Elac Debut Reference DBR-62

[KEW]

Given that you have had extensive critical listening to both the SS-CS5 and DBR62 I was wondering how you would characterize their fundamental sonic differences? It is a given that the Elac will have better LF extension and from all I have read I would expect a less forward sound in the upper bands. But I have not seen any useful direct comparisons. Not looking for a pronouncement of one being better than the other, that is subjective in so many ways as to not serve a real purpose, but rather how do they differ in achieving their design goals for music presentation?

I also believe the Sony SS-CS5 is a great speaker. It was designed in response to A. Jones Pioneer BS-22 and I think it succeeded in that goal (not sure how sales have been - they did not have all of the hoopla that AJ/Pio did).
I have no trouble making a pronouncement of the DBR-62 outperforming the CS5 because the difference is significant in several areas - Detail, balance across frequencies, dynamics, etc. There may be somebody who prefers the Sony, but it would not be due to their wanting accurate sound!
I don't mean to beat up on the Sony's, but the difference between them and a well designed (i.e. - not one of the crappy) $600/pr speakers is substantial!
With your criteria of front ported speakers, the DBR-62 is a good candidate and I think you will be very happy with it!

In case you find a rear ported speaker that you love - Since you have a sub in the system,and as long as you cross at 80Hz, I would not worry about the rear port. I would plug it. These ports will be tuned to 50Hz or less (more typically below 40Hz).

Of the speakers on your list, I have only heard the Totem DreamCatcher. I thought it sounded lovely on something like a simple jazz trio or string quartet; however, they fell apart when I listened to music that gets busy with many voices (it was Frank Zappa in my specific case). I have no idea if this is a valid explanation, but I reasoned that Totem's declared intent to use cabinet resonance as a component of the sound results in a non-linear effect that gets over-activated when things get busy!

I think the idea of making the home office a better space makes all of the sense in the world since we are all spending so much time at home!

 

[audioholic63]

If a speaker cannot handle Zappa then it doesn't make the cut - ever! Actually now I am exploring the rabbit hole of the single driver. Specifically the Omega Super 3i. A very different approach. We shall see...

 

[KEW]

If a speaker cannot handle Zappa then it doesn't make the cut - ever! Actually now I am exploring the rabbit hole of the single driver. Specifically the Omega Super 3i. A very different approach. We shall see...

Single drivers have their advantage, but the obvious disadvantage is the limited range of most single drivers. I am not familiar with the model you are mentioning, but usually my main complaint is the absence of upper treble (and at 62, my ears are probably no better than yours).
If you happen to be in the Atlanta area, let me know, I could let you try a few options.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

Other factors:
Risk - You can find sellers of the DBR-62 (like Crutchfield & Amazon) that give you a "low risk" trial period. With the Canton from Accessories4Less, you are subject to a 15% restocking fee if you "just don't like them"!

When I was considering returning my Canton Vento 9.2 Reference speakers A4L quoted 10% restocking fee plus the fee to initially ship the speakers to me plus you pay to ship them back. When I added it up it was closer to a 20% return fee. It's lots less from Crutchfield.

 

[audioholic63]

When I was considering returning my Canton Vento 9.2 Reference speakers A4L quoted 10% restocking fee plus the fee to initially ship the speakers to me plus you pay to ship them back. When I added it up it was closer to a 20% return fee. It's lots less from Crutchfield.

The shocking thing about A4L is that it turns out they are located about 30min from my house. Still, didn't see anything on their website that made me leap to purchase. Don't know if I can even do in person or if they actually stock the stuff at the local address.

 

[KEW]

The shocking thing about A4L is that it turns out they are located about 30min from my house. Still, didn't see anything on their website that made me leap to purchase. Don't know if I can even do in person or if they actually stock the stuff at the local address.

In that case, I would definitely give them a call and see if you can check out these Canton's (also in white):

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[audioholic63]

In that case, I would definitely give them a call and see if you can check out these Canton's (also in white):

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

I've no idea if they are any type of a showroom with any audition capability, even if they are, right now the way things are headed in Florida I would be shocked if they are open for that type of business. But I am intrigued and will inquire. I am however a little concerned that a speaker that small with a port that big would be happy 4" from the wall.

 

[KEW]

I've no idea if they are any type of a showroom with any audition capability, even if they are, right now the way things are headed in Florida I would be shocked if they are open for that type of business. But I am intrigued and will inquire. I am however a little concerned that a speaker that small with a port that big would be happy 4" from the wall.

In case you find a rear ported speaker that you love - Since you have a sub in the system,and as long as you cross at 80Hz, I would not worry about the rear port. I would plug it. These ports will be tuned to 50Hz or less (more typically below 40Hz).
But you are right about the virus (esp. in Fla) being a barrier.

 

[Shanman]

Kurt, I have a pair of the Elac 2.0's I'd be happy to send you for a comparison if you like.

 

[KEW]

Kurt, I have a pair of the Elac 2.0's I'd be happy to send you for a comparison if you like.

Thanks for the very kind and generous offer!
For me, it is purely academic - I have more expensive speakers (like the Cantons) which are speakers I use, so if the 2.0's are a very good speaker, I am not in the market for myself.
If you sent them, I would certainly listen to see how I like them, but I am guessing it would cost around $50 each way for shipping, which is not worth it to me!

 

[pcosmic]

Hi @shadyJ - Please do not be mistaken from my tone - these are in no way "bad" speakers. Again, without going into too much detail here (this is @KEW 's review and thread) these are one of, if not the, best speakers I have ever owned. As for bad recordings, they don't actually make them sound worse: the way they are laid bare, said recordings are actually quite interesting and fun! I understand what you are saying about studio monitors vs home speakers and agree. I was just trying to make the point that, like good studio monitors, the Adantes don't add obvious (to me at least) colorations.

The Adantes play ball with speakers that cost over 10 times their price (In fact, i believe it won the EISA award over speakers in jusst that price range). It also requires that one does some justice to the speaker a.k.a say no to podunk receivers, get one's room treatments right, etc, etc. The electronics that work for it can get expensive. I typically mix/match for the type of music i'm listening to. My observation, however, has been that when you own the Adante, you don't need any other speaker. You just need to rob banks or do some voodoo at the casino to be able to afford the electronics for it.

 

[audioholic63]

Another left turn in my search. Last week I pulled the 20 year old Wharfedale Diamond 7.2's from HT surround duty. They've only been in there for the past 2 years. They have actually spent most of their service life in a closet. Well. They do have some limitations and their baffle design is pretty ugly but...they are are way more "musical" than the Sony's. By comparison a bit rolled off on the high end but the mids are so much truer to what acoustic instruments should sound like (to me). Currently running high passed at 70Hz with the Outlaw M8 I find them utterly engaging. And the SS-CS5's are perfectly happy playing movies. It's really somewhat shocking how enjoyable these Diamonds are.

So...I think very soon there is a set of Denton 80's in my future. I've been trying to rationalize another $400 for the Denton 85 but the reality is I just don't need a 6.5" woofer in this application. I don't know if I will even need a sub.

 

[Zoide7777]

Has anyone compared the DRB-62 to the Monitor Audio Bronze 200 6G?

The latter are also pretty new and actually have a similar-looking metal grill in front of the tweeter. They are floorstanders so their price is similar to the DRB-62 + stands.

From what I've read, MA has a very good reputation, but the thing is that there are almost no reviews or tests yet...

 

[KEW]

Has anyone compared the DRB-62 to the Monitor Audio Bronze 200 6G?

The latter are also pretty new and actually have a similar-looking metal grill in front of the tweeter. They are floorstanders so their price is similar to the DRB-62 + stands.

From what I've read, MA has a very good reputation, but the thing is that there are almost no reviews or tests yet...

The only Monitor Audio I have listened to critically is the GX50 Gold and it runs circles around the DBR-62 (well, except for bass from the 5-1/4" woofer).
But, at 3 times the price and from a good company/designer, you probably already figured that!