This is a solid deal in our current age of tariff- and war-fueled inflation. I'd happily take a pair of these 6.5" woofer speakers at this price over any number of similar size/capability bookshelf speakers costing double, such as the SVS Primes. Good neutral sound, does well with both movies and music, and the front porting is nice if you need to have it pushed up close against a wall or corner playing full range without a subwoofer and at high volumes. Google up the reviews, these are very well regarded. There's a newer version out now (DB63), if you don't mind paying an extra $200 for a pair. If on a budget and not wanting to add a subwoofer for music, can't think of any really strong competition at this price.
https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut...1_1?sr=8-1
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On a serious note, has anyone tested these? Any idea on how they would sound compared to something like KEF or Dali? Trying to figure out my first bookshelf speakers
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On a serious note, has anyone tested these? Any idea on how they would sound compared to something like KEF or Dali? Trying to figure out my first bookshelf speakers
Now, in terms of cabinet build quality and looks, KEF and Dali would be better across the board...if that matters to you and you don't mind paying varying levels of the "eye-candy tax."
These are very entry level for a tight budget.
For a tight budget level look at those Jamo's for $99.
For the price those are not to bad.
These are more on the neutral but bright side.
They tend to be kinda bland/unexciting type sound ime.
If you have listened and liked either KEF or Dali, I would recommend staying in that higher tier.
Kef Q150
Wharfedale Diamond 225
Martin Logan B1
Martin Logan B2
(and Neumi BS5).
These are incredible for the price (they're $329 everywhere, not just Amazon). They are a bit warmer than some (Martin Logans and B&Ws). But they are very smooth. Just like the Wharfedales. They are great for long listening sessions. My mains (and favorites) are the Martin Logan B2's but they're a completely different budget.
If you like warm and smooth, get these. If you prefer a more sparkly treble then the ML or B&W.
I love sub bass so I use subwoofers no matter which bookshelfs I'm running. So, while I can say these are fine without subs... I personally wouldn't use them (or the others) that way. Many do though.
Also, these being front-ported, allow for more placement options. Closer to wall, etc. Cheapaudioman on YT used to do speaker shootouts and he's a fan of these. Recently rewatched one between these (the B5.2 version), Q150, Emotiva and Q acoustics. His opinion is that these may not be standouts in any specific frequency range but they cover them all extremely well. However, he likes the B5.2 bass better, and they're like $60 cheaper ($269 on Crutchfield and Elac's site).
Highly suggest reading. Personally I'd spend an extra $40 to get the Neumi BS5 instead if on a tight budget. Its review here, same methodology: https://www.erinsaudioc
While the Neumis are good at a sale price, these Elacs are way better.
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Another for the budget would be the Triangle BR02, they have hit $149.
I would even put up the Triangle Borea BR03 that have hit $300 against these ELACs.
Less expensive & better sonically ime.
I got the Neumis factory refurbed for $69 on Amazon and the B6.2's for $200 used because I knew that since they're the walnut version I will flip them easily. Hearing them both, at those prices I'd still choose the Elacs. At full retail, I would also. But that's because I own them both and know what they sound like. Triangles would definitely sound good too.
$349, $449 can bring in better options ime. Just have to be patient.
Actually I said they have hit $149 and that was new, just like these are.
ELACs should be better, even in your own unfair comparison they were more than double the price.
As people love to point out, is it worth the price-to-performance difference.
That will vary from person to person, there is no universal correct answer imo.
I too am going strictly from personal listening experience.
TBH our(or anyone's) experience is actually irrelevant to anyone else imo but we have to play the game.
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You: "At almost double the price, sonically I'll kindly disagree ime."
Regardless, at $329 I'd put the money toward better speakers, but to the guy asking if anyone has tested these, to whom I was responding, I stick with my opinion.
Anyway, per your link I see 2.5 years ago Adorama was dumping stock of just one color for that $149. I thought you were claiming they actually go on sale for that. $149 is not a price people are going to find the BR02's at. Weird comparison.
While the Neumis are good at a sale price, these Elacs are way better.
The user feedback on those Jamos on AVS is pretty dire.
I see you're also a bargain hunter! I got my B6.2 for $180 from an Amazon "Used-Like New" deal, so when I flipped them a few years later, actually made a little profit. 😊 $69/pr on the Neumis is excellent, they're now double that.
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Contrary to popular belief, price-to-performance difference works in both directions.
Even you said "if they hit $150 I'd choose them too".
Like you I would pass on these, for me even if they were $150 new, for something better(to me).
As you pointed out "these may not be standouts in any specific frequency range".
I'd go with something that does standout imo.
I'd say no more weird than finding these for $200 especially if these are so called very well regarded!
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