What is the opinion of Reddit about the
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair)?

A total of 28 reviews of this product on Reddit.

1 point

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26th Dec 2021

Just about any speaker sold would work with your receiver. Of the two I would say the Polks for sure. However for the same money you could get these, which IMHO, are a big step up.

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5T9RCP9JG6YS475YTFC3

1 point

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27th Oct 2021

The sony cores have gotten some good reviews from folks and for entry level speakers I’m sure they are fine. You adding in the sub takes care of my biggest gripe with them from what I remember. I just didn’t think they had a good low end for their size. The 501 is a good amp from what I have read…almost got one but decided not to. Overall I say you did pretty well getting setup with your first system.

Better speakers can/will certainly help with the overall sound of your system without a doubt. Which ones depends on how much you want to spend and how far up the food chain you want to go. Keep in mind that the sub will also play a part in this. It’s part of the system and a good low end can make a big difference in music. However, usually the biggest bang for the buck is the mains so I get it.

If you’re considering the ELACs I would look at the B5.2 $215 vs the more expensive big brothers. Why? because the sub is going to hold down the low end so save some money for a sub upgrade by getting those.

One last thing to consider is placement of the speakers.

  • How far off the wall do you have them?
  • How far apart are they?
  • Do you have them at the proper height?

Investing in some stands could do wonders if you can fit them into your space. Sometimes moving speakers around and adjusting your settings on the amp can do wonders. The good news is that is a free solution to better sound.

1 point

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17th May 2021

The receiver is fine. The speakers will likely disappoint. I’d focus on getting a pair of decent quality left/right speakers and add more as you go. The Elac Debut are on sale on Amazon right now for $230.
If you don’t need 4K/HDMI 2.1, you can get a good receiver for $100 if you take some time on eBay or your local marketplace, then you’ll have some extra for speakers. I just got a Yamaha receiver that does 7.2, airplay, and 4K hdmi for $100 on eBay.

4 points

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19th Aug 2018

The Elac B5.2’s are on sale on Amazon for $199 which is nuts. If the budget is tight though, the first gen B4’s are also on sale. For reference, the B4 was designed by Andrew Jones after he designed that Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and they’re generally considered better sounding and nicer looking (subjective tho).

2 points

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14th Jan 2021

If you want better noise isolation, go for a double wall approach. Easy to do while you are still in the framing stage.

Radiant floor heating is another thing, having an air duct into the room provides an easy escape path for noise.

Once you get the room built, you still need to consider acoustic treatment. One of the most cost effective approaches is mineral wool in wood frames, with denim wrapping. I did my panels for $30 CAD each.

Do not get a textured ceiling. Plain drywall and paint it black to reduce light reflections. Install cabling for 4 Atmos channels ahead of time. Even if you don’t use them immediately, future you will be thankful.

https://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/speaker-setup-guides/7.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide.html


$2500 CAD isn’t going to get you a decent 7.1.2 setup. Starting off, a 9 channel receiver immediately eats half that budget.

Coming from a soundbar, a mid-range 3.1 setup is going to rock your world. In the future you can add the extra channels.

https://www.electronicsforless.ca/svs-pb-2000-500-watt-dsp-controlled-12-ported-subwoofer-3887.html

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/denon-avr-s540bt-5-2-channel-4k-ultra-hd-av-receiver/12468257

https://www.amazon.ca/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5588

https://www.amazon.ca/ELAC-Debut-Center-Speaker-Black/dp/B07B4Q5LW2


With those room dimensions I assume the screen will be on the longest wall, with the seating 7-8ft back. At that distance you could go 75″ TV or projector, depends on your budget.

2 points

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22nd Mar 2019
1 point

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1st Mar 2022

There isn’t really a “best”. They’re different. Also I just looked around and I didn’t even realize before, but the slightly larger Kantos are only $40 more. That will give you more bass, more volume, and better dynamics, all for $40. If you can swing it and you really want Kanto, do that. But then that puts you at the same price as Elacs and I’d probably go with Elacs over Kantos lol.

You can also get these Jamos at that price. I haven’t heard them but they’re supposed to be good.

It’s tough. There’s no “right answer”. I haven’t heard the Kantos, but I’ve heard other Kantos and they’re good speakers. I’ve got a pair and I like them and I’d happily recommend them.

Now, what would I do if I were looking for a pair of $200ish speakers right now?

I’d probably end up with the Micca RB42. Subwoofers are $500+ and those Miccas have plenty of bass where you won’t feel like you need one. I’d be very happy with those and a little amp.

1 point

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1st Mar 2022

These are nice for the price
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5588/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_AR17TAFGY0K4KGH70MQ9

1 point

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17th Feb 2022

I’ve got a build for you:

I was a little less sure which amp would suit your needs because I don’t know how committed you are to a surround system. I would personally buy a used AVR and just make use of the optical out on your TV for now, but it sounds like you don’t have access to much of a used market (you should still check Craigslist, FB Marketplace, and Canuck Audio Mart USA anyways!).

So that makes the Yamaha RX-V385 the least expensive 5.1 AVR I can find, it’s $279.99, and does seem to support HDCP 2.3, HDR, and all that. Buying that would bring you to a total of $729.96. If you did add the ELAC C5.2 for $214.98 and Fluance SXBP2 for rear surrounds at $119.99 (you could get ELAC for rears but surrounds don’t have to match and I prefer bipoles, especially for a smaller space) . . . that would bring you to $1065 for a decent 5.1 system pre-tax.

1 point

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26th Dec 2021
ItemCurrentLowestReviews
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pa…$196.05$196.054.6/5.0

 

^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger

1 point

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6th Dec 2021

Hi Guys. I have a noob and have pretty bad understanding of how to pair a receiver with speakers. I am planning to set up a 2.0 system (but want room to expand later). I have these speakers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5588?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

And I’m looking for a receiver. I am between these two https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/denon-avr-s540bt/usa/sony-str-dh590/usa,-canada-and-taiwan/

I was about to go with the one with better reviews (Denon) but I’m worried about the power rating? The speakers say they have a Max of 150W and have a 6 ohm impedance. Denon receiver is outputting… I think 100? Its hard to tell cause they list the output.

At the end of the day, the Sony one has more power, but should I care?

1 point

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30th Nov 2021

Both the RT80 and RT81 come with cartridge preinstalled, but you still have to calibrate the cartridge with the counterweight. The only different performance wise between the 2 is the RT81 has a solid body which they say is better for countering vibrations. The cartridge on the RT81 is also a small upgrade, that’s all.

Far as speakers go I just order the Elac 5.2:

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FCC0FNPY6045B3GB40GF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It’s $229 but it’s one of the best bookshelf speakers around period. If that’s too expensive this one is under $200:

Sony SS-B1000 5-1/4-Inch Bookshelf Speakers 120 Watt (Pair) H.O.P. Cone Woofer Two-Way, 1″ Nano Fine Balanced Dome Tweeter, Black (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X02VD0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DSBGWEQF7VZNKJB7FP6N

Been getting great reviews. CheapAudioMan specializes in reviewing budget audiophile gear:

https://youtu.be/fcKGCDtP3-E

The Sony CS5 is a no brainer at $88:

Limited-time deal: Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) – Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_CM7KGX9G2F28ZJVTXRYK

1 point

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10th Nov 2021

So we have a 2.0 setup (not a bad way to start) with $800 to spend. Lets see what we can come up with.

Speakers – Choose your own adventure

  • KEF Q150 $350 – Great choice for a desk and you mentioned they will fit. I happen to really like the way they sound so right on there. The bass they produce is actually pretty good if you’re not a rap/EDM fan. They are 5″ drivers so physics comes into play with the amount of low end they can handle. For what you’re listening to I think they would be fine. These would be my front runner.
  • Canton GLE420 $300 – I haven’t heard these but they look interesting and spec lower than the KEFs. If you’re not getting a sub these might make an interesting choice.
  • ELAC B5.2 $215 – These get good reviews and the front port makes it better if you want them closer to the wall.

AMP – I don’t know if you need a mini amp or not. If you can go full sized options open up.

  • Loxjie A30 $185 – you mentioned this one and it seems like a good choice. I haven’t heard too much about it but the features look decent.
  • SMSL AD18 $150 – I have had this hooked up to the KEFs and it sounds great. It’s not the most expensive amplifier out there but it has good features and I know it works well with several brands of speakers.
1 point

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6th Nov 2021

Deal link: Amazon

1 point

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29th Sep 2021

A pair of Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2‘s are just under $250 a pair right now, and are front ported. Fosi BT10A power amp for $54. No subwoofer, but you can add an active one later on if you want. I have the B6.2’s at my desk and don’t feel like I need a subwoofer with them.

1 point

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9th Sep 2021

The Automod removes posts that have links with tracking codes.

Link without the trackers is https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5588. Just delete everything after the ASIN#.

1 point

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11th Jul 2021

First time shopping for audiophile speakers… I have this amp (360 Total Watts) would it be enough to drive the Elac Debut B5.2 ?

1 point

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18th May 2021

Kill dealer. I would probably flip the Monitor Audio Silver FX, grab a pair of Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2, and pocket the difference.

https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5588

1 point

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29th Dec 2020

Jeez your setup is well over $1k. Would you approve of this cheaper setup? ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4Q5588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_ZBN6FbC9A2DH9

Would I still need to buy an amp?

1 point

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28th Nov 2020

thanks for the links.

would you say this combo is better than these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B4Q5588?tag=georiot-trd-21&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=whathifi-gb-3590160776503275000-21

I’ve never had a subwoofer before. would it be a real improvement then? and would it be better to combine those two you linked even over like £400-500 bookshelf speakers?

Also, the reason i linked the speakers above is because this site said they’re the best budget ones: https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/hi-fi/best-hi-fi-speakers

1 point

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7th Mar 2019

I think getting good components for 2.0 and adding pieces down the road is a good suggestion and if you decide to go that route the Elac Debut 5.2 speakers are considered good bang for your buck at $199 a pair.

https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5588

If you are really committed to the HTiB idea though I had a little Onkyo system (HT-SR800) many years ago and it served me pretty well in the little condo I was living in at the time (I have since replaced it all). Anyway the Onkyo HT-S3900 can be had for $249 on Amazon and includes 5 speakers, an AVR, and a little sub:

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3900-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B071GQZL6P

I don’t know much about soundbars but I have read that the Vizio ones give pretty good bang for your buck. My brother had a Vizio SB and liked it.

1 point

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29th Apr 2020

Here’s what I would do.
AVR: Denon x1600 $400
Subs: 2 Monoprice Monolith 10 x 2 $950
L/R speakers: ELAC B5.2 $230
Center: ELAC B5.2 Center $200
Surrounds: Micca MB42X $80
That should be a hair under $2k with tax. A 100 ft roll of 14 gauge speaker wire is under $20 on Amazon. This setup certainly priorities certain things that are the most important for a home theater; a good AVR and excellent bass extension. The Monolith 10s are the only capable subs I could find where you could get a pair for under $1k. The SVS PB1000 would also be good. 2 subs will give you better headroom and a much smoother bass response, which you are going to want with your square room. As for the speakers, I have not personally heard the ELACs, but they seem to get high praise and are on a good sale. Surround speakers are where most people can save some money, but the Miccas should be capable. As for speaker stands, that depends on your space but I would shop around, use your TV stand, use bar stools, whatever works until you find the right stands that you like for cheap. I have used wall mounts from Pinpoint because I needed to wall mount my front L/R in my space and they got the speakers a bit out from the wall, but I got them for quite a bit less than they are selling for now. Hope this helps!

Edit: Speakers are very subjective, so if you happened to like a front stage that is a bit more pricey than the ELACs, I would be very comfortable going with 2 RSL Speedwoofer 10s instead as my subwoofers. This would save you about $150 which you could allocate to your speakers. The Speedwoofer 10s doesn’t go infrasonic with the authority that the Monolith 10 does, but they have received pretty high praise from independent reviewers.

1 point

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24th Jun 2019

Elac B5’s are on sale for $199 which is a very very good deal for great sounding speakers.

If you could stretch your budget the NAD 3020v2 for 399 will be everything you need otherwise. Has a built in DAC so you can connect from your computer with optical, phono input if you want to ruin your life and go broke getting into vinyl, aptx bluetooth streaming, subwoofer out if you want to add some low end, also looks nice and will happily power your headphone collection.

​

If you’re set on a budget, the SMSL AD18 is 150 and does most of the same shit just isn’t as nice to look at or deal with.

1 point

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8th Feb 2019

Why not give her your current system and you start building a new one, or does hers have to be new?

What is the music to movies/TV ratio? 70% music? If mostly music you don’t really need a center speaker unless she has a hard time hearing dialog.

If getting the big 6.5″ Infinity Reference R162 which may be a bit bulky for a 12×12 room consider skipping the subwoofer for now and make sure she is ok with the big R162s.

5.25″ will be sufficient if getting a subwoofer.

If you are handy, DIY 5″ C-Notes $100. Add around $50 to $75 for tools and supplies. Kits includes pre-cut cabinets. Glue, solder, paint, assemble. Comparable to built speakers costing 2 and maybe 3 times as much. Check out the build videos.

1 point

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21st Aug 2018

Center channel is really important for dialogue clarity, spend more money there, get at least the MB42X-C. If you can spend more money I would upgrade all 3 front speakers to ELAC Debut 2 series.

https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5588

https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Center-Speaker-Black/dp/B07B4Q5LW2

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1400h/denon-avr-x1400h-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

Saves you $100 on the receiver.

A good subwoofer is a priority for a good home theater. Spend another $50 for a BIC F12. Again, if you can spend more look for used options from SVS, HSU, Rythmik, or any other reputable subwoofer manufacturer.

https://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-f-12-12-475-watt-subwoofer–303-436

0 points

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1st Nov 2019

A 5.1.2 setup will blow any sound bar out of the water. And you don’t need massive speakers. Small bookshelf speakers can provide great sound quality. These ELAC bookshelves are great at just over 5” tall.