ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair)

Product Information

Another feature you’ll like about these speakers is that the bass is tuned using a front-firing port. Unlike a rear port which tends to be fussier about placement, having the vent at the front allows you to be more flexible, especially when placing your speakers against a wall. It also makes the speakers less sensitive to your listening position, but you may want to place them on a rigid surface. Rigid MDF Enclosure Unfortunately, there’s a weird +3dB “step” at about 1.5kHz which makes the speaker sound uneven. It’s not like it “jumps out” at you or is “sharp” like you would get when you have a peaking in the response at a particular frequency. It just doesn’t sound “right”. I couldn’t figure out exactly what I didn’t like when I was listening. But when I saw the data I realized what it was. Every now and again I come across a speaker that does something like this; where the issues I have with it aren’t easily identifiable. It’s because I’m looking for specifics and not expecting broadband differences like I’m seeing in this speaker. The What Hi-Fi?team has more than 100 years experience of reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Bath, where our team of expert reviewers do all our in-house testing. This gives us complete control over the testing process, ensuring consistency.We always ensure we spend plenty of time with the speakers, trying them with different electronics, in different positions and with different music.

Out of all the changes made to the ELAC B5.2 speakers, the one I disapprove of is the front port. I've covered the downsides to this type of configuration many times, but I'll do it once more for the new visitors. Apart from the ports, both speakers come with a new MDF cabinet for effortless placement. The cabinets are fitted with internal bracing to minimize vibration and potential cabinet resonances. Furthermore, the new cabinet construction offers significant improvements in terms of build quality and overall sound quality. Expansive high-end response

DSP Corrected impressions:

Recognizing that in a multi-channel system the majority of sound comes through the center speaker, we have optimized sensitivity and impedance to minimize the power requirement from the AV receiver, maximizing dynamic impact from lower cost receivers.

The cabinet has single-wire connectors for simple connection to any amplifier or receiver. Frequency Response Right from the opening of “Space Intro” the circular panning synthesizer effect is completely encompassing and seamlessly transitions from rear to the side to front and across. Want a step-up model? Award-winning B&W 600 S3 speakers get their first-ever deal – and guys, it's a good oneBecause of a presentation that favors analysis above smoothness or warmth, the B5.2 aren’t quite as forgiving as accompanying electronics. Thankfully, any flaws in the collaborating electronics are not only not disguised but also not overemphasized.

In a perfect speaker the on axis response would have a dip here to compensate for the extra off axis energy, and we do see it sitting in a slight dip compared to the rest of the treble.The prevous version had sound leaking through the oversized voicecoil vent and thin inverted dust cap. This cap is a kind of flexible, thin, maybe a little absorbent plasticy type material. I'm pretty sure people calling this speaker bright are expecting it to perform based on the specs, and there is no way this speaker has anywhere near flat extension to 46Hz as claimed by the specs. Best Bluetooth Bookshelf speakers are an excellent alternative if you want to jam out in your living room but need more space for larger floor standing speakers. Elac Debut has consistently produced some of the best music over the years. Its latest releases are the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 and B6.2. CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CA7, CA8, CA9, CA10, CA11, CA12, CA13, CA14, CA15, CA16, CA17, CA18, CA19, CA20, CA21, CA22, CA23, CA24, CA25, CA26, CA27, CA28. To make room for the bigger parts on the board the resistors have been swapped out for some with a vertical form factor.

But an amplifier such as the Marantz PM6006 UK Edition would make a marvellous partner, and you could even upgrade to an amp such as the Cambridge Audio CXA61 without the immediate need for a new pair of speakers. The Elacs give you the flexibility to choose the character you like in the rest of the chain, while being careful not to throw things together unthinkingly. Verdict

You may also like

Please note that our couriers will try to deliver as arranged but we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred because of non-delivery or factors introduced by third-parties. This service is based upon best endeavour and is not guaranteed.