ELAC Navis ARB-51 Review - Worth it if you're a baller! $$$

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Joe, thanks for the review. I heard these at the Bristol show here in the UK and my initial impression was favourable. Very direct, dynamic yet with a slightly warm tonal balance. Worth a proper listen at home if I get the chance. Just a point of note, you mentioned there are passive crossovers in these speakers which is not the case. These are fully active speakers with no DSP. Each driver in the speaker receives a band limited signal via a fully electronic, analogue, active, crossover network. Hence no need to use passive crossovers comprised of inductors and/or capacitors to filter out frequencies as in passive designs. The benefits of active (vs passive) speakers are that the performance of each driver can be optimised because the built-in amplifier can be tailored to get the maximum out of a given driver. However, the greatest benefit is that active designs negate the need for a passive crossover. Speakers are the most coloured part of any hifi system; highest distortion, highest noise level, most non linear frequency response, etc. The weakest part of most passive speaker is the crossover. This is because passive crossovers don’t perform linearly even within their operational band limited region as the phase angle between voltage and current changes with frequency response. This is precisely the reason why capacitors operate as a simple high pass filter and inductors as a low pass filter. In any case, I don’t want to get too technical but it is safe to say that active crossovers solve the problems associated with passive crossover networks in speakers. The reason Andrew Jones may have opted to go for an analogue active crossover as opposed to a digital one with DSP is that DSP, which can have some benefit in flattening out in room bass response if used judiciously, has its own problems with phase and timing when used aggressively. DSP is often used to extend bass response and/or add and subtract bass at certain frequencies. This demands the driver to behave in an unnatural manner which in turn causes its own phase and timing errors. In my view the best active speakers are ones with with fully active, analogue crossover networks and no DSP such as the ones used in these Elacs or better still ATC active speakers. Sorry for the long winded response and keep up the good work. Really enjoy your videos and plan to do my own KZbin videos when I get around to it explaining some of the technical aspects of hifi.

[@joentell]

Thanks for the correction and insight. I should've said non-digital crossovers using DSP.

[@IsaacChew]

Hi Joe. All Digital Signal Processing (DSP) are digital. The Navis does not have DSP as Andrew kept fully analog. What the Navis uses is active analog crossovers. Think of a turntable - they are analog yet you need to feed it an external power for it to work right? There are crossovers that are analog yet yoy need to feed it a power supply for it to work. This contrasts w analog passive crossovers where it does not need an external power supply to work - just feed it a signal directly.

[@IsaacChew]

Another thing to highlight is the Discover Connect does not have any physical inputs. They are all outputs. Look carefully at the back panel. It does take input wirelessly. This box probably isn’t designed for the navis. It is designed (my guess) to pair w Elac Discovery (a roon server and end point) to create a music zone), which is why it only has outputs. Strange for Elac to pair the Discovery Connect w the Navis and confuse everybody.

[@AndrewBell]

This is an absolutely god-tier comment, thanks!

[@stevenswall]

8:15 small correction: the crossovers are active but don't use DSP. Passive is an unpowered circuit board. Active uses an amp to EQ and cross things over, and DSP uses a microprocessor typically paired with active, amp based crossovers.

[@99fulham99]

I have had these Elac ARB -51's for about 2 weeks now. TIDAL Source from laptop - Supra USB cable - SMSL M500 Dac Having to use the Air X2 transmitter at the moment awaiting delivery of a pair of XLR cables. Seem to be picking up dirty AC from transmitter power supply , so hoping this will be eliminated once XLR's arrive. Also noticed noise from speakers when on standby -also attributed to AC via transmitter Noise completely goes when switched to XLR input . Not used to small speakers -Infinity Kappa 9 's previous system , but now live in much smaller accommodation and the Elac's are fit for purpose.

[@ohnonate]

Hi, Just wondering how you are going with the Elacs with SMSL M500 ?

[@LT4_Toronto]

I also picked up the ELAC ARB-51's last week. I am using them as my desktop speakers. My desk is 7 feet wide so plenty of space. So far they sound incredible. I connected them to my PC PC = Kimber kable USB = Cambridge audio dacmagic 200M = Kimber kable RCA interconnects = elac Navis B51. I am noticing the same buzzing sound. If I place the DAC in standby the buzzing starts. If I disconnect the RCA from the DAC the buzzing starts. If I disconnect the RCA from the ELAC the buzzing stops. Based on your response I guess maybe I should try using XLR cables instead?? In the meantime I have turned off auto standby on the dacmagic 200m. This keeps the speakers from buzzing even after the speakers go into auto standby.

[@99fulham99]

@@LT4_Toronto I still have the speakers and have made a small modification - The internal fuse has been replaced with a pure silver by-pass fuse replacement .from the Magnepan LRS speaker. OCD Guy sells HQPlayer + the trinity of minority clean +Lemonade + Extreme Stabilizer + Process Lasso +AO + FusilizerPro Install all these onto laptop for cleaner more transparent sound

[@IAmThankfulToday]

Joe you are amazing and a superb communicator. I love that you have the opportunity to present your content. This review is quite rational, especially in the audiophile space where there are content creators who are more interested in burning heretics. You're a Hans Beekhuyzen (love this guy too) for the average Gear Head. Thank you.

[@tango_gru]

You broke my heart when you said its not good for near field setup. I am always listening to music in a desktop computer style sitting. Now I will have to start my search again.......

[@scottlowell493]

1. Never, ever worry about the bass output of small speakers in this day and age of affordable killer subs. 2. Never ever worry about a speaker performing in an area that YOU are not using it in. IE: Nearfield or Far field. 3. It is NOT impressive to make great sound when the cost is no object. It is VERY impressive to make killer sound that's affordable by someone without a 6 figure annual income. 4. MOST powered speaker have a PWM/switching power amp (class D , T , H etc) and they have SUPERB fidelity. Class A/B and A won't exist in big numbers in 10 years. Days are numbered.

[@Enemji]

Compared to the original track, the Navis sounded a bit more light on the bass and bit more airy. But it was closer than any other speaker you have reviewed. Thanks Joe. I have no idea what your day job is, but your communication skill is fantastic.

[@joentell]

This is my day job now! 😉 Thanks for the compliment.

[@patrickmartin123]

First time ever that I find the speakers tract as good if not better than the original track!!!! Well done Mr. Jones but too expensive for my budget...

[@davelemieux2470]

Bought and returned these speakers as they were too small for my room. I wasn’t overly impressed with them either especially after spending time with the new Dynaudio Evoke 20s. I feel a pair of Evoke 10s, ~100x2 amp, and a SMSL SU-8 is a much better value proposition.

[@timgenardo265]

Found a good amp with toridial transformer. 100w x 2 Compliments the Chifi SMSL SU .8 gear www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Finished-TDA7293-Stereo-Amplifier-100W-Class-AB-HIFI-Big-Power-AMP/32827840870.html?spm=0.8937489.0.0.3bac2e0ejqDGaO. More chifi my.aliexpress.com/wishlist/shared.htm?groupId=100000008534925

[@stevenswall]

I'm a bit harsh on other speakers after listening to the Navis... When you mention being able to move around a bit, that is huge for me. Need to listen to the Denton's, but I predict that unless I'm locked in place I'd immediately want to upgrade to something with a concentric driver.

[@PrezidentHughes]

ELAC should look into a pair of powered Debut 2.0 (with a few corrections) for budget minded beginners. 👍🏾

[@fomoontech8217]

$2,000 is actually fair for the cost conscious audiophile, check it out if you break down the components: 1. $700 for Top grade pair of 3-way bookshelves designed by Jones: 2. $800 for 6 mono amplifiers matched to each driver (dude, that’s $133 per amp) 3. $500 for integrated DAC No way you could put together a better sounding system with a cheaper budget. $500 UNIFI + $400 Emotiva stereo amp + $800 Marantz DAC1 is $1,700 plus a bunch of $10 cables. You’re not saving much.

[@jeremyratter3634]

What differentiates the Navis from other active speakers like the LS50W is they don't have a DAC, which is actually a good thing for people that want to use their own external DAC. This allows for DAC upgrades and you aren't stuck with the DAC that manufacturer chose to give you for as long as you own the speakers. This is also good for those that want to play vinyl and keep a pure analog signal, since most people don't want to play their vinyl through a DAC.

[@FeeLtheHertZ]

The thing with concentric designs is the unrivaled driver blending due to the by-design near-perfect time matching. The woofer acts as an 'active' wave-guide for the tweeter that just happens to be a transducer that, you know, makes sound too. I've always loved the full-range driver design (yeah.. Bose, but that's for a different (past) day)), but this design has always intrigued me for that experience augmented with better treble extension. There's a couple supremely high-end studio monitors with such a design; Pioneer, PreSonus, Bag-End... nothing beats that 'time alignment' experience. Almost 3D like imaging. Bose, Bang & Olufsen and Gallo Acoustics to name a few. And no, before anyone replies - I'm not getting into the whole Bose argument - again. I've said my piece (and peace) on them, and there's plenty of die hard audiophiles that eventually found their 'Bose fan for life' moment with their systems (some enlightening reviews on Amazon) and it's zipped and bagged. The concept of full range reproduction is still applicable regardless of delusional hate for a brand or not. Anyways, glad to see you still killing it on YT Joe! Good shit, sir.

[@joentell]

Thank you. Always appreciate your insightful responses.

[@FeeLtheHertZ]

@@joentell Well, when they're insightful anyways, right? Hehehe... and they're even free of charge. Keep it up man, you're an OG.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I am sorry. You can’t connect anything else to the Discovery Connect box and stream it to the speakers. Unfortunately it has only outputs. What you said is only possible with the Air-x2 transmitter, which is quite poor as it only has one stereo rca input to stream to the speakers. The Air-x1 transmitter for the Elac Air-X speakers is way more versatile.

[@joentell]

I don't have any of those so I you could be right.

[@stevenswall]

A 6.5" version would be wonderful! Or two 8" opposed drivers and make it a four way with no need for a sub. For an 8" dual concentric, look for the upcoming Kali IN-8.

[@krane15]

Nowadays we always need a sub output since it offer expendability as your system grows.

[@christianvongoller2307]

Z Reviews sounded as though He was not overly impressed. Many speakers are finicky that need prefect room size, perfect acoustics or a perfect amp. It sounded as though Z Review was not that impressed. He said: I want a speaker to move me and these are not doing that. Something like that. He did say They imaged, sound staged well though. I like Your description: New audio People will never be impressed with speakers that have a smooth octave to octave tonal balance, or maybe laid back sounding with somewhat rolled off treble They do seem to go for V shaped response speakers. Joe, as usual , great review!

[@joentell]

Thank you! Room and placement has a big effect on the sound. I always try to move speaker around and listen to them in different environments.

[@rockfella27]

Yeah his point was for $2000 the speakers are not that impressive. He also stated 300 watts per speaker on a small driver doesn't usually work well and the wattage kinda becomes a bit irrelevant.

[@krane15]

@@rockfella27 For $2000 I'd better have a grin on my fact with virtually every recording I play. At that price point, just being a good speaker is not enough, it needs to be able to do something special, since you can get "good" for a whole lot less.

[@21stdigital]

SOLANO vs NAVIS sound? That's my $$$$ question for you at the same price, given you have a MID-FI Dac and amp already... PLEASE JOE GIVE IT A SHOT FOR US!🤙

[@krane15]

A very informative analysis, and as good as any subjective review can be. Only wish you could have had the opportunity to comment on their wireless capability.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thank you Joe! Now we are waiting for your Totem Kin Play review!!!

[@gordonosterhage2439]

Review the buchardt 400. I wanna see what u say before purchasing

[@timgenardo265]

That seems like the best deal under $2000 right now imo. I've been following that speaker ever since Jeff bagby released the revolution Be(very similar to this buchardt 400) . People constantly praise it's soundstage size and how they sound like big speakers. read more about Jeff Bagby's design.www.reddit.com/r/diysound/comments/9zfizq/jeff_bagbys_revolution_be_2_way_with_passive/.

[@joentell]

I've never seen that Jeff Bagby Revolution speaker, but I'm glad you showed me. Those look awesome. I wonder what it costs to build.

[@timgenardo265]

@@joentell In that thread the original poster points out the kit that costs between $500-1k(debending if you want upgraded tweeter) for the parts:meniscusaudio.com/product/sb-revolution-mini-be-loudspeaker-kit/. You still need to find a cabinet maker(unless you know how to make it yourself). There are some good examples in the thread of speaker builders you can contact to do that sort of job. www.taylorspeakers.com/html/custom__kits.html. I would guess anywhere from 700-1200 depending on the parts you chose.

[@edwardsanchez3708]

Buchardt needs to make a tower

[@raysilke5469]

Marantz! I still have a couple of them from the late 50s to the late 60s early 70s. They rock

[@joentell]

A couple!!!? 😊

[@stevenswall]

I love these nearfield. Great soundstage, no hiss, and fairly accurate bass within reason. I think the bass standing waves can sound richer when listening from a distance, but a bit less accurate.

[@M530H]

Would you be able to compare these to the LS50W?

[@stevenswall]

@@M530H I think I have a video or two talking about these, but the only thing I could say is that the Navis sounds more full on the low end, and the LS50 should have since it was against a wall instead of a couple of feet away. That being said, I listened to the KEF LS50W one day, and the Navis the next.

[@stevenswall]

@@M530H Check out Darko's video too. He compares them in the same room.

[@M530H]

@@stevenswall I have seen Darko's review on this as well a Zeos' review as well which is why I am a bit unsure. It is a bit of conflicting info. I'll take a look at your video. I appreciate the info.

[@jeremyratter3634]

@@M530H Darko is the trustworthy source for this particular product. There were problems with Zeos' review. I A/B tested the Navis with LS50W at home just like Darko did and my results in comparing them were essentially the same as what he states in his review. I won't repeat what he said since you can watch the review. I kept the Navis and returned the LS50W. You need to feed the Navis speakers a good signal to get the best out of them. If you have good enough gear in the front end you will be very pleased. They scale really well, so the better your DAC and preamp, the better they will sound. This is also part of the appeal because you can upgrade component over time and hear the SQ difference in the Navis speakers.

[@joonaspyykko1063]

Joe N Tell you have really great videos! Thank you for that. I`m thinking about upgrading my home theater LCR and was thinking about buying 3 uni-fi UB5’s. What`s your take on that, is that something you would recommend? Keep up the good work!

[@joentell]

I've had that same setup for a few years and I have enjoyed it.

[@motto697]

Hi Joe, in a future video could you speak about what the argument is for/against improving the frequency response of budget speakers by using a small DSP (i.e. miniDSP) over buying higher quality speakers? How flat of a response could a DSP yield? Would this be sounding comparable to the native near-flat frequency response of a $500+ speaker? If so, when is this the recommended approach for the budget-minded audio enthusiast?

[@joentell]

I made a how to use DSP video.

[@krane15]

By Bose, they invented it.

[@augustinvaclavik6282]

I'd rly appreciate if you gave atleast some reasoning for why u preffered the 85s, u said you'd enjoy them more with a~ 1k$ amp. My question is, since amp is gonna alter the sound toa great degree, which quality (of the 85s) u think of when u say your preference, do they have some underlying quality that the elac don't and that wouldnt ve been ridden by said amp. If you would be so kind, thank you

[@MrLasseTJ]

Great video once again 👍 - wild be nice to place edifier airpuls or s3000pro on the leader board. Should be great speakers for the money and use of great new tec. Thanks

[@joentell]

I asked them to review those.

[@stevenswall]

I'm a reviewer who returned them and I love them nearfield. Just not the port chuff which my cheaper speakers didn't have as much of. Placement and rooms definitely matter, but with concentric drivers and nearfield, both of those things matter a bit less, respectively.

[@ralentinovossi8081]

So would you say for near field desktop use, the Kanto TUK is better choice?

[@D1Calderon]

I’m looking into these or KEF LS50 Wireless IIs.

[@ohnonate]

Hi Joe, what was the distance between each speaker?

[@rolandrohde]

Hi Joe! I have a request, hoping you might pick this up: There are some good budget Speakers out there, and I discovered the Elac UniFi thanks to your Vids. Now I'm hearing great things about the Klipsch RP600M and am wondering, whether they are worse, equal or better for a Home Theatre Setup...can you perhaps do a comparison at some point?

[@wymotome]

I still question the direction of powered speakers, especially high-end versions. I get the concept if you're running a simple setup like a $149 turntable with a built-in phono preamp and you want a set of somewhat inexpensive powered speakers to run them with and stream bluetooth to. Speakers + turntable are a nice small footprint. But once you get into a set of $2K Elacs, they aren't really saving you any space or adding much convenience. To get quality sound at that level, you still need some kind of preamp, hi-res streaming device, etc. You haven't really saved any space or simplified anything and you're not really getting better sound than you would with a good amp + passive speakers. I wonder who these speakers are truly for? Maybe I could see them as "luxury" streaming speakers in a small space, but that's about it.

[@joentell]

I would have to agree with your point of view on this one. I find that looking for two places to plug in the power for each speaker is less convenient than hiding speaker wires.

[@jeremyratter3634]

In my opinion there is value with higher end active speakers. The reason being that you are getting amplification that is designed and tuned specifically for those speakers. With passive speakers audiophiles spend a lot of time and money trying to match amps to speakers to get good synergy. When I had passive KEF LS50s I went through various amps and I could never get them to sound as good as the active LS50s, even when I spent more money than what the actives cost. If you read reviews of the LS50Ws you see some people saying that even with $3-5k amps they can't get sound quality with the passive LS50 as good as the active ones. That's because with the actives amplification has been perfectly matched to the speakers by KEF designers. It makes a difference. If you have great speaker designers like KEF have, and designers like Andrew Jones, you get a tangible benefit in buying higher end actives. It can actually be a value proposition because if you desire a certain level of sound quality a higher end active can in many cases deliver the sound you desire at a lower price than if you bought passive speakers and an expensive amp. In addition you save a lot of time and energy trying to find an amp that is a good match for the speakers you bought.

[@krane15]

@@jeremyratter3634 Yep, on the pro side it simplifies the amp-to-speaker pairing process. On the other hand the complexity returns with dual power plugs and the box when you need to connect it to your TV. You're right back to a receiver, albeit in a smaller container, but still an extra component nonetheless. B&W follow a similar path but being a boutique speaker builder, are twice as expensive.

[@Scott-DJ]

This make a great pairing with an Oppo 205 that had a variable output. Use that outstanding DAC directly into these speakers with perfectly matched amplifiers for each driver...and you will be in audio bliss.

[@RAMtrails]

have you heard the floor standing Navis yet? super curious if they're worth it

[@WMax-rm3ue]

Guess i will stick to the ub5, slim version tho

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Can these be run in a wireless 5.1 setup?

[@dansantoso48]

Hi, can i use this for my PC and connect to my sound blaster sound card? Thanks

[@WMax-rm3ue]

Nice review as usual!!

[@valkyrieorion7200]

Ah crushed me with the nearfield opinion :( good review though!

[@22088011]

Acoustic Energy AE1 or Elac?

[@mycrazytechaddiction4104]

I think the elac speakers have a more wider sound with a fuller sound and bit more bass

[@joentell]

I think you're right

[@mycrazytechaddiction4104]

@@joentell Joe I want to buy some speakers from u this is serious and important 🤬😂

[@mycrazytechaddiction4104]

@@joentell no I'm serious is tht ur business u started or tht u have u make and sell different kids of speakers I recently just purchased in July 2 av receivers I got a 2018 Onkyo RZ 830 series and a Denon X4500 I also have a Onkyo TX-nr797 I got tht AVR first bt I needed more bc tht one is only 7.2 now I need a good set of 5.1 speakers I want floor speakers I trust ur opinion

[@joentell]

@@mycrazytechaddiction4104 these speakers don't belong to me. I returned them. I only had them for this review

[@mycrazytechaddiction4104]

@@joentell no I know tht I'm asking what kind of business do u run

[@timgenardo265]

I have the Elac Debut 2 series and the UNI fI series. Both Towers. Idk if it's just me but I prefer the Debut 2 over the Unifi. The vocals are more in your face, bass hit lower with more punch and the treble seemed a bit more lifelike. on the debut speakers. Not to say the Uni Fi are bad in any way but debut fit my taste more. I ran both with their EA101EQ amp and since have switched to High power class ab amps(only used for the debut, might try the power amp with the uni fi after seeing your video).

[@joentell]

How far do you have your speakers and what is your room like? I've found that the ELAC amp sounds better with the autoEQ off most of the time.

[@wymotome]

If you're using a proper amp (read: over 100WPC), there is no way the Debut .2's even come close to the Uni-Fi in terms of bass response. If not, then the Uni-Fi's will sound flat and lifeless. They need power to come alive, period.

[@timgenardo265]

@@wymotome Yeah i'm planning to try them with my power amp. 250w each channel. before I used the elac amp which was 70wpc (i thought it sufficient since most receivers output the same power and the bash amp) but it didn't sound as good as the bookshelf 6 inch debut 2.0 speaker to me. Ever since I got a new amp my, the bass sounded a bit more tight and accurate on the f6.2. I thought the same thing as you. Maybe now the Unifi will sound better than before. it's just i have them in storage and make two trips since my car does not fit 2 speakers in thier box.

[@mcjonner]

Nice video, thanks Joe. I was interested in hearing about these. Question for you - I'm looking at used dynaudio focus 160 or 140. The 140 is a 5.5" driver and the 160 is 6.7", otherwise the same box size approx and same components. They will be used for my main system for dual duty in a large space. I prefer the color choice of the 140, but worry the smaller driver wouldn't perform as good as the larger one. What do you think? They will be used with a sub as well.

[@joentell]

I think it matters less if using a sub

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I had the 160 and my friend the 140. Putting the bass driver aside, I remember the 160 tweeter is based on the esotar2 drivers and the 140 might be based on the esotar1 driver. So the refinement on both speakers are not at the same level with 160 sounding smoother in my experience. However, I did not AB test both speakers in my room so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[@mcjonner]

@@ThomasAndStereo thanks, I will look into that.

[@krane15]

Sorry, but I stopped listening at "have to turn them up to sound good." jk Seriously, that's always my litmus test of a good audiophile speaker: a high quality speaker that does not have to be turned up loud to sound good. Sometimes I like to listen to music quietly at night, but still hear all the separations, soundstage and fidelity of the song. Not that I don't crank it up sometimes, but an audiophile speaker shouldn't have to need that to sound good. Turning it up should just be an option to increase the volume, but not the musical quality. Anyway, I also didn't notice any subwoofer out on the speaker or the box -- and no XLR either? The whole purpose of those boxes should be to offer the consumer the added flexibility of connecting legacy ports missing from the speaker. That means all your A/V devices such as a phono inputs.

[@joentell]

How well a speaker sounds at low volumes has less to do with being "audiophile grade" and more to do with frequency response and sound signature. I've explained this in a few videos. It has everything to do with the equal loudness contour curve aka the Fletcher Munson curve.

[@ethanwasme4307]

If speakers already have subwoofers, does it screw with the sound to add a subwoofer if that's possible? Or are there a type of speaker that's intended for subwoofers? Sorry total newbie

[@joentell]

Welcome! Adding a subwoofer is tricky without room correction software made to separate out what goes to the sub and what goes to the main speakers, so they don't overlap sound. That causes a better blend. You can do it without room correction, but it's much trickier and requires a decent amount of experience to get right.

[@ichwillkuchen]

Quick question: can these be paired wirelessly WITHOUT the Discovery Connect box from Elac? E.g. if I have my own streamer/DAC, can I plug it into the master speaker and have it communicate wirelessly with it's pair? Or would I need to connect the two speakers via cabel? Thanks in advance for qualified answers!

[@Scott-DJ]

ig you're still reading this, these are different in that rather than connecting to a master-slave speaker, these are individually powered and connected. You would run an RCA or XLR cable from either you or preamp or a volume controlled source. That's their main claim to fame in that you can offer your own Dac, preamp Etc and just use the perfectly matched amplifiers to the drivers in the speakers.

[@mikehanks1399]

I'm first?? Not bad for an old white dude!! Wow, you said a lot in this video review. Isn't it amazing that one of the most important variables in getting great sound cannot be bought in a hifi shop. No matter how much one spends, they are stuck with the room all those expensive electronics are going to be put into. And as you pointed out, the room made the Elac's go from blah to amazing. The other variable, which is just as important, is where the speakers were placed in a particular room Additionally, HOW they were going to be listened to was yet another variable that cannot be purchased. It makes me wonder how many good speakers have not gotten their just rewards because of a less than optimum listening environment. While not a fan of powered speakers, generally speaking, I do like how they put the electronics on the bottom. All of the other features are nice selling points as well, and it has quite a few. But not having a grill is an unforgivable decision by Elac. Still, I think they more than held their own on the demo tracks. You were certainly right about the high end, not lacking there at all. So, my beloved Ultra's slip down another notch on the Leader Board?? Well, they're half the price so they don't have to hide their grills from anybody, which they at least HAVE. After this review I am also more intrigued with the Wharfedales than ever! Good stuff, my friend. Your position on top of the my Leader Board is still secure.

[@joentell]

Appreciate your nod of approval.

[@superrookie3377]

im planning to buy active speaker, i wonder what is the best affordable hifi active speaker in the world lol, kef ls50w vs arb 51 = ?

[@joentell]

I haven't tested the LS50W's.

[@MichaelGreco]

Dude, wonder how these would sound with the schiit Freya? If you like tube preamp seems like the Freya is a great

[@joentell]

Maaan, that sounds like the combo right there! I have the Vali 2 and I'm impressed. I'm sure the Freya is even better.

[@eliwalsh1425]

Looking for a review on RSL's CG25 LCR and CG5.

[@PKAWA]

Omg i'm a baller. Never even knew about my condition.

[@Wooster77]

Has anyone heard if Elac plans to update the UB5s anytime soon, like they did wit the B series?

[@joentell]

I sure hope so! I really would like to see them try an aluminum dome tweeter if they update the UB5.

[@Wooster77]

@@joentell Yes! And make a version with a 6.5" woofer.

[@M530H]

ARB 51 vs Kef LS50W for desktop? Will be adding a sub to either setup. They will be put 7-8ft apart.

[@jeremyratter3634]

Well I don't think either are ideal for desktop if you are sitting at the desk. They will sound best at a volume higher than what you would want on a desk. If you have them 7-8 feet away from your listening position as well as 7-8 feet apart from each other I think that would yield a better result.

[@M530H]

@@jeremyratter3634 I mention desktop only because that's where they will actually be sitting. They will be used as computer speakers from time to time, but for the most part I'll be about the 6 -7 ft from the actual speakers.

[@jeremyratter3634]

@@M530HI have my Navis speakers about 7 feet away from my listening position and this works well for me so in your case I think you are good.

[@bigjay1970]

Humm, you must be talking about Zeos not being too thrilled with them!🤓🤓😉😎🙄

[@joentell]

I actually mentioned his review and John Darko's review on my community post here on KZbin. They we're just two different extremes it seems. I wanted to see what I thought of them. I can see where they're both coming from.

[@bigjay1970]

Joe N Tell Thanks for the response. Great review!

[@jeremyratter3634]

@@joentell My experience was exactly that of John Darko. His review was spot on and he was feeding the Navis a good signal in the front end which is needed for them to shine. Zeos was using lower end components in the front end that did not compliment the Navis.

[@mikeleahy5283]

Nice review

[@VinceM797]

How about some UB6.5s!

[@joentell]

Yes Andrew Jones, make that happen please!🙏

[@arkdark5554]

Bro, do I have to have an amp with preamps to be able to use these speakers with? Thanks. I mean, an amp without preamps wouldn’t do it?

[@joentell]

You would need either pre-outs to take full advantage. I used a DAC which had RCA out. I'm sure they want you to use their Discovery system.

[@arkdark5554]

Joe N Tell Listen my brother...I was not expecting an answer, but, you did give me one. And I’m so grateful to you for this, really. I indeed have a Discovery Connect box as well. Now, I listen music through these gorgeous Elac speakers, fine. However; I want to buy an external DAC, to upgrade my gear. For this, do I have to buy an amp do you think my bro? Thank you man...

[@joentell]

@@arkdark5554 I haven't heard any differences between DAC's myself even though I know there are measurable differences. I just don't know how much of that transfers to audible differences.

[@mikeavetisyan8709]

For that price I would get Dynaudio Xeo 20's :/

[@DKLGalactus5]

Wow my speakers sound great

[@08jamu]

Please review edifier s3000pro. Do some edifier.

[@joentell]

Would love to get my hands on that or the Air Pulse

[@russharris8964]

KEF LS50W all the way!!

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

I’ve had the same problem with elac as I do with klipsch, they are amazing for music but not for movies

[@joentell]

Interesting. What about them did you not like for movies?

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Joe N Tell to be fair I’ve never heard these. It’s hard to say what I didn’t like specifically, But I bought the 5 speaker setup of the uni-fi u5 and it just didn’t sound right. The highs weren’t detailed enough for me and the mids seemed toned way down. So far nothing (I’m no audiophile) I have found sounds better(to me) than my Polk tsx 550t with the 330b surrounds. Klipsch seems the opposite, highs are so loud it can become ear piercing and the way S’s in peoples voices sound drive me crazy.

[@joentell]

Could it be your room exaggerating some of the speakers' characteristics?

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Joe N Tell definitely a possibility. My room treatment is pretty weak. I just threw up a large comforter set on all walls besides the front wall and have a huge area rug that covers 90% of the floor. I decided to forget about trying to upgrade speakers and went ahead and bought the epson 4010 projector instead. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

[@joentell]

Not a bad choice!

[@mobilepsycho]

Good speakers no doubt. Overpriced IMO. I won't go higher than 1K for good active speakers.

[@Enemji]

Jesus Christ - There is almost no difference between the original digital track and the reproduction by Navis. Yes, it is slightly brighter. But that is it. I am using the Sony MDR 7506 headphones.

[@HungryEatNow]

The recording is pretty bad it is very roomy accurate literally

[@johnfoster2592]

Thanks for your review. Your demo tracks do not sound anything like the Navis B51. I own a pair and I think you are doing Elac a dis-service. I sincerly like your reviews but this time I think you are needlessly slamming a great speaker and also a great speaker manufacturer. Peace and out.

[@johnfoster2592]

I'm sorry. I did not mean to be overly critical. I guess it's the comparrison using headphones,of unknown quality that everybody has. All the best and endless peace and love to you.

[@joentell]

I don't review based on my sound demos. LOL. It's based on my actual listening. I didn't slam the speaker, I actually like them and rated them very highly on my Speaker Leaderboard. I've improved my sound demos using a binaural recording. But they are NEVER made to be used standalone to judge a speaker. I give my impressions, I show measurements, AND I do a sound demo. They all data points and hopefully, together they paint a clearer picture than any of them by themselves. I also always give a disclaimer as to what my measurements and sound demos are and are not.

[@johnnysmile01]

Alright 👍

[@episteme666]

you look like the daltons lol

[@MrOldandslow]

Jabber, jabber, jabber....Please use fewer words.