Does bookshelf size matter in 2.1?

[DAC Prescott]

So I've narrowed my bookshelf speakers to two choices from the same manufacturer/line. I'm already pairing the speakers with a sub.

I'm wondering if I can get away with the smaller bookshelf with a 5.25" woofer which employs the same tweeter as it's 6.5" woofer sibling. It's less expensive, smaller footprint and visually less of an eyesore (WAF). It would be paired with a sub and I don't listen at rock concert levels.

In case the clues weren't enough it's between the elac b5 and b6..... Will I regret not going for the b6?

 

[everettT]

How large is your room and how far do you sit from the speakers, also which sub?

Edit : if budget permits
http://www.philharmonicaudio.com/Mini-Monitor.html
Or clearance kef q300s

 

[j_garcia]

5-1/4 vs 6-1/2 especially with the same family of speaker, the 5 1/4 tends to have less bass but often subsequently has better mids because it is not trying to cover so low. If the 5 1/4 doesn't extend low enough though, it won't always blend as well with your sub, depending on the sub. So there are a number of factors to consider. The speaker should sound good on its own before you blend the sub in, and that requires some actual listening.

Based on a few reviews here, I'd pass on the Elacs and look for something else.

http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

 

[zieglj01]

the Elacs were voiced to be almost equal in the low bass -- however the B6 will have higher sensitivity and the B5 lower sensitivity

However for me -- I would take the Canton GLS 2 speakers over both of them.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantgls2blka/canton-gls-2-6-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

However if you want Elac, then buy them and enjoy

 

[killdozzer]

However for me -- I would take the Canton GLS 2 speakers over both of them.

Really? They are that good? Those Elacs been getting nothing but praises. Who designs Cantons, do you know by any chance?

 

[j_garcia]

The first review of the new UniFi Elacs were on here and they weren't positive.

 

[zieglj01]

Really? They are that good? Those Elacs been getting nothing but praises. Who designs Cantons, do you know by any chance?

Canton is from Germany -- they are big, they design and build their products. Everyone will tend to have their preference, and there are many options around.

The marketing for Canton in the USA is weak. Canton -- some info
https://www.canton.de/en/

https://www.canton.de/en/canton-milestones

 

[highfigh]

Usually, the mid-bass will blend down to the sub better with a larger woofer, unless the larger one doesn't do a good job getting down to the crossover region. Good mid-bass is preferable to a speaker that tries, but can't. Also, if the bookshelf speakers are much higher than the sub, you'll hear the sound rising and falling as it moves up and down the musical scales when the speakers can't go as low or if the crossover point is too high.

 

[yepimonfire]

Usually among the same speaker line a larger woofer = greater efficiency, along with slightly better bass response. Honestly, from a music standpoint, so long as the speakers in question are -3dB at about 60hz that’s plenty when paired with a sub.

The b6 is only 2dB more efficient, however, woofer diameter and surface area determines how effective the driver is at coupling to the air at lower frequencies, providing lower distortion at higher spl.

If the same xover point is used, a larger woofer will have worse dispersion off axis at the crossover frequency and slightly worse performance on the midrange.

Practically though, the differences are likely to be minor, the b6 would be a bit better at higher volumes and have better bass.

There is no reason a 5.25” woofer should have issues reproducing solid mid-bass (>60hz), especially when ported.

Major differences are found between floor standers and bookshelves, when multiple woofers or three way designs are employed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[-Jim-]

The first review of t

http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/elac-debut-loudspeaker-system

he new UniFi Elacs were on here and they weren't positive.

He's looking at the Deut Series (not UniFi) and this is what was in the conclusions of the review here at Audioholics:

"So that there’s no doubt, I’ll say it plainly: The ELAC debut is an audiophile and home theater bargain. While the ELAC Debut won't dethrone $5k/pair or even $2k/pair competently designed speakers, it will give speakers at least twice or even three times their price a serious run for their money--knocking a few off their perch along the way. Highly recommended!"

http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/elac-debut-loudspeaker-system

In regards to the Unifi Series all I could find was a preview here at Audioholics:

http://www.audioholics.com/surround-sound-reviews/elac-uni-fi

And they said "Gotta Have It!"

FYI, DAC Prescott, the folks here often have differing opinions, but in general almost all of the suggestions are good ones. Each Audioholic has his own impressions and prejudices; but rarely is their Technical Knowledge off base.

I'd doubt if there is a bad recommendation in the bunch. I understand the WAF and that can play a HUGE role in what is purchased. If she likes the Elac's (they are "cuter" with the grills off than most here) and you can move her into the B6s, I'd say go for it. If she says B5s are the max size wise, then compromise with her there.

Happy Wife, Happy Life. You don't want to be sleeping alone on the couch with your speakers do you?

 

[agarwalro]

It would be paired with a sub and I don't listen at rock concert levels.

You should be okay with the smaller ones.

I'll add the Wave Crest Audio HLV-1 to the mix.

 

[agarwalro]

You don't want to be sleeping alone on the couch with your speakers do you?

Been there done that .

 

[Shawnb]

And room size would still help. But, honestly, I have kef q300s in my main room which is about 3300 cuft and when I switch out for my q acoustics 3020, or my nht super ones in there, both smaller speakers by at least 1/3, they manage just fine. They don't sound as nice as the kefs because......theyre not kefs. But they handle the room well enough. I do have a Hsu managing the lows, of course.

 

[sterling shoote]

So I've narrowed my bookshelf speakers to two choices from the same manufacturer/line. I'm already pairing the speakers with a sub.

I'm wondering if I can get away with the smaller bookshelf with a 5.25" woofer which employs the same tweeter as it's 6.5" woofer sibling. It's less expensive, smaller footprint and visually less of an eyesore (WAF). It would be paired with a sub and I don't listen at rock concert levels.

In case the clues weren't enough it's between the elac b5 and b6..... Will I regret not going for the b6?

Auditioning is a means to better understand what will please you. My personal experience is, for music played at a level that might be considered like a live experience, I've yet to hear any bookshelf speaker which did not sound like it was strained to deliver. I think I was spoiled after hearing a pair of JBL L300's many years ago, which presented the live experience without any apparent effort.