Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The Elac Debut Reference DBR62 offers improved sound, construction, and appearance compared to its predecessor
- A refined and graceful sound signature with good detail retrieval
- Bass performance is controlled with impact and power
- Reasonably neutral with good overall linearity
- Can be aimed off-axis and still sound good, allowing for more placement flexibility
Product Considerations
- The midrange might be slightly understated
- May need an amplifier with more power for best performance
- Can sound a little dull at lower volumes
- High frequencies can be prone to sibilance, especially with lesser recordings
- Some reviewers feel it lacks excitement or drama in the sound presentation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2: The Debut Reference offers a more refined sound with greater dynamics, more heft, and better delineation
- Vs Klipsch 600M: The Klipsch 600M gives more without requiring higher-end gear, while the Debut Reference needs better electronics to sound its best
- Vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf: The SVS Ultra Bookshelf is more forward and dynamic in its presentation than the Debut Reference
- Vs Graham LS6: The Graham LS6 has better soundstage depth and detail retrieval, but the Debut Reference profile is tonally similar, at a fraction of the price
- Vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 or Q Acoustics 3030i: The Elac Debut Reference delivers balanced sound, and is better than Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 or Q Acoustics 3030i
- Vs Elac Debut B6.2s: The Elac Debut B6.2s may provide a more energetic—but less mature—sound
Takeaway: The Elac Debut Reference is a well-designed speaker with a refined sound, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balanced audio experience. With the right equipment, this speaker can be a valuable addition to any audiophile's collection.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Debut Reference DBR62
reviews
[{"title":"Review Elac Debut Reference DBR62 monitor loudspeaker - Alpha Audio","link":"https://www.alpha-audio.net/review/review-elac-debut-reference-dbr62-monitor-loudspeaker","source":"Alpha Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"AFFORDABLE Home Theater Speakers! ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW1WbChocZk","source":"Andrew Robinson","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Swan Lake: ELAC’s Debut Reference loudspeaker | Darko.Audio","link":"https://darko.audio/2020/12/swan-lake-elacs-debut-reference-loudspeaker","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Top 3 Things You Need to Know About ELAC DBR62 Before You Buy","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCY_CDu5Xas","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_dbr62","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 Bookshelf Speakers Review – HiFiReportExpandExpandSearchToggle MenuSearchSearchExpandExpandToggle Menu CloseSearch","link":"https://www.hifireport.com/elac-debut-reference-dbr62-bookshelf-speakers-review","source":"HiFi Report","datePublished":""},{"title":"Elac Debut Reference DBR62: Review – M-Reviewer","link":"https://www.m-reviewer.com/hi-fi/elac-debut-reference-dbr62","source":"M-Reviewer","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Elac Debut Reference DBR62 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/elac-debut-reference-dbr62","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":""},{"title":"After the Hype! Living with the ELAC Debut Reference (DBR 62) Loudspeakers.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAOoH2-MJkQ","source":"Zero Fidelity","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Height × Width × Depth: 359 × 208 × 275 mm
- Weight: 8.2 Kg
- Enclosure Type: 2-Way Bass Reflex
- Frequency Response: 44Hz- 35000Hz
- Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
- Sensitivity: 86dB @ 2.83v/1m
- Crossover Frequency: 2200Hz
- Max Power Input: 120 Watts
- Tweeter: 1" Soft Dome
- Woofer: 6-1/2" Aramid Fiber
- Cabinet: CARB2 Rated MDF
- Port: Dual Flared
- Binding Posts: 5-Way Metal
- Cabinet Finish: White Baffle / Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet
Description
Introducing the ELAC Debut Reference Bookshelf Speakers—an embodiment of audio sophistication and precision engineering. These speakers redefine the benchmarks of sonic excellence, combining cutting-edge technology with meticulous craftsmanship. Designed to deliver an immersive and detailed listening experience, the Debut Reference Bookshelf Speakers encapsulate the essence of premium audio performance in a compact and stylish form factor.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ELAC speakers often incorporate concentric tweeter/midrange drivers, promoting a more coherent and focused soundstage.
- The brand is recognized for blending high-performance audio with accessible pricing, disrupting the market by providing elevated products at competitive price points.
- ELAC emphasizes the importance of a seamless frequency response by carefully managing the transition between the drivers.
- The company designs its speaker cabinets with a focus on minimizing resonances, often incorporating internal bracing and specific cabinet shapes to limit unwanted vibrations.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ELAC Debut 2.0 DB62
- Positioning: The entry-level bookshelf speaker in the Debut 2.0 series.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring a custom-designed 1-inch soft-dome tweeter for improved clarity. Compared to other models, its aramid fiber woofer provides enhanced low-frequency response, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms without breaking the bank.
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62
- Positioning: A step up from the Debut 2.0 series, offering enhanced audio performance and aesthetics.
- Description: Features a new waveguide and open grill design for better high-frequency response. Stands out with its full perimeter bracing and cast chassis woofer, offering superior cabinet stability and reduced coloration compared to the DB62.
ELAC Carina BS243.4
- Positioning: Part of the premium Carina series, known for its advanced driver technology.
- Description: Features a JET tweeter, delivering high-definition sound with minimal distortion. Its compound curvature aluminum woofer ensures smooth transitions and superior bass dynamics, setting it apart from the Debut series.
ELAC UniFi Reference UBR62
- Positioning: A high-end model in the UniFi Reference series, offering a true 3-way speaker design.
- Description: Features a concentric driver with an extended wide-surround tweeter for seamless integration. Its compound curvature woofer and dual flared slot port provide enhanced bass dynamics.
ELAC Vela VBS404.2
- Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model in the Vela series, combining advanced technology with luxurious design.
- Description: Features the remarkable JET 6 tweeter, offering an expansive frequency range and exceptional clarity. Its aluminum sandwich woofer minimizes resonances, providing a clear and accurate sound that surpasses the UniFi series.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
132
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
32
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
94
Founding Year
1926
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
ELAC
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
ELAC
UniFi Reference UBR62
1199
1199
/
12
Reviews
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, textured sound and elaborate individual tones with fine details and physical presence
- Great three-dimensional sound stage with excellent depth
- Well-balanced, neutral, and accurate sound quality with no frequency exaggeration
- Good build quality and visually appealing design with choices of colors for the cabinet, enhancing their overall appeal
Product Considerations
- Low sensitivity, requiring a more powerful amplifier for optimal performance, especially at higher volumes
- Bass output is not as extended on the low end
- Treble can sound bright in smaller rooms, necessitating careful placement
- May be considered a bit 'soulless' or lacking emotional engagement for some listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ELAC Uni-Fi UB52, UBR62 provides a more complete reproduction with low tones, resulting in a richer and more playful music experience
- Vs Buchardt p300, treble separation is better and more open
- Vs CSS Crichton 1 TD X, CSS Crichton 1 TD X has a warmer, richer, more emotionally engaging mid-range
- Vs KEF R3 Meta, KEF R3 Meta is superior in just about every way
Takeaway: The UniFi (UBR62) is a technically capable speaker that offers a balanced and accurate sound signature with a remarkably wide and deep soundstage. It is a solid choice for those seeking high-fidelity audio, a good-looking design, and well-blended drivers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
Product Page
ELAC
Solano 2.0 BS283.2
1999
1999
/
1
Reviews
Embark on a sonic journey of unparalleled clarity and precision with the ELAC Solano Bookshelf Speakers. Melding cutting-edge technology and German engineering finesse, these speakers redefine the boundaries of premium audio. The star of the show is the esteemed JET 6 tweeter, renowned for its exceptional precision and fidelity. Immerse yourself in rich, detailed highs that resonate with lifelike realism, as these bookshelf speakers deliver an auditory experience that epitomizes ELAC's commitment to superior sound quality. Elevate your listening space with the perfect union of the JET 6 tweeter and German craftsmanship, as the ELAC Solano Bookshelf Speakers bring forth a symphony of sound that transcends expectations.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- A Jet 5 ribbon tweeter, handcrafted in Germany, produces precise highs and retrieves a lot of detail
- Impactful, authoritative, and detailed bass, especially for dance tracks
- Good imaging, allowing the listener to pick out different instruments and their locations
- Fantastic overall build quality, especially the binding posts at the back
- Can be used for both music and movies, performing phenomenally well in both scenarios
Product Considerations
- Being a four-ohm speaker, it is a little harder to drive, requiring an amplifier between 40 to 200 watts
- May require pulling away from the wall due to its down-firing bass port, causing too much bass gain, especially in smaller rooms
- At around £1500, they are not the most affordable speakers
Takeaway: The Elac Solanus BS283 is a compact speaker that produces an astonishingly good sound with impactful bass and detailed highs, making music and movies feel more immersive. If a speaker that performs well for both music and movies is desired, this could be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
R3 Meta
2430
2430
/
18
Reviews
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
1299
/
18
Reviews
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
ELAC
Debut ConneX DCB41
599
/
Released
2022
The ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 powered bookshelf speakers define how simple it can be to deliver a premium audio experience for both, movies and music. Featuring a wide variety of inputs (HDMI ARC, Analog/Phono, Optical, USB and Bluetooth), and matched with optimally designed drivers and amplifiers, the DCB41 delivers a truly exceptional audio experience.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with HDMI ARC, USB, Optical, Bluetooth aptX, and RCA with switchable phono input
- Good sound quality for its size, described as balanced and refined, with clear dialogue
- Compact size allows for placement in various locations, such as desktops, small rooms, or near TVs
- Includes a remote control for easy input selection, volume control, and X-Bass adjustment
- The X-Bass feature allows for adjustable bass enhancement, depending on placement and preference
Product Considerations
- Bass extension may not satisfy those seeking deep, full-range sound, especially without X-Bass enabled
- Some reviewers wished for bi-amplification to allow for more precise crossover tuning via DSP
- The included speaker wire is considered short and of average quality
- The physical lugs for the included grilles are visible
- The rear volume knob might be inconvenient to reach, depending on the setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Klipsch The Fives—the Klipsch has a more premium build using real wood veneer, deeper bass extension, and bi-amplification
- Vs Q Acoustics M20—the ELAC DCB41 gets the edge for having HDMI ARC, wider finish options, and a smaller size
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro—the SVS Prime Wireless Pro has more volume and more dynamic contrasts, and is larger
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3—the ELAC DCB41 is more timbrally accurate, and the Panorama 3 provides a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The ELAC Debut Connects DCB41 is a versatile and compact speaker system that offers a multitude of connectivity options and delivers surprisingly good sound for its size. It's a great choice for someone seeking a simple, all-in-one audio solution for TV, desktop, or small room listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
Product Page
ELAC
Carina BS 243.4
999
/
Released
ELAC Carina Bookshelf Speakers, where precision engineering meets audio excellence. At the heart of these speakers lies the exceptional JET tweeter, a hallmark of ELAC's commitment to delivering uncompromised sound quality. The Carina Bookshelf Speakers redefine the listening experience, offering a perfect blend of innovative design and cutting-edge technology. With a downward-firing bass reflex port for versatile placement and minimal noise, these speakers create an immersive audio environment.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and beautiful sound
- JET tweeter provides quiet, fatigue-free detail and low distortion
- Good integration between the woofer and the tweeter
- Sleek, solid, curvy, and modern design with a nice finish
- More nuance and more linear across the frequency spectrum than the Debut and UniFi models
Product Considerations
- Bass response can be predominant depending on room placement, and may require pulling the speakers away from the back wall
- Some measure of harmonics can be missing, producing a slightly dry sound
- Some would prefer a 6.5' woofer rather than a 5.5' one, with a slightly larger cabinet, to give greater bass extension
- Jumpers that come with the Elac Carina are not that good, and it is better to use speaker cable as jumpers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Tannoy Revolution XT6F: The Carina is more natural with wooden instruments
- Vs Focal Aria 906: The Carina has more bass and a smoother top end
- Vs Elac Debut and UniFi: Carina ups the sonic game significantly
Takeaway: The Elac Carina is a well-designed speaker that offers a natural and detailed sound, and it can be listened to for hours without fatigue. It is also fun and romantic and depends on the source or music being listened to.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
/
Released
2021
Wharfedale's new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN. The primary focus is on the AMT development resulting in a radically different way of reproducing high frequency detail efficiently and accurately.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
5020
899
/
Released
2023
Experience all the scale and power of your favourite music without letting your loudspeaker dominate your room. The 5020 standmounting speaker will put your right in the heart of the music without putting itself at the heart of your space.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
/
Released
2022
A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Speakers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
.png)
