ELAC’s Andrew Jones discusses the new Debut 2.0 speakers

The Audiophiliac sits down with Andrew Jones to chat about the Debut 2.0 Series speakers. They have newly developed drivers, waveguides, cabinets, and crossover networks, so the sound is all new too! Here's the CNET review, www.cnet.com/products/elac-de...

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

The full CNET Debut 6.2 review will post Monday or Tuesday.

[@nickn.6934]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac Hello Steve, have you had a listen to wharfedale's diamond 200 or 11 series, it would be great if your able to have a comparison since they are in the same price bracket.

[@1mykalfury]

AWESOME! My fav speaker designer interviewed by my fav "Audiophile" journalist. Most Excellent. As much as I love Jones' designs, when we're at the $300 a pair tag, we're now approaching competitive regions. Example: JBL Arena & Studio Lines are a force to be reckoned with at that price tag. For shear 3D imaging etc., the JBL Arena are hard to compete against, They throw out that immersive, 3D wall of sound accompanied by warmth & sparkle. When they're played at loud volume levels they really are sweet. I hope the new ELAC renditions win the day. So, I'm obviously rooting for Jones to come out on top in that face off. ~ peace

[@catsbyondrepair]

FURY jbls blow elacs away

[@scottmorgan6275]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac

[@Slickman2006]

Would like to hear how they compare to Uni-Fi.

[@pauleee54]

I have just bought a pair of the 6.2,s i have to say I'm new to Elec, but looking on KZbin at the reviews i gave them a chance, boy was i glad i did, they have blown me away with the sound quality, in fact i would say these are the best hifi speakers i have owned through out my life, I'm 70 years young now.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That's fantastic, enjoy!

[@ottohonkala6861]

Andrew Jones has done achieved more for the common man HiFi, than almost anyone understands.

[@pipsqueak631]

Thank you Steve. I haven't had decent audio since 1999. So I watched your site and decided with my budget to get Elacs 2.0. What an amazing sound. I coupled them with a TEAC CD player with remote control and a Sony amp also with a remote. Being able to tune the volume, balance and tone from my listening chair has made a remarkable difference.. Now that the sound is in tune I can drive the speakers to the point where the music comes from different points of infinity right till it fills the space between my ears.

[@boscodooley8561]

I bought the same set up for the same reasons. I also got the uturn table. It is such a good gateway.

[@JacobFrey]

Exactly the video I wanted to see this morning! Thanks Andrew and Steve!

[@gautambodke1533]

Wow:). I just can’t wait for the review and comparison with the b6 which I own and love😀

[@mikeday62]

Always great to see and hear Andrew Jones on this channel. Personally I would get the original Debut B6 because they look way better with ports on the rear, and I keep my pioneers at least a few feet away from walls.

[@kevinroosa1315]

He's very involved in the audio community, answers a lot of questions personally and seems to be an overall friendly guy. It's one of the main reasons I'd gravitate towards his products over anyone else's in the relatively affordable loudspeaker market.

[@graxjpg]

Just bought a pair of 6.2! I am so excited, I’ve never owned a pair of good speakers and I have a pioneer VSX-D1S.

[@TastySanchez]

Thanks for this. Was hanging out for a debrief video with Andrew. Now I can't wait to hear what people say about the new sound compared to the original. I must say I miss the silver trim around the driver aesthetically speaking however.

[@mrpink3630]

im glad that gaudy trim is gone....

[@WV591]

back in the early days mid 80's and early 90's they were one of the best looking and sounding speakers.

[@25-8]

I’m so hyped about them, I want a pair already!!!

[@sting64az]

Got mine a few weeks ago at Best Buy 1/2 price sale. Now they went back to their normal price of $299.00

[@BirdArvid]

Just ordered a Debut C6.2; very excited!

[@olaniyi570]

I haven't heard the new one yet but I can honestly say I like the looks of the older design much better.

[@rc121crx]

I would love to research and develop an audio product with Andrew . A job I've always wanted and maybe one day ...

[@huijskes]

Pure estetic.. i loved the old hollow centercaps more then the bol ones.

[@briansmith5046]

I have bought & owned the B 5 debut 2's for the last month or so & can't praise them enough Even in a budget system ,sound quality is superb ! hearing things on albums that I've been listening to for years that I never heard before ,amazing especially for the money For £250 they will give speakers costing a lot more a run for their money ( & I have listened to a lot of speakers in my time , believe me !) So take a bow Andrew Jones ( would love to hear a review by What Hifi Magazine to hear their verdict if they did a test on them )

[@adityasrivastava1560]

can you comment on which amp and other electronics goes with this speaker? budget ofcourse

[@briansmith5046]

Hi ok I have used a Pioneer A10 (50watts per ch) & also a Yamaha AS501( 115watts per ch) all with great results , also try any of the Onkyo amplifiers What HiFi magazine did do a very good review for these speakers some time ago for which they received a 5 star rating ( have a scan for back issues )It wasn't that long ago Hope this helps

[@tomb8112]

I bought these 2 weeks ago to replace my old Pioneer HPM -100's (big heavy 60 lb speakers from the 1970's). When I first hooked up the ELAC's they seemed a bit too strong on the mid and high frequencies, so I hooked up an equalizer and toned down the mid and high and upped the bass. They now sound fantastic and actually sound just as good if not better than the old Pioneers.

[@donaldlee6760]

This is one to the best episodes yet. Any chance of an interview with Kevin Voecks or Floyd Toole?

[@AudiophileTubes]

Andrew Jones is a notable speaker designer, yes. However, there are many other legends too. Like Greg Timbers, formerly of JBL. I purchased one of his masterpieces... a pair of JBL Studio 530 bookshelfs (hard to find now), which are terrific! Even better than the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 speakers, which I owned as well.

[@svalbard01]

OCD triggered by AJ's armpit/shirt. LOL. Great video though--can't wait to hear these!

[@RennieAsh]

I knew I shouldn't have read the comments first...now it cannot be unseen!

[@iwaswithyourmom9410]

man boobies...

[@bigjay1970]

Great informative interview😁 I sure wish there was a store with 300 different pairs of various speakers where one could do an A/B comparison test like they have in Japan as I have seen here on KZbin. The best I have seen is like 10 pairs at a magnolia room at Best Buy. The high end designer series Magnolia stores that sells high-end B&W speaker line along with Martin Logan electrostatic speakers. There are two here in NJ. I suppose Steve the store you worked at was like that Magnolia room setup. Without the 300 pairs. That's where I believe the internet has made it difficult to actually hear the speakers before you buy because of direct sales there's no stores to listen and actually compare speakers in an A/B comparison. Even at the Rocky Mountain show you can't A/B the speakers either so it's basically useless. There are way too many variables within rooms using different equipment and cables to say one speaker sounds better than another and that's even if you had the possibility of both rooms playing the same song . With Tv's some how there's no problem comparing various tv offerings in the various stores although again each TVs using their own specific designed content to be played on that specific TV. But I suppose that's why there's people like you.😉😁

[@catsbyondrepair]

3en6ie 3en6ie best buy sells refurbished gear and passes It off as I used to work there when I found out I quit.

[@elbebe1000]

Great job Steve, any idea if an update on Uni-Fi UB5?

[@21anthem12]

“Always a pleasure. Well, New York, that is.” Doh!

[@WarinPartita6]

Many thanks, AJ. :-)))

[@carlosduran8395]

Good morning, I was wondering when you are going to review the JBL Studio 230, have I seen positive reviews of these on the Web? . Thank you

[@trog69]

So, would Mr. Jones suggest upgrading from the B6 to the B6.2? The original seems to have a bit more bass output, so I'm not going to upgrade, but I would love to have that better tweeter.

[@mzondi1970]

Good deal I was getting ready to purchase the originals I'll have to wait and see what they sound like in comparison now

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

Would be fun to hear the difference i have the b5 they sound great for drums i find. Great bass the highs are lacking.

[@adambrown8867]

Andrew Jones explains how the Debut V2 is better in every way. I agree with him.

[@stevep1373]

I am using Kef Q100s now specifically because of the front facing port and my speaker placement limitations. Would love to hear how these B6 2.0 s would compare.

[@AudiophileTubes]

I own a pair of Q100's too. Great, value driven speaker. Wasn't Andrew Jones with KEF, and didn't he help design their single source drivers?

[@djvartan]

I'm very impressed with my Debut 2.0 speakers. Beats others priced much higher.

[@edlily4185]

Hi Steve, what is you take on these floor-standing speakers on the budget: Airmotiv T1 vs Fluance Signature Series Hi-Fi vs ELAC Uni-fi UF5? Thanks!

[@daryllakes5869]

I wonder how these would hold up to my old faithful Paradigm Atoms V5.

[@rjzlwop3153]

Can I use definitive technology monitor Pro 800s for my rear surround while using the B6.2?

[@Motymott99]

How do they compare to the polk signature s20/s15

[@brydon10]

I'm sold!

[@HarkamalAujla]

Do they do one with amp and speakers so 1 time can purchase

[@andreassouth1523]

Has anyone heard the old b6 close to rear wall?I heard the old b6 on stands and was perfect for me (in a shop).I liked the "dark" character (don't like bright sound speakers).But thinking of buying the old one and putting them on top of bookself, 7 inches from the rear wall, they will be ok?Light boomie or heavy boomie.Maybe 7 '' is enough for the port?I like Heavy bass response.I think I prefer the easy listen character of the original(from C/NET review).

[@nikola9753]

This is probably my next speaker,right now listening on Mission m72

[@mariai9549]

every few years a new speaker manufacturer comes out with an affordable small speaker. A box with 2 drivers and a crossover. Not much change in the general design. Does the sound improving substantially?

[@veiledallegory]

Steve if you were going to spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a pair of floorstanding speakers which ones would you buy. Im looking to upgrade from my current towers and would like to know which ones you would buy!

[@joeldoxtator9804]

Weighing the cost of building my own or 8 of these for my atmos. I can build better but these might be cheaper. Really like the 35Khz extension. Not so much a fan of the 2K crossover, though. I like to see something closer to 3.5-4K for driving concerns with large watt amps.

[@thomasnew8606]

why do you like the 35khz extension? Not like you or any human can hear that nor is anything really recorded up "there"

[@matilija]

@@thomasnew8606 Extension still matters to eliminate early roll off, I mean 20khz extension is fine if it's -3db, but at -10db it's unacceptable in a quality speaker, if the tweeter extends to 35 khz at -10db, you will likely only have at worst -3 db to possibly even flat at 20khz.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

What is a good break in period for these?

[@lotrmj]

How do they sound at low volume (~ 60 dB)? Are they created for quiet listener in mind? How much of excitement do they lose when listening at conversational volume? :)

[@25-8]

lotrmj I have a short sample uploaded on my channel. I just got them last week :-)

[@randomtube8226]

Are these good 6.5in bookshelf speakers at the $300 a pair price point? Im looking for the best pair of $300 6.5in bookshelf speakers that I can purchase in the U.S. that was made in 2018. Any suggestions from my fellow audiophiles?

[@bizyz]

elac should develop a mini monitor like the proac tablette complete with 4 way binding posts for bi wiring.

[@stephanierodriguez7395]

Aj is the man...

[@rickylah69]

is the debut b5.2 good for nearfield? pc desk setup

[@MrOutlawDave]

Dose anybody know if the uni fi is getting updated soon?

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Is it safe to pain them? Could someone please make speakers in a nice soft white or some other wall type color?

[@OFF-WORLD9732]

Hi, what is the cheapest amp for these speakers? I will use them with my 4k TV, I want a 5.1 system but I don't have the enough money for an a/v receiver + these speakers. Only got for the speakers and some amp.

[@25-8]

devilnevacry just do what I’m a do. What is your budget? Mine is $1,000. I plan to get two towers, the new F5.2, they have plenty of enough bass that you won’t need one. I had the privilege to use the unifi series and loved the mid bass improvement. These are said to be a mix of the unifi and original debut line. Anyways, two towers and an emotiva TA-100 preamp/DAC/amplifier. It has everything you need, Bluetooth apex, optical input, usb DAC, fm tuner, a headphone amp and a subwoofer out if you need one. That amplifier costs $400 but you can buy it used cheaper. It’s solid and I enjoyed it with the unifi series.

[@25-8]

Never mind sorry it is 2.1 only

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Hey Steve, I'm curious, really really curious, and I know you don't really respond to comments much, how could you when there are so many, but I just really want to know what you think about the original Bob Carver Sunfire. It's cool if you don't answer, but I will always wonder since I respect your opinion so much.

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

These look way better....the new tweeter with oodles more extension even more than the Unifi tweet, and with the Crossover down around 2.2khz dispersion and uppermids should be much better, and being front ported will help to....I think these will sound better than the Unifi.....b5.2 will to....

[@buttonman1831]

yes I generally like speakers where the tweets extend low into the mids.

[@strychnine7777]

Does this work on computers? I would love to use them with my computer!

[@HelveticaBold1]

What stands are the B6s on?

[@johngreek]

How do you compare to the Wharfedale 10.2 i got ?

[@antoniosalles3134]

Steve. One simple question. A pair of Uni 5 bookshelf with a good sub or Mag.. 7 with a good sub???????????

[@25-8]

Antonio Salles unifi doesn’t need a sub, they have so much bass trust me. Right now they are on sale $350 on amazon.

[@RennieAsh]

The new ones look more like speakers from other manufacturers, eg B&W, Wharfedale, but the port looks yukkier. I guess they have to cost cut somewhere, after all, the aim is to bring great sound at cheaper prices than the others.

[@americolouro4494]

Calaramente amigo este senhor é um grande Gênio Mestre Musical 100000000000estrelad

[@mutantbaby1672]

What happened to the B4? 🙁

[@americolouro4494]

Calma que este Senhor sabe duas coisas o que diz e o que Faz! Vejamos o currículo do Senhor Mestre Musical onde passa deixa a sua parte obrigado por faseres coisas geniais viva André Jones

[@hmst5420]

These are great speakers. Not looking very nice but sounding super great.

[@RealRandomReview]

With a sub, B5.2 or b6.2?

[@Acrysis3]

so far so good, hopefully the price won't change much.

[@majsterV]

around $20 more per pair

[@reclermo]

How is it possible this 'designer' doesn't know the crossover frequency of his system?

[@gotham61]

reclermo “Designer”? Really? Andrew Jones is probably the most recognized speaker designer in the world today.

[@ivandjdocrodriguez]

Hi, I'm considering biamping these speakers through a Rane AC23S active crossover and 2 crown amps, what crossover point do you recommend?

[@patrickmiller4987]

He designed the crossover, leave it be, biamping is a waste of time IMO and they dont need much power.

[@ivandjdocrodriguez]

@@patrickmiller4987 Thanks for your reply

[@ErikGenerik76]

Why not side ports for the center? Anyone tried this?

[@TastySanchez]

The idea was to help cabinet placement. In this case the only option is front ports if you have ports at all.

[@CEOLISSS]

Can you review and make a comparison video?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

A CNET review will post early this week.

[@jeffhunter4395]

Did he say when they will hit the market??? Did he also say what finish they will come in.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Check the ELAC website for availability, should be very soon. Black ash is the only finish, I think.

[@sirdavis2101]

So do they make studio monitors?

[@eihthype6578]

I know some engineers that use the original b6's for studio reference monitors. I'm thinking of trying some out for that purpose as well.

[@petersimonelli8785]

Update as of 2020. I bought these and thought they were OK. A little dull sounding. So I bought a new premamp (Emotiva) and use it with and old QSC power amp (class C) Still not good . so I bought a new power amp(Emotiva) Still not good . So I bought a new DAC (Schiit) Still not happy. So I bought a new CD player. Not good enough. Then I did something crazy, I pulled out and old pair of Wharfedale Diamond V from many years ago. I haven't used these speakers in 15 years. To my surprise they sounded much better than the Elacs

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

Kind of disappointed that the new towers f6 are only 2 way. Wonder if I should snag the old 3 ways now.

[@Glock_4717]

Paul Koby you are incorrect

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

lennon Krane The video says 3 way but their website says 2 way. Hoping its just a miss print. The treble was a weak point on the originals.

[@HowDareYouu]

review them fast and compare to the old ones

[@marccormier2310]

your ears have no eyes guys :)

[@drtoolm]

@@marccormier2310 But the wife does.

[@lllllll396]

i raul sw

[@MancaveCentral1]

watts and sensitivity... must now go find that info somewhere... :/

[@stevenswall]

Perception wise, the original of dark woven kevlar appearance appears more premium, though the front port is nice on the 6.2.

[@Lengsel7]

East Los Angeles College?

[@salmonline]

So, the old ones are going down in price, right?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Go check.

[@salmonline]

I swear I went and checked on Amazon when I read you response and the Debut 6s had decreased by 1 dollar.

[@Glock_4717]

That’s what I’m hoping for too

[@JazzinBlues]

I'm hoping so! Glad I held off on the 1.0 series...

[@salmonline]

"Go check." Aren't you the Audio-whatchacallit?

[@TheSodFather09]

I like the old style better

[@GastonBulbous]

I don’t know if they sound appreciably better but they look appreciably uglier! The originals were a brilliant piece of industrial design and have the clean look of a classic, like 1970s Advent speakers. On these new ones, the drivers look mismatched, like someone made it in their garage, and that front port is just unforgivable.

[@avjake]

If you want good looks, buy Monitor Audios in piano black finish. If you want good sound for 300 bucks, buy these.

[@Gregor7677]

GastonBulbous I hadn't heard about Advents for a long time. Loved them.

[@NAZTYPONY007]

i don't buy them for looks @Pojosamaneo

[@MichelLinschoten]

I cannot stand vented speakers... I got reflexes too in my VR40 lynnfield Boston acoustics speakers i plugged them, closed is just lot more controlled.

[@rlwings]

I suppose this new speaker is 4 ohm like his others... Great, so what do most receiver owners do with their 8 ohm units then?

[@IceBullit]

They are 6 ohm

[@michaelgottschalk872]

.

[@moofushu]

Do these speakers have polyfill? Why do speakers have polyfill in the first place. I don't see what you gain by having it in a ported cabinet.

[@bryede]

The port acts at very low frequencies and fill material has more effect at higher frequencies, so there's no problem.

[@TheRealJohnHooper]

I want to see that 35k proven at a messurement..

[@manueleckstein5030]

I have two lac el135

[@BogdanWeiss]

@Steve Guttenberg > let me know when you start a gofundme to BUY YOU A MICROPHONE & I'll chip inn ;-)

[@mrchinaski4125]

We should all save us on every single video and tell Steve does Buy and Mike. It’s ridiculous that one of the best current day Speaker designers as the hold the mic as he gives an interview. Come on Steve lets up the game you’re too good for this.

[@tweakradje]

Same layout as the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 now. Which I think sounds better for little more money. Not that the DEBUT sounds bad, I have a pair ;)

[@buttonman1831]

do the bronzes sound better? I have silver 8s which sound excellent, but I heard the bronzes were well, meh. I am really curious.

[@olaniyi570]

The dust cap on the new one screams "poke me".

[@vintagestereo]

never heard this elac line but Andrews pioneer s-31 speakers didn't impressed me

[@dsmdallas2466]

Shouldn't you just discontinue the older model as it is similar price and inferior?

[@scottpeck1149]

Rear ports no Bueno, JBL front ports

[@bennycop]

I wonder what HiFi equipment has Andrew at home

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Bose

[@jeffkelly5972]

Went to look at these and found the price has jumped up to 349.99

[@Harzexe]

Lucky you. In Poland they cost $400. I would be fine with paying 300-350 for 2 but 400 is too much.

[@jeffkelly5972]

@@Harzexe I wound up getting them for $299 on sale. They sound ok but I think all the reviews were kind of hype. My wife is from Poland.

[@sz004]

So has anyone HEARED them (new B6.2, not the old ones)??? Any conclusions?

[@robertmarshall7712]

These look much uglier than the originals! I love my original debut b5 so much. Also, it's interesting his comments on improving the bracing in the cabinets when three years ago he was saying that cabinet resonance was one thing he thought that was impossible to eliminate in a budget speaker design. He said that it was something to live with and that it's more important to invest in quality components. Interesting change of tack!

[@astrotrance]

They didn't knuckle-rap test because you can't properly hear it over KZbin.

[@dedskin1]

They look classically German , i think there is nothing wrong on a fundamental level with these , soft dome should be nice to listen to , drivers are close , but you are not getting anything Esoteric and Profound with these , one way they can be improved is by Actively powering them , Bi Amping for starts , making them bigger somewhat but these are things that cant be done on commercial stuff , you can do it on your own , shouldn't be hard . But would be cheaper to just buy bigger active speakers

[@TADDs101]

black friday sale now 1/2 price as they are now $149!!! look at Best Buy, Amazon or Crutchfield ... steal of a deal

[@MrOutlawDave]

Exposed screws, no magnetic grill! 🙄

[@gnd144]

Magnetic grills is a must in 2020!

[@cazgerald9471]

Perhaps as an audiophile you could give just a little consideration of the audio in your videos.

[@philipae27]

Caz Gerald seconded

[@SuperMatrix59]

All this with no demo

[@Popart-xh2fd]

35kHz??? For what, dogs?

[@raydavies6236]

I am lucky if I hear 15k

[@Synthematix]

Marketing gimmick, most digital amps cut the sound at 22k

[@StopMoColorado]

To extend the distortion threshold due to the drivers' materials and the point at which they resonate destructively with/against the output signal, not because he's deluded/confused about the limits of human hearing.

[@Popart-xh2fd]

Distortion of what? mp3 don't reproduce sounds above 20kHz for instance...

[@Synthematix]

Unwanted harmonics and aliasing, listen to an mp3 through rear speakers then tell me how bad they sound

[@leemartin2978]

Given that this is effectively about "sound" it's not too clever on here , especially Steve. He's way quieter and distant