The full review
ELAC BS 73 Bookshelf Speakers Review
Introduction
When I initially stumbled upon the ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers, I was intrigued by their reasonable price point and ELAC's reputation, particularly with the buzz surrounding their DEBUT series. As someone who enjoys testing different audio equipment, I decided to get a pair and thoroughly evaluate them. Here is a comprehensive review of my experience with the ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers, covering their performance, build quality, compatibility, and overall value.
Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing the ELAC BS 73, I was immediately struck by the impressive build quality. The fit and finish are impeccable, and the edges are seamless, giving the speakers a robust and premium feel. Their substantial weight is a testament to their solid construction and substantial internal components, reassuring you of their durability and reliability.
I gave the speakers a week of break-in time, playing a variety of music genres at different volumes to thoroughly test their capabilities. This period allowed the speakers to 'settle in,' and I noticed a significant improvement in their performance. The initial impressions were generally positive but with specific variances depending on the type of audio equipment I paired them with.
Sound Quality
Low End
One of the standout features of the ELAC BS 73 is its bass response. The speakers handle low frequencies exceptionally well, providing a lovely bass floor that gives depth to the music. This is particularly impressive given their size. They excel with male voices and bass-heavy genres, delivering a full, satisfying sound without overwhelming the mid and high frequencies.
Midrange
The ELAC BS 73 truly shines in the midrange. Male vocals come through rich and warm, which I don't always find in speakers at this price point. However, female vocals can be more problematic, especially those with high-pitched or sharp tones. Depending on the setup, they can sound slightly strident or dull. It's a delicate balance, and it is affected by the type of receiver you are using, which I'll discuss next.
High End
The high frequencies are precise but can lean towards brightness, especially if your system is already inclined that way. Using a Denon receiver accentuated this brightness, making the sound fatiguing over longer listening sessions. On the other hand, pairing the ELAC BS 73 with a Marantz receiver resulted in a warmer, more balanced sound. This brings us to the crucial topic of system compatibility.
Compatibility and Setup
During my testing, I used a Marantz and a Denon receiver to see how the ELAC BS 73 would perform with different setups. Interestingly, the sound character varied significantly between the two. With the Marantz receiver, the speakers exhibited a warmer and more engaging soundstage, much to my liking. On the other hand, the Denon receiver accentuated the high frequencies, leading to a brighter sound that could become a bit harsh with certain types of music, particularly female vocals.
I also experimented with running the EQ on the Denon receiver, which did help in tempering the brightness to some extent. This experiment highlights the importance of pairing these speakers with the right equipment for the best performance. It's clear that the ELAC BS 73 is not dull by any means, but your experience can vary depending on your system.
Build Quality and Design
The ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers are well-constructed, with a high standard of fit and finish. The edges are seamless, and the overall build quality gives the impression of a more expensive product. The heavy weight of the speakers adds to the sense of durability and quality. They would seamlessly fit into most home audio setups aesthetically and functionally.
Value for Money
Considering their price point, the ELAC BS 73 offers exceptional value. While they may not be in the same league as $50k speakers, they deliver impressive sound quality for their cost. Despite their sensitivity to system pairing, they are a wise investment, particularly for those entering the world of high-quality audio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive bass response for their size
- Excellent build quality and finish
- Rich and warm midrange, particularly with male vocals
- Good value for money
Cons:
- It can be bright with certain receivers
- Female vocals can be strident or dull depending on the setup
- Sensitivity to system pairing for optimal sound
Comparison to Similar Products
Compared to other bookshelf speakers in a similar price range, the ELAC BS 73 stands out with its robust build quality and compelling sound performance, particularly in the low-end and mid-range. Many speakers in this category need help with a smooth bass response and tend to feel more lightweight and less durable. However, this does not mean they outshine everything else. Brands like KEF and Q Acoustics offer competitive products with their strengths, such as better handling of high frequencies or more straightforward compatibility across different systems. If robust bass and a warm midrange are your priorities, the ELAC BS 73 will serve you well. But for a more balanced sound profile without the hassle of system sensitivity, consider other options as well.
Conclusion
The ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers offer a lot of bang for the buck. Their strong points include:
- A robust bass response.
- Superior build quality.
- Excellent performance with male vocals and bass-heavy music genres.
However, their sensitivity to the type of receiver used can result in a varying listening experience. Considering your existing audio setup when purchasing these speakers is crucial. They provide remarkable sound quality for the price but are not without their quirks. Overall, they have piqued my interest enough to explore more expensive ELAC offerings in the future.