Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 Speaker Review

[terryforsythe]

Thanks. I explored that option but I don't want a super detailed speaker, better with something more forgiving.

What do you mean by "super detailed"? Typically, the term "detailed" is applied to speakers that have boosted high frequencies. The AsciLab F6B does not have that. If anything, they roll off a bit above 6kHz.

Nonetheless, buy what makes you happy and enjoy the music.

 

[Thelo80]

What do you mean by "super detailed"? Typically, the term "detailed" is applied to speakers that have boosted high frequencies. The AsciLab F6B does not have that. If anything, they roll off a bit above 6kHz.

Nonetheless, buy what makes you happy and enjoy the music.

By “super detailed,” I didn’t mean boosted high frequencies. I meant a speaker that is very revealing or "analytical" and makes every flaw in the recording stand out.

I’ve had that experience with Genelec monitors before. With poorly recorded music, I found myself focusing more on the recording quality than on the music itself, and I could only really enjoy well-produced albums. Honestly, despite being less accurate, I often enjoyed listening to music more through an Amazon Echo Studio than through the Genelecs.

So I’m looking for something a bit more forgiving and relaxed, while still sounding clear and balanced.

 

[Thelo80]

In Germany/the EU, the DBR62s cost around €400 when on sale.
However, they are significantly more expensive overseas, so it might be worth looking at brands like Ascend, AsciLab, Philharmonic Audio, etc.
Given that listening distance, I would personally consider floor-standing speakers as well; physically, they don't take up any more space than the DBR62s do on stands.

The 3E Audio A7 is more than sufficient and offers plenty of headroom. I’ve driven my DBR62s with the A5 and never turned the volume past 50–60%, even at a distance of over 3 meters—and the A7 has twice the power.

What is your experience with the DBR62? are they good for movies in a living room setup?

 

[terryforsythe]

By “super detailed,” I didn’t mean boosted high frequencies. I meant a speaker that is very revealing or "analytical" and makes every flaw in the recording stand out.

I’ve had that experience with Genelec monitors before. With poorly recorded music, I found myself focusing more on the recording quality than on the music itself, and I could only really enjoy well-produced albums. Honestly, despite being less accurate, I often enjoyed listening to music more through an Amazon Echo Studio than through the Genelecs.

So I’m looking for something a bit more forgiving and relaxed, while still sounding clear and balanced.

What are you seeing in the objective measurements that indicate to you the F6B is going to be too revealing or analytical? If you have an idea of what that is, look for something that doesn't have that.

 

[Thelo80]

Fair point. I’m not really seeing anything specific in the measurements that tells me the F6B will be too revealing. It’s more of a concern based on reviews and my past experience with Genelecs.

I’m probably using the wrong word too. I don’t mean bright. I just don’t want speakers that make every bad recording sound bad and turn listening into analyzing.

 

[terryforsythe]

I’m probably using the wrong word too. I don’t mean bright. I just don’t want speakers that make every bad recording sound bad and turn listening into analyzing.

Jumping into speculation mode, many old school speakers had a dip in the 1-2kHz range, and some still do. Oftentimes it's called a BBC dip. I don't recall how that name came to be, but it had something to do with speakers being used by the BBC. A dip in that range will make the speaker sound more recessed. Maybe that is your preference?

The best thing to do is to listen to different speakers and see if you can find any that fit your taste. But, it's hard to get good comparisons because every room sounds different. Nonetheless, its a start.

 

[terryforsythe]

I just don’t want speakers that make every bad recording sound bad and turn listening into analyzing.

One more thing. I take speaker reviews with a very large grain of salt, with the exception of reviews by Amir (this forum), Erin (Erin's Audio Corner) and Audioholics - reviews that are based on objective data.

Other reviews are subjective and reviewers base the reviews on their taste. Tastes differ. If someone has taste that aligns with yours, great. But, if not, and you make a buying decision based on that review, it may not work out too well.

 

[tw 2022]

thanks. But the speakers will be used on a living room with 12 ft distance

I'd still check them out.. And the CMT 340 V2 as well...wider dispersion and better PIR...

 

[Penelinfi]

Maybe consider a tube input preamp if you're after a bit of softness .
Bass can also help a little with being less analytical.
Does the dbr62 do most of what you like or do you find it lacking?

Perhaps try some EQ to get a taste of what frequency range values you may prefer

Potentially you could look at some Buchardt speakers like s400 versions or similar.

I've heard Elysian Wharfedales; they are quite reasonable for not being too analytical while still sounding "detailed". Aura is likely somewhat similar.
Linton 85 (the non super) could also be an option

 

[Thelo80]

Thanks all. I expend the list to dbr62, sierra 1 v2 y LX. Considering far listening, no sub at least for now and room mode valley at 50hz any advice?

 

[djdragon66]

I wanted to give you a quick update on my room. I took the advice here to heart and got busy crafting! I built a total of panels in a geometric design myself. 4 pieces are hanging on the front wall and on the back wall (directly behind my listening position above the bed) I mounted a 2x2 grid of another 4 panels. The frames are sturdily built from wood approx 6 cm, filled with thick polyester fleece (PET acoustic fleece) and closed at the front with the slotted decorative panels.
The acoustic result is amazing and a perfect proof of how well the panels work: Before the modification: When I activated the YPAO calibration of my Yamaha R-N800A, the difference to "Without YPAO" was like night and day, because the system had to bend an extreme amount to compensate for the hard first reflections of the walls. After the modification: If I have YPAO calibrate now and switch it on or off, I hear absolutely no difference in the mid and high frequency range anymore!
This means that the panels have already dampened the room so well mechanically that the receiver no longer has to intervene electronically in the speech and high-frequency range.
The bass range: Here YPAO (and the Auto-EQ of my Elac RS 500 subwoofer) still intervenes noticeably to correct the deep room modes on the wall.
the best: The living room still looks cozy and my wife is also happy! Thanks again for the tips, the effort was absolutely worth it!
now I would like to order an Elac Vela 404.2 . What do you think whether something will be even better?

---

 

[LiveTek]

Thanks. I explored that option but I don't want a super detailed speaker, better with something more forgiving.

Just eq to taste.

 

[PoorAudioGuy]

PSA:

295 EUR/pair

horch-und-guck.de

 

[Ropeburn]

PSA:

295 EUR/pair

horch-und-guck.de

Great price. Not even B-stock or anything!

 

[Tubenut33]

Sorry, but as an economist I have to clear up some misunderstandings about the concept. The step from the DBR62 to the R3 Meta is WAY past the point of diminishing returns.

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You can conceptualise it as follows: "If I raise the price by a factor of X, by what factor does the sound quality increase? If the sound quality increases by less than the factor of X you are past the point of diminishing returns."

The Elac DBR62 has a MSRP of 799$/598€ (and in europe has a street price far below this. I paid 226€ for my pair). The KEF R3 Meta has a MSRP of 2.499$/2.400€.

The KEF R3 Meta costs more by a factor of 3-4. But the sound quality does not increase 3-4 fold. Hence we are past the point of diminishing returns.

Compared to the Elac ...

 

[John.D]

Is there a reason to look at DBR62 than new Ascend CBM170SE2 if price is same and not worried about looks?
Basically comparing performance.