Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 Speaker Review

[goldark]

I have these running in a bedroom off a Yamaha stereo receiver. I'm pretty close to them and don't blast the volume so the amp works fine in this application. However, in Erin's review, he says don't use an AVR (implying you need a separate power amp). Has anyone run these in a home theater setup using just an AVR with no external amp? How has that worked? And if it was fine, why was an AVR not recommended by Erin? FWIW, I plan on using them with a Denon X3400 but if these prove too hard to drive, I might forgo the plan to base a HT system around them.

 

[Erici]

I have these running in a bedroom off a Yamaha stereo receiver. I'm pretty close to them and don't blast the volume so the amp works fine in this application. However, in Erin's review, he says don't use an AVR (implying you need a separate power amp). Has anyone run these in a home theater setup using just an AVR with no external amp? How has that worked? And if it was fine, why was an AVR not recommended by Erin? FWIW, I plan on using them with a Denon X3400 but if these prove too hard to drive, I might forgo the plan to base a HT system around them.

The sensitivity spec on these speakers is 86dB. That is also what Amir measured. The spec for the x3400 is around 100 watts as I recall. So using the calculator below, you could run the speakers at 99dB at a distance of 10 feet. That is way too loud for most people. You can adjust the values to reflect your circumstances, but I don't think you will have any problem with volume.
Eric

Peak SPL Calculator

 

[ninetylol]

I have these running in a bedroom off a Yamaha stereo receiver. I'm pretty close to them and don't blast the volume so the amp works fine in this application. However, in Erin's review, he says don't use an AVR (implying you need a separate power amp). Has anyone run these in a home theater setup using just an AVR with no external amp? How has that worked? And if it was fine, why was an AVR not recommended by Erin? FWIW, I plan on using them with a Denon X3400 but if these prove too hard to drive, I might forgo the plan to base a HT system around them.

Most amps will be current limited in the Bass area of the DBR62, so at Medium to higher volumes you may lose some bass, but its hard to say without measuring. I would say you are fine if you listen to lower volumes (max 75db).

 

[Phidel]

I have these running in a bedroom off a Yamaha stereo receiver. I'm pretty close to them and don't blast the volume so the amp works fine in this application. However, in Erin's review, he says don't use an AVR (implying you need a separate power amp). Has anyone run these in a home theater setup using just an AVR with no external amp? How has that worked? And if it was fine, why was an AVR not recommended by Erin? FWIW, I plan on using them with a Denon X3400 but if these prove too hard to drive, I might forgo the plan to base a HT system around them.

I have it in a little room (I'm at 2.2m of them) with a Denon 3800H and the sub Elac 10.2s, after room correction applied with Audissey and corrected the curve to Harman I can say they sound awesome, very precise and deep bass, perfect mid range presentation and precise highs, all with an amazing imaging. I'm in love with this combo when I see movies, play some games and listen jazz, thecno, rock or pop.

 

[Eldus]

I think the reason Erin said not to use an AVR is because of this graph and how a weaker amp might be current limited. In a smaller room at most folks distances most AVRs should be just fine. Esp. if you integrate a sub and cross them over. I do like my PA5 class D amp in my small bedroom as it does not act as a space heater unlike my old 2006 Denon AVR I used before.

 

[KU713]

Would you still recommend buying these speakers? Or have they already been surpassed by others at a similar price?

 

[staticV3]

Would you still recommend buying these speakers? Or have they already been surpassed by others at a similar price?

For the same price, I would rather use active monitors.

However, if the speakers must be passive, then the DBR62 is still a fantastic choice.

Afaik, without going up in price, no clearly better speaker exists (unless you go DIY perhaps).
If you want something new, only side-grades like the Polk ES20 exist.

 

[TonyJZX]

are you really going to get good actives for the same money? maybe us $700 rrp

but these are like 400 euros if you are lucky enough to live in the EU???

 

[staticV3]

are you really going to get good actives for the same money? maybe us $700 rrp

Sure! Adam, JBL, Kali, and Focal got you covered.

but these are like 400 euros if you are lucky enough to live in the EU???

500-600€ per pair is what I'm seeing.

 

[Anatols_Dad]

I bought a pair for 370 Euros just before Christmas (in Austria). Apart from the slightly odd light wood veneer on the white version, which my partner very much dislikes (to give her credit, our bed faces the back of my workdesk, where I use them), I don't see a reason for not buying them. I really, really enjoy the sound every time I power them up.

 

[KU713]

Here is one review with a measurement quite different from Amir's.

ELAC Debut Reference DBR62

Německý ELAC má už dlouhá léta svou pobočku v Kalifornii, kde pro firmu tvoří studio vedené legendárním Andrew Jonesem. Ten začal pro ELAC pracovat velmi dostupnou sérií Debut, ta se dočkala oprášené podoby s přídomkem Reference, která původní a doposud prodávanou řadu oživuje lepšími...

www.hifi-voice.com

 

[ZolaIII]

Here is one review with a measurement quite different from Amir's.

ELAC Debut Reference DBR62

Německý ELAC má už dlouhá léta svou pobočku v Kalifornii, kde pro firmu tvoří studio vedené legendárním Andrew Jonesem. Ten začal pro ELAC pracovat velmi dostupnou sérií Debut, ta se dočkala oprášené podoby s přídomkem Reference, která původní a doposud prodávanou řadu oživuje lepšími...

www.hifi-voice.com

How about reading the opening paragraph how where measurements performed?
I understand relatively lively still proper sized room that's half treated but I have no idea why they did position microphone between tweeter and woffer instead in line with tweeter.

 

[TonyJZX]

PROS

+ surprising subjectively perceived bass volume
+ generally pleasant, solidly coherent sound
+ very friendly price tag

CONS

- at times it seems that the midrange could be more distinct


these speakers are a set i'd be interested in acquiring for curiousity sake alone

but not at the price are asking

i suspect they get a great deal in the CZ republic

 

[KU713]

It costs around 530,- $ in the Czech Republic