These are on sale at zon for $269.14 today, July 17, 2022.

[@abludwig]

Should I buy ub5 at 320 right now?

[@jayduke3373]

you should get some mini lores from tekton , it be interesting seeing what you think about those......

[@NakeanWickliff]

Because of the music that you like to listen to, please please give some old used Heresy 1's a listen and a review. They're much bigger than your bookshelves but I'm just so curious what you would have to say about them! These elacs have a lot more bass but I'm curious what your thoughts on the fun factor and stage and imaging would be, especially with a sub to shore up the low end. I can tell you don't like the super sparkly top end and the old Heresy rolls off at 15hz so doesn't have that ear fatiguing high end. Just would love to see and hear your opinion. Keep sharing. Just subbed.

[@NakeanWickliff]

I have the OG B6's and like how they sound too. They have a lot more meat on the bones in the low midrange and upper bass than the Heresy but there's something magical about that mid horn (I think that's where the magic is).

[@cheapaudioman]

The Heresy... really any iteration is one of my dream speakers. Hopefully with a heavier subscriber load I can convince someone to give me an opportunity to listen to some. I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Forte's first generation and that one is on my list as well.

[@NakeanWickliff]

@@cheapaudioman Awesome! You should try both for sure. The Forte is a more rounded speaker but it isn't as fun as the Heresy (with sub). Without sub, Forte all the way! Heard many people say it's the best speaker Klipsch made for the money. My wife hates/hated/starting to come around to speakers, haha but she actually loves the sound of the Heresy. They are small to me but to any person in 2020 who isn't super into music and speakers, the Heresy is a huge speaker. The fact that she wants them in the living room speaks VOLUMES! Please please get a pair and review! Make sure to try in near field as well.

[@Grassy_Gnoll]

Not sure why you're getting worse imaging on the UB5. The concentric driver should be providing a far superior experience. My UF5 are setup with zero tow-in, and are just incredible, especially with vocal imaging.

[@cheapaudioman]

The UB5's are great. I was just comparing them to the reference and felt the reference were better. Do you have the Debut References as well?

[@dicmccoy]

@@cheapaudioman I wonder why you couldn't get the UB5's to disappear? Maybe speaker positioning? I didn't have an issue. Very fun speaker when you have the current on tap that they crave for. Still loved the review. 🤘

[@cheapaudioman]

@@dicmccoy I love them both. I probably just haven’t spent enough time with them. They’ve been in my shelf for a while. I need to get them back down to listen again.

[@dicmccoy]

@@cheapaudioman I had mine 8ft apart and 22 inches from the back wall and just a smidge of toe in and sat 9ft away from them. That's what worked best in my room. They were my first Hi-Fi speaker and I have zero regrets. I spent the extra and got the Slim's when they were on sale a couple of years ago. The painted cabinets was worth it. They definitely transformed into a different speaker when I fed them the current they wanted. I'm waiting to see what Andrew Jones has up his sleeve in the next couple of years. I didn't jump on the Uni-Fi 2.0 because of the vinyl wrap only option and the front port. One thing I did feel like they did lack was impact with certain parts of the drums. This is probably because of the small drivers. So I went with the KEF Q950. The 8's give me the impact I was looking for with drumming.

[@ge3466]

Your the flop sweat king!

[@rockyhighwayroad7365]

I show you have about 9k subscribers

[@peterbaugh51]

9k + 1 ha.

[@bartkdt]

The sweating, slurping, spilling, and gulping coffee from a filthy coffee cup screams professionalism and expertise. I’d like and subscribe but I’m either intimidated or disgusted. I settled on comment.

[@user540000]

yeah whats up with this guy