At 18:41 you do what you do best and you may be the only one who does this. I'm not sure I should put it into words. But you're good man. Very good. Also earlier, when you describe the way speakers "hang back" is very helpful.
Criminals can do legitimate audio reviews, too. Or even people who are criminals, but we can't tell that they are from their video acting. Is Tom Cruise or Roger Ebert a good person..?
YES!!!!!! A speaker shootout with affordable speakers and specific song comparisons. These videos will always be my favorites! I really don’t care who the final “winner” is. That is up to each person’s taste. I just love hearing the differences in the specific areas or speaker performance during certain song passages. I like hearing what Randy’s preference is but it doesn’t mean he is right or wrong. More, please!
Being an audiophile of many years, and a speaker modifier/designer with a strong background in EE, I can tell you that the folded ribbon operates by the same principle as an amt tweeter, so yes, it IS an amt tweeter. All the rest is marketing hype.
@@robinkleinsteuber5217 hey my friend bought all the pieces not assembled to build out speakers. He did it with no research. He’s located near Nashville hmu if this interest you and would be able to help or give advice
@bluelithium9808 Yes. That's why they added the word "folded". I don't actually like that word at all. An AMT is better described as a 'pleated' (i.e., accordian-like) diaphragm, which then orthogonically shifts both the magnetic field and the motion of the conductors by 90 degrees. This accordian shape then "squeezes" air out at a velocity higher than the velocity of the diaphragm conductors. Much greater sensitivity results compared to any PM (ie.,'quasi-ribbon') or any 'true ribbon' would.
@@robinkleinsteuber5217 much of this is ignorance. They see something flat and it's a ribbon. You can fold or pleat a ribbon. It's not going to produce sound ergo the AMT isn't any ribbon operationally.
I played that, "Why so sad" song you were talking about on my system after you described the part with super low bass! My 2 SVS SB2000S and JBL L100s classics were definitely getting a workout. 👌
Great video. Appreciate the description of sound profiles as something easily understood. MoP is an all time record that still blows my mind! Kill Em All is also in regular rotation. You should listen to Phantom Lord next time you feel a need to get fired up! Cheers
People who pointed out the importance of the music you listen to definitely had a valid point! Out of curiosity, I gave that "Why So Serious?" track a listen, and WOW! My subwoofer responded to that song in ways I’ve never experienced before.
So Amazon messed up and had marked down the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53-BK to $259.98 for 10hrs. They were supposed to mark down the Debut 2 to that price. I am still waiting on them, but cannot believe I got them for such a steal. Cannot wait to hear these things. Hope the 5" are almost as good as the 6".
Another great video. I really like the comparisons. Watching the individual videos about each speaker gives the viewer a lot of information, but without being able to personally listen them all side by side, a video like this really makes a difference. A comparison to the Q Acoustics 5020 and Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator, some of your other favorite speakers, would be a great follow up. What are you gaining (or maybe losing) by spending double and triple? That would show what a great value the JBL, Emotiva, and Elacs are, but also Q Acoustics and Sonus Faber may be something worth saving for or an aspiring for a future upgrade. You may realize these speakers are all you really need and want to invest in other gear instead.
Hilarious!!❤😂 Keep going man! Okay. Now I'm gonna focus on the video. Yours may be the ONLY introductions I listen to. And I never have to put your videos on faster playback speed! Awesome!
@cheapaudioman Thursday Speaker Shootout! Where's the monkey and the shaky table? Very very very good vid. One thing I figured out listening to your channel. I would have sworn that I like more treble ... come to figure out I lean toward a warmer sound. I may be considering the Elac ... yummy! I know you don't always keep more speakers to compare, but this is super reminiscent of your early days of fun. Thanks Mr. Randy. 🙃
The only thing I do not care for is the rear ports. I mostly prefer the sound bass signature of a passive radiator over a port on speakers. Can place them closer to a wall as well.
I've been a big fan of the Heil AMT tweeter since as a 17-year old I purchased a pair of ESS AMT 1B speakers. I assume Oskar Heil had a patent on them and an exclusive agreement with ESS back in those days as you really didn't see this type of tweeter in other brands. They got good reviews as I especially remember the late & great Julian Hirsch's in the '77 August (I think) Stereo Review. FFW to today, with no patent restraining the use of the AMT design they are definitely more than validated as to their greatness. It is almost impossible to count how many makers of speakers use AMT tweeters in their lines as they offer so much detail, clarity, and wide band-response related to size. They do need to be implemented wisely as they are dipolar radiators which, as used here, have to be damped well from their rear 180º phase radiation. Emotive has been using these for now well over a decade successfully. I'm not surprised in your findings here. The beauty of the ESS AMT 1B speakers (currently still available in much the original form often by special order) is this speaker uses the largest currently available AMT driver in an open baffle dipolar design which seems to let them "breathe" a wider soundstage when positioned with care. Some audiophiles over the years have often designed their own home-brewed speakers using the large Heil AMT made by ESS in attempts to improve the integration of this driver as the AMT 1B's mated it to a 12-inch woofer that would handle the lower mid-range. Personally, I have no reservations of still in 2024 the ESS AMT 1B's do much more on a very high level than they get wrong. I think the low cross-over point blended with a, relatively, fast and light 12-inch woofer works fine. Based on your review, and my personal experience with AMT tweeters, I would have to give the Emotive speakers a big nod over these very respectable contenders. As in many things, it is often those last few dollars (yes, the Emotiva speakers cost a little more) that really deliver the best in long-term satisfaction.
Love the speaker shootout! Great video, Randy. I think I'd personally lean towards the Emotive speakers, as I do like clarity and detail. But they have been out of stock almost since the moment they came out.
Love me some Thursday 🤔 Speaker Shoot Outs. I think the unicorn 🦄 had too much partying and couldn't hang with you, Randy. Great Job in comparing these speakers.
A Folded Ribbon Tweeter is an AMT ( Air Motion Transformer ) tweeter. It's just easier to market "Folded Ribbon Tweeter" than the latter techie sounding name. It's simply a pleated material as opposed to a dome shaped tweeter. Imagine a tweeter that looks like a tiny version of a pleated air filter. Because of this feature, this is one of the reasons why you heard all that clarity of the cracks of the drumsticks, cymbal sizzle and transients of hands sliding over guitar strings of "Master of Puppets". It's a way of getting mass into a small space but at the same time keeping the material density small for very quick micro-movements which is what is needed for reproducing high frequencies.
The special thing about the "AMT" is that it does not move back and forth to create sound, instead the folds open and close and thus "squeeze" the air. The functional radiating area is much bigger than the front area, giving it greater dynamics than other foil tweeters.
Oooh...those monoblocks. I had them in my cart recently. Didn't pull the trigger, because I couldn't find enough (subjective) reviews/comments about them. Can't wait for your take Randy! You're my guy! BTW they'd be driving Linton 85th speakers...
I, personally, 😂 regardless of your STELLAR reviews Randy The Man .. going to be no doubt be surprised 🤯 when I have a chance to interview them. But I ALWAYS 💕 and appreciate your efforts regardless of the price. I have no expectations beyond surprise...and if my ears love it. I don't require nor seek the least for or the most for because I'm just looking to "fill my soul" with the happiness of music and couldn't give 2 Do Do's what others think.
AMT tweeters use a pleated diaphragm made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film to move air laterally. Folded ribbon tweeters use a thin film diaphragm folded into an accordion shape and placed in a symmetrical magnetic field. - AMT's reportedly have a wider frequency range (can be used as mid-range as well) and are less fragile than folded ribbons.
I would really like to hear where you place the Q150 compared to these newer speakers? I just picked up an open box excellent condition set that look brand new for $300 from BB. I know you’re a fan of them. Also looking forward to you getting the new Q line in at some point. My first set of Kef’s and I’m pretty happy with them. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really like them. I was planning on returning them if I didn’t like them. I think I’m going to have to try to sell some of my other speakers though. Got my RP-600M ii for $300 brand new a month ago. Might be time to offload the JBL Studio 530 and old Polk Monitor 5’s. My other speakers I own and have compared are RP-600M ii, Studio 530, old B&W DM602 S2 and B&W M1 ii, old Polk Monitor 5’s and T15’s, Jamo S801/S803, old DCM CX-17 (these are garage duty with a Pioneer SX-440 that I’ll be recapping soon), and a few others that I don’t remember right off the top of my head. The Kef meet almost all of my criteria for the sound I like. I’m just wondering if I should try some Elac speakers. I get the sense that you and I might have similarities in what it is we like.
Thank for this, i was between the elac 3s and the ultra evolutions, i didnt wanna pay that much for 15 speakers but buy once cry once. Appreciate the review.
Yeah, I recently went on a search for new bookshelf speakers for my office set up. Watched all these cheapaudioman videos singing the praises of the Emotiva Xb2 which got me really interested in purchasing them... only to find they seem to never be in stock.
Perhaps the differences in these three speakers points to the rule that the best $1000 speaker is two $500 speakers or the best $1500 speaker is three $500 speakers. Of course, this is not true if your budget is only $500, but there are some great speakers out there in the $200-$300 range.
Andrew Jones is a master of building crossovers...That's why the Elac's sound so good. Yes in his lower series Elac's the crossovers are built out of cheaper materials but the speaker frequencies are crossed at very good points and the mid bass driver hands off to the tweeter frequencies very smoothly...Crossovers are crucial to great sounding speakers...The more linear the frequency response the better they sound in all genre of music...Great video! Go all the way back to the Pioneer BS22's. They sounded great for a $100.00 pair of speakers you could walk into Best Buy to buy...
Randy if you’re really wanting to give your audience the best value in speakers I would really recommend throwing the $265 CerwinVega! LA165 up against these also great speakers!
@@vishaalgargi this is partly true. They made allot of models that were very good at playing loud and keeping there clarity. But many measured ok and sound really good. The new LA is more of an audiophile sound than a party sound, and it’s dirt cheap!
@@vishaalgargilong story short, CV is a whole company again. Whole because they were separated and the home speaker segment was sold off. CV owns it again. They’ve re-entered the market with something that might be worthy of consideration. Doesn’t get any recognition anywhere and they don’t offer it for sale many places. Basically direct or Amazon. You can find it on other sites but it’s sold 3rd party.
@ I am super happy with them! The bass is so much tighter and punchy. Sounds great with all my vinyl and with Tidal streaming service. Also sounds soooo good with movies. I am very very happy and they were a nice upgrade from the RP-50m from Klipsch
Randy, what would you tell a person who typically listens under 70db ? It seems that factor would influence the recommendations. For example, what if the JBL hangs just fine under 70db at listening position and offers good clarity, tonal balance, and detail at lower volumes ??
I am pretty sure I heard Dan Laughman say on their podcast that they were going to release different finishes in their new speaker line. It would be nice if they would do that I would like to see a white finish.
I think that the 5 best Heavy Metal albums are: 1) Black Sabbath- Mob Rules 2)Dio-Holy Diver 3)Metal Church(S/T) 4) Slayer-South Of Heaven 5) Metallica-Kill’em All I tend to favor more dynamic analog recordings with less compression and more dynamic slam to rip your face off. Like Mob Rules. Sign Of The Southern Cross will expose lesser rigs right away, especially at high volumes. The drums will blow your woofers across the room with the dynamics that Martin Birch recorded Vinnie’s kit with. The original Warner or Vertigo CD is fine. The Deluxe Edition from Sanctuary sounds great too. I like a laid back midrange since I play at such high volumes, with various NAD 80 to 150 watt power amps that are underrated, and will push 2 ohms with a kilowatt per channel. And they sound smooth for their class. I’m thinking the Elac would be the best overall for heavy rock and metal? Would the Polk R200 better them? Curious. It’s always a crap shoot with amp/speaker matching. Sometimes it winds up different than what you would expect when you match. Just as a side note , does that Wiim have a very high resolution digital volume control? I would think at under full scale max, that it would certainly affect the resolution in the digital domain. I tend to always use analog preamps with a good dac as the source. Like the Parasound D/AC 2000 Ultra. That unit will show you that 44.1/16 bit is glorious enough for anything. Thanks for the great comparison Randy! Which one is least fatiguing at Jet Turbine volumes?
Would be great to hear about Thonet and Vander bookshelf speakers from your perspective, even a review. I live in part of the world where 95% of the brands/models you review are not available here sadly. Kurbis or Vertrag models for example. Thanks
I already own Enotiva B1+ with BasX A2 amp, SMSL DAC. That’s my office set up, love it. I will now be purchasing the ELAC for my bedroom set up. Because it’s the polar opposite. I have the clarity and now want the dynamic exciting sound!
I won't disagree with you on the Master of Puppets thing, but personally, I go back and forth on it with Ride the Lightning and AJ4A. All 3 are beyond stellar albums
Guys. If you have one of those entry level audiophile speakers, you don't need to upgrade to a newer version. What you need to do is to go to an upper class speaker. The difference between those entry levels and the ones in the 800-1000 price range is insane.
Do you think that the ELAC DB53 (5.25" driver) would be much of a downgrade from the DB63? Would it be closer to the JBL Stage 250 or still better on tracks such as the ones in the video? Great video, thanks!!
I am hardly an audiophile, that said, I would love a nice pair of bookshelf and maybe the sony reciever you talked about in another video. Give me the down and dirty, for a Steely Dan and Eagles guy, what do you recommend. Bluetooth on the receiver is a must.
To bad we can't hear the speakers, maybe pick something you can play without having to pay for it so we can hear it. Master is great stuff, Ride the Lightening as well as the first Metallica kill em all are all stellar to me. Black Sabbath heaven and hell,mob rules along with Dio's first couple albums,iron maiden piece of mind, Megadeth first two albums, anthrax first few, motorhead pick one, Judas priest screaming for vengeance, scorpions black out and love at first sting, Rush 2112 moving pictures, Pantera cemetery gates, AC DC back in black, the list goes on and on and on !👍 Thanks, just found your channel and subbed, now I need to find a sound system somewhere.
JBL bookshelf speakers always seem require a sub for main speaker duty. I do prefer their sound, but would likely get the Elacs for stand alone. Great review. I think 4-500 (formerly 150-350) is the sweet spot for near-great sounding speakers. Great review.
I do not agree with your comment "all the cymbals, crack of the guitars, and finger slides, and things you just don't hear on the Elac's". I'm assuming you are exaggerating or mean that it's not as prominent as Emotiva. Otherwise I would take a measurement because there is something wrong. I've listened to both and there's no issue hearing everything from Metallica on the Elac's. The XB2 has a definite rising treble which is what you are probably hearing, but I find a bit tiring unless knocked down. I compared Emotiva XB2 (lucky to get a pair), Elac Debut 3.0, and SVS Ultra Evolution nanos, along with center channels. I ended up keeping the Elac's. The Elac's larger sound stage and balance was the deciding factor for me. Elac 1, Emotiva a close 2nd, SVS 3. I was surprised as I thought for sure SVS would come out ahead, but not in my room sitting 11ft away.
Great video as always. I recently bought the little Reisong A10 and I’m trying to the pair the best possible bookshelf speaker that I can for $500 ish. Your video on the amp convinced me to pull the trigger but I’m worried about picking a speaker that is harder to “drive”. Any help on what you would choose at that “cheaper” budget for speakers would be so great!
I play on some old 90s boston accoustics towers and the range is 40-20000hz. They surprisingly slam pretty hard on the bass considering a 7.5" woofer. I am a huge fan of cerwin vegas. My dream is the XLS dual 15" speaker.
I have jnog2 with 4493 chip. I upgraded to Burson v7 vivid on my RCA and WOW... what a difference. If you have that 4499 chip, you will be thrilled with upgraded op amps.
Randy, I am surprised that JBL did do a black spray or black wrap to match the baffle. To me all black & grey speakers is my visual of classic look on speakers.
I guess if you did buy the two pairs of speakers, you could use a quality receiver and plus one pain in the stereo main and the other pain in the Zone two stereo sockets so you could easily switch between the speakers without doing anything other than pressing a button on the receivers control.
Looks in order: Emotiva, Elac, JBL. Build quality: Emotiva, Elac, JBL. Sound Quality: Emotiva (Detailed), Elac (Dynamic), JBL (Eh?). If you're an audiophile the Emotiva, If you want a party speaker... Elac. If you need more bass, instead of using a second pair of bookshelf speakers, invest in a sub.
Good Moring Cheap Audio Man. Man, I love grabbing a cup of coffee and watching your channel. I have a quick question that I'm hoping you could help me answer. I'm using the db2's in a 3.0 setup (with a db6 center channel) If you could only upgrade the center or left and right speakers to the db3's, which would you chose?
I'm running a subwoofer at basically all times. That means that the bass response from bookshelf speakers is a moot point for me. Clarity and detail are my jam. Unless I'm hearing wrong, the emotiva speakers take the cake in that department.
Best Metal songs: Iron Maiden - To Tame a Land Metallica - Master of Puppets Tool - Vicarious Anthrax - I Am the Law Slayer - Reign in Blood Fight me about it! 😂
Hi Randy, Check Paul's (PS Audio) video from yesterday 10/3. It gives a good description of tweeter types and how they work. Keep up the great work.. Big fan here.
Can I actually use a bookshelf speaker in a bookshelf when it has a rear port? I want to replace my front left/right speakers in my ceiling with bookshelf speakers. They will be located in a bookshelf with the ports fairly close to the rear of the bookshelf. In this room we are mainly watching TV/Movies, very seldom music. The height of the Elac would just fit. Most people I see mounting these on a stand in open air. I don't want and "booming" or echoing.
I just bought the 250b stage 2 surround system but you are the only one i seen with a positive review about these. Im considering taking them back and getting the sony core series. What are your thoughts? Im looking fir quality and immersion not just powerful sound. Thanks in advance.
Which of them for a particularly large, difficult room? I'm having a terrible time deciding on the Elac Debut 3.0 and Emotiva XB2. I have custom home theater towers & center with RAAL ribbon tweeter and am a huge fan of the mid & high crispness and clarity without being overly bright, which appears to be a characteristic of the XB2. However, these will go in my cabin's great room, which is just awful, terrible, no good for perfect sound. 40'x24', with 22' ceiling, one side glass, a big stone fireplace in the middle. I can't get speaker separation, I can't plan for depth, and I certainly can't get enough subs. That said, with the right speakers (currently tiny but beautiful sounding Emp E41-B with SVS SB-1000 sub) I can get a very pleasing sound both nearfield and across the room. I'm a music photographer and have no specific genre phobias, although I tend to listen to jam bands, newgrass, jamgrass, with some indie and classic rock slipped in from time to time. Anyway, after extensive viewing (including this video about 6 times now) and reading I've decided the soundstage and warmth from the Elac may be a better fit in my space, and wonder if you have an opinion to share. Thanks.
Yes! A speaker shootout! I miss these from the early days of the channel - more of this please! 😊
Yes please go back to the original Cheap Audio Man.
At 18:41 you do what you do best and you may be the only one who does this. I'm not sure I should put it into words. But you're good man. Very good. Also earlier, when you describe the way speakers "hang back" is very helpful.
@@blinkingmanchannel thank you so much for supporting the channel and the kind words, my friend
Criminals can do legitimate audio reviews, too. Or even people who are criminals, but we can't tell that they are from their video acting. Is Tom Cruise or Roger Ebert a good person..?
YES!!!!!! A speaker shootout with affordable speakers and specific song comparisons. These videos will always be my favorites! I really don’t care who the final “winner” is. That is up to each person’s taste. I just love hearing the differences in the specific areas or speaker performance during certain song passages. I like hearing what Randy’s preference is but it doesn’t mean he is right or wrong.
More, please!
Being an audiophile of many years, and a speaker modifier/designer with a strong background in EE, I can tell you that the folded ribbon operates by the same principle as an amt tweeter, so yes, it IS an amt tweeter. All the rest is marketing hype.
@@robinkleinsteuber5217 hey my friend bought all the pieces not assembled to build out speakers. He did it with no research. He’s located near Nashville hmu if this interest you and would be able to help or give advice
Indeed. An AMT also is not operationally a ribbon. It's also the only driver I'm aware of that moves perpendicular to the listener.
@bluelithium9808 Yes. That's why they added the word "folded". I don't actually like that word at all. An AMT is better described as a 'pleated' (i.e., accordian-like) diaphragm, which then orthogonically shifts both the magnetic field and the motion of the conductors by 90 degrees. This accordian shape then "squeezes" air out at a velocity higher than the velocity of the diaphragm conductors. Much greater sensitivity results compared to any PM (ie.,'quasi-ribbon') or any 'true ribbon' would.
@@robinkleinsteuber5217 much of this is ignorance. They see something flat and it's a ribbon. You can fold or pleat a ribbon. It's not going to produce sound ergo the AMT isn't any ribbon operationally.
@@bluelithium9808 Yes. Electracoustically much different. Yes. Have a great day!
At the price they are sitting at, those details that separate them really matter. Good review Randy.
I played that, "Why so sad" song you were talking about on my system after you described the part with super low bass!
My 2 SVS SB2000S and JBL L100s classics were definitely getting a workout. 👌
Great video. Appreciate the description of sound profiles as something easily understood. MoP is an all time record that still blows my mind! Kill Em All is also in regular rotation. You should listen to Phantom Lord next time you feel a need to get fired up! Cheers
People who pointed out the importance of the music you listen to definitely had a valid point! Out of curiosity, I gave that "Why So Serious?" track a listen, and WOW! My subwoofer responded to that song in ways I’ve never experienced before.
So Amazon messed up and had marked down the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53-BK to $259.98 for 10hrs. They were supposed to mark down the Debut 2 to that price. I am still waiting on them, but cannot believe I got them for such a steal. Cannot wait to hear these things. Hope the 5" are almost as good as the 6".
How are you liking the 5"? Im trying to decide between these and the 6" for my office
Thanks Randy for an awesome Speaker Shootout! These are now on my list! 👍👍👍
"the crystal method - high roller" was always one of my test songs. that song will tell you some things about a set of speakers
Hey Randy. Thanks again for the reviews!
Another great video. I really like the comparisons. Watching the individual videos about each speaker gives the viewer a lot of information, but without being able to personally listen them all side by side, a video like this really makes a difference.
A comparison to the Q Acoustics 5020 and Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator, some of your other favorite speakers, would be a great follow up. What are you gaining (or maybe losing) by spending double and triple? That would show what a great value the JBL, Emotiva, and Elacs are, but also Q Acoustics and Sonus Faber may be something worth saving for or an aspiring for a future upgrade. You may realize these speakers are all you really need and want to invest in other gear instead.
Thank you for honoring my request for going back to thumping the driver.
Yes! The woofer thump is mandatory! :D
Hilarious!!❤😂
Keep going man!
Okay. Now I'm gonna focus on the video. Yours may be the ONLY introductions I listen to. And I never have to put your videos on faster playback speed! Awesome!
@cheapaudioman Thursday Speaker Shootout! Where's the monkey and the shaky table? Very very very good vid. One thing I figured out listening to your channel. I would have sworn that I like more treble ... come to figure out I lean toward a warmer sound. I may be considering the Elac ... yummy! I know you don't always keep more speakers to compare, but this is super reminiscent of your early days of fun. Thanks Mr. Randy. 🙃
The only thing I do not care for is the rear ports. I mostly prefer the sound bass signature of a passive radiator over a port on speakers. Can place them closer to a wall as well.
Completely agree.
Agree, radiators or front ports work better in my room.
Nice work - I understand the differences between them. I also appreciate the list of recommended products in the description. Keep it up!
I've been a big fan of the Heil AMT tweeter since as a 17-year old I purchased a pair of ESS AMT 1B speakers. I assume Oskar Heil had a patent on them and an exclusive agreement with ESS back in those days as you really didn't see this type of tweeter in other brands. They got good reviews as I especially remember the late & great Julian Hirsch's in the '77 August (I think) Stereo Review. FFW to today, with no patent restraining the use of the AMT design they are definitely more than validated as to their greatness. It is almost impossible to count how many makers of speakers use AMT tweeters in their lines as they offer so much detail, clarity, and wide band-response related to size. They do need to be implemented wisely as they are dipolar radiators which, as used here, have to be damped well from their rear 180º phase radiation. Emotive has been using these for now well over a decade successfully. I'm not surprised in your findings here. The beauty of the ESS AMT 1B speakers (currently still available in much the original form often by special order) is this speaker uses the largest currently available AMT driver in an open baffle dipolar design which seems to let them "breathe" a wider soundstage when positioned with care. Some audiophiles over the years have often designed their own home-brewed speakers using the large Heil AMT made by ESS in attempts to improve the integration of this driver as the AMT 1B's mated it to a 12-inch woofer that would handle the lower mid-range. Personally, I have no reservations of still in 2024 the ESS AMT 1B's do much more on a very high level than they get wrong. I think the low cross-over point blended with a, relatively, fast and light 12-inch woofer works fine. Based on your review, and my personal experience with AMT tweeters, I would have to give the Emotive speakers a big nod over these very respectable contenders. As in many things, it is often those last few dollars (yes, the Emotiva speakers cost a little more) that really deliver the best in long-term satisfaction.
Love the speaker shootout! Great video, Randy. I think I'd personally lean towards the Emotive speakers, as I do like clarity and detail. But they have been out of stock almost since the moment they came out.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Speaker shootout!!!!! Vs. Wharfedale Denton 80th or Diamond 12.2???? I need your thoughts. Thank you!
Definitely Denton
@TheFreakonhell thank you! Can you provide some detail????
Some really good options at these price points. Thanks Randy.
Love me some Thursday 🤔 Speaker Shoot Outs. I think the unicorn 🦄 had too much partying and couldn't hang with you, Randy. Great Job in comparing these speakers.
Agree. Miss the speaker shootouts.
A Folded Ribbon Tweeter is an AMT ( Air Motion Transformer ) tweeter. It's just easier to market "Folded Ribbon Tweeter" than the latter techie sounding name. It's simply a pleated material as opposed to a dome shaped tweeter. Imagine a tweeter that looks like a tiny version of a pleated air filter. Because of this feature, this is one of the reasons why you heard all that clarity of the cracks of the drumsticks, cymbal sizzle and transients of hands sliding over guitar strings of "Master of Puppets". It's a way of getting mass into a small space but at the same time keeping the material density small for very quick micro-movements which is what is needed for reproducing high frequencies.
The special thing about the "AMT" is that it does not move back and forth to create sound, instead the folds open and close and thus "squeeze" the air. The functional radiating area is much bigger than the front area, giving it greater dynamics than other foil tweeters.
Love to see how these stack up side-by-side with my Paradigm Monitor bookshelf speakers. For the price, I love those speakers.
Randy fills up his coffee tumbler. Taps it twice, tap-tap. "Oh yeah-h-h!"
This is a great video Randy
The MTV recording was probably recorded with sibilance to help cover up Alanis' lisp. Great video Randy ! Thx !
Oooh...those monoblocks. I had them in my cart recently. Didn't pull the trigger, because I couldn't find enough (subjective) reviews/comments about them. Can't wait for your take Randy! You're my guy! BTW they'd be driving Linton 85th speakers...
So happy to see this. Great budget speakers were starting to become a rare thing with inflation
I, personally, 😂 regardless of your STELLAR reviews Randy The Man .. going to be no doubt be surprised 🤯 when I have a chance to interview them. But I ALWAYS 💕 and appreciate your efforts regardless of the price. I have no expectations beyond surprise...and if my ears love it. I don't require nor seek the least for or the most for because I'm just looking to "fill my soul" with the happiness of music and couldn't give 2 Do Do's what others think.
AMT tweeters use a pleated diaphragm made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film to move air laterally. Folded ribbon tweeters use a thin film diaphragm folded into an accordion shape and placed in a symmetrical magnetic field. - AMT's reportedly have a wider frequency range (can be used as mid-range as well) and are less fragile than folded ribbons.
Really good review! Thx!
I would really like to hear where you place the Q150 compared to these newer speakers? I just picked up an open box excellent condition set that look brand new for $300 from BB. I know you’re a fan of them. Also looking forward to you getting the new Q line in at some point. My first set of Kef’s and I’m pretty happy with them. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really like them. I was planning on returning them if I didn’t like them. I think I’m going to have to try to sell some of my other speakers though. Got my RP-600M ii for $300 brand new a month ago. Might be time to offload the JBL Studio 530 and old Polk Monitor 5’s.
My other speakers I own and have compared are RP-600M ii, Studio 530, old B&W DM602 S2 and B&W M1 ii, old Polk Monitor 5’s and T15’s, Jamo S801/S803, old DCM CX-17 (these are garage duty with a Pioneer SX-440 that I’ll be recapping soon), and a few others that I don’t remember right off the top of my head.
The Kef meet almost all of my criteria for the sound I like. I’m just wondering if I should try some Elac speakers. I get the sense that you and I might have similarities in what it is we like.
Thank for this, i was between the elac 3s and the ultra evolutions, i didnt wanna pay that much for 15 speakers but buy once cry once. Appreciate the review.
Another great review thank you Sir you are the best
Thank you Randy - PS- Emotiva Xb2 have been out of stock for 3 months -
Yeah, I recently went on a search for new bookshelf speakers for my office set up. Watched all these cheapaudioman videos singing the praises of the Emotiva Xb2 which got me really interested in purchasing them... only to find they seem to never be in stock.
@@digitaljackson3891 they’re in stock now, and 20% off too.
Next, a speaker shoot-out for Infinity SM-125, Boston Acoustics CR9 and Project One MM 75!
Perhaps the differences in these three speakers points to the rule that the best $1000 speaker is two $500 speakers or the best $1500 speaker is three $500 speakers. Of course, this is not true if your budget is only $500, but there are some great speakers out there in the $200-$300 range.
Andrew Jones is a master of building crossovers...That's why the Elac's sound so good. Yes in his lower series Elac's the crossovers are built out of cheaper materials but the speaker frequencies are crossed at very good points and the mid bass driver hands off to the tweeter frequencies very smoothly...Crossovers are crucial to great sounding speakers...The more linear the frequency response the better they sound in all genre of music...Great video! Go all the way back to the Pioneer BS22's. They sounded great for a $100.00 pair of speakers you could walk into Best Buy to buy...
Randy if you’re really wanting to give your audience the best value in speakers I would really recommend throwing the $265 CerwinVega! LA165 up against these also great speakers!
I thought cerwinvega were mostly party speakers
They are part of a new line of Cerwin-Vega speakers.
@@vishaalgargi this is partly true. They made allot of models that were very good at playing loud and keeping there clarity. But many measured ok and sound really good. The new LA is more of an audiophile sound than a party sound, and it’s dirt cheap!
@@vishaalgargilong story short, CV is a whole company again. Whole because they were separated and the home speaker segment was sold off. CV owns it again. They’ve re-entered the market with something that might be worthy of consideration. Doesn’t get any recognition anywhere and they don’t offer it for sale many places. Basically direct or Amazon. You can find it on other sites but it’s sold 3rd party.
LA165 can be seen on Generation Behind HiFi’s channel. He does interesting look inside videos.
I have the Debut 3s coming in the mail tomorrow on your recommendation. I chose them over the Klipsch 600m. I hope I made the right call!
Well?
Well?
@@ReactarooSkidoo well??
@ I am super happy with them! The bass is so much tighter and punchy. Sounds great with all my vinyl and with Tidal streaming service. Also sounds soooo good with movies. I am very very happy and they were a nice upgrade from the RP-50m from Klipsch
Korn "Here to Stay" on Elacs. Sounds pretty good... Great review, thanks for the video!
Fun video. Thx.
Randy, what would you tell a person who typically listens under 70db ? It seems that factor would influence the recommendations. For example, what if the JBL hangs just fine under 70db at listening position and offers good clarity, tonal balance, and detail at lower volumes ??
I am pretty sure I heard Dan Laughman say on their podcast that they were going to release different finishes in their new speaker line. It would be nice if they would do that I would like to see a white finish.
We all know the real star of this video was not the speakers, it was that sweet Goonies tee..
Listen to the Bartok string quartets. You’ll love them.
I think that the 5 best Heavy Metal albums are:
1) Black Sabbath-
Mob Rules
2)Dio-Holy Diver
3)Metal Church(S/T)
4) Slayer-South Of Heaven
5) Metallica-Kill’em All
I tend to favor more dynamic analog recordings with less compression and more dynamic slam to rip your face off.
Like Mob Rules.
Sign Of The Southern Cross will expose lesser rigs right away, especially at high volumes. The drums will blow your woofers across the room with the dynamics that Martin Birch recorded Vinnie’s kit with.
The original Warner or Vertigo CD is fine. The Deluxe Edition from Sanctuary sounds great too.
I like a laid back midrange since I play at such high volumes, with various NAD 80 to 150 watt power amps that are underrated, and will push 2 ohms with a kilowatt per channel. And they sound smooth for their class.
I’m thinking the Elac would be the best overall for heavy rock and metal? Would the Polk R200 better them? Curious. It’s always a crap shoot with amp/speaker matching.
Sometimes it winds up different than what you would expect when you match.
Just as a side note , does that Wiim have a very high resolution digital volume control? I would think at under full scale max, that it would certainly affect the resolution in the digital domain. I tend to always use analog preamps with a good dac as the source. Like the Parasound D/AC 2000 Ultra. That unit will show you that 44.1/16 bit is glorious enough for anything.
Thanks for the great comparison Randy!
Which one is least fatiguing at Jet Turbine volumes?
Miss these shootout videos!
I love the JBL’s with the RSL 10E
Thank you, Randy.
Randy, one of the best test songs for speakers is Dream Theater’s 6:00 from Awake….especially for bass frequencies.
Thank you Randy
As another old guy with a miltary past! God Bless and Good Luck!
Would be great to hear about Thonet and Vander bookshelf speakers from your perspective, even a review. I live in part of the world where 95% of the brands/models you review are not available here sadly. Kurbis or Vertrag models for example.
Thanks
I already own Enotiva B1+ with BasX A2 amp, SMSL DAC. That’s my office set up, love it. I will now be purchasing the ELAC for my bedroom set up. Because it’s the polar opposite. I have the clarity and now want the dynamic exciting sound!
@@nexarium no, my office is a standard bedroom size. It’s on the smaller size. Sounds great.
Came for the Goonies t-shirt. Stayed for the review. I may have put those in reverse order. Or not.
I won't disagree with you on the Master of Puppets thing, but personally, I go back and forth on it with Ride the Lightning and AJ4A. All 3 are beyond stellar albums
I would add two older speakers , kef q150 and q acoustic concept 20 are excellent!
Guys. If you have one of those entry level audiophile speakers, you don't need to upgrade to a newer version. What you need to do is to go to an upper class speaker. The difference between those entry levels and the ones in the 800-1000 price range is insane.
Do you think that the ELAC DB53 (5.25" driver) would be much of a downgrade from the DB63? Would it be closer to the JBL Stage 250 or still better on tracks such as the ones in the video? Great video, thanks!!
I am hardly an audiophile, that said, I would love a nice pair of bookshelf and maybe the sony reciever you talked about in another video. Give me the down and dirty, for a Steely Dan and Eagles guy, what do you recommend. Bluetooth on the receiver is a must.
Hans and his torture testing bass drops, I tell ya...
I just recommended the Elac’s to my brother and I am looking forward to hearing them.
Alliteration at 8:18 is peak cam.
Might be time to hand a pair of the Emotiva XB2s to Neil for a tune-up!
Yes!!!
@@mattkalis1567 I wish I had the $$ to send my Emotiva T-Zero towers to Neil for an upgrade.
To bad we can't hear the speakers, maybe pick something you can play without having to pay for it so we can hear it.
Master is great stuff, Ride the Lightening as well as the first Metallica kill em all are all stellar to me. Black Sabbath heaven and hell,mob rules along with Dio's first couple albums,iron maiden piece of mind, Megadeth first two albums, anthrax first few, motorhead pick one, Judas priest screaming for vengeance, scorpions black out and love at first sting, Rush 2112 moving pictures, Pantera cemetery gates, AC DC back in black, the list goes on and on and on !👍 Thanks, just found your channel and subbed, now I need to find a sound system somewhere.
JBL bookshelf speakers always seem require a sub for main speaker duty. I do prefer their sound, but would likely get the Elacs for stand alone. Great review. I think 4-500 (formerly 150-350) is the sweet spot for near-great sounding speakers. Great review.
Elac 3.0 or Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52,? Love watching your videos. Lots if great info. Thanks for all you do.
Crutchfield only had one review on the Elac Debut 3 (so far) yesterday. It wasn’t very glowing. Claimed they only sounded great at mid volumes.
I do not agree with your comment "all the cymbals, crack of the guitars, and finger slides, and things you just don't hear on the Elac's". I'm assuming you are exaggerating or mean that it's not as prominent as Emotiva. Otherwise I would take a measurement because there is something wrong. I've listened to both and there's no issue hearing everything from Metallica on the Elac's. The XB2 has a definite rising treble which is what you are probably hearing, but I find a bit tiring unless knocked down.
I compared Emotiva XB2 (lucky to get a pair), Elac Debut 3.0, and SVS Ultra Evolution nanos, along with center channels. I ended up keeping the Elac's. The Elac's larger sound stage and balance was the deciding factor for me. Elac 1, Emotiva a close 2nd, SVS 3. I was surprised as I thought for sure SVS would come out ahead, but not in my room sitting 11ft away.
that tap so much asmr
Great video as always. I recently bought the little Reisong A10 and I’m trying to the pair the best possible bookshelf speaker that I can for $500 ish. Your video on the amp convinced me to pull the trigger but I’m worried about picking a speaker that is harder to “drive”. Any help on what you would choose at that “cheaper” budget for speakers would be so great!
need another speaker shootout, debut 3.0, vs unifi 2.0 vs debut 2.0 vs unifi reference
I’d throw the UB5’s in too as I like them tonally better than the UB5.2’s. The 5.2’s have better sound stage, though!
And Debut Reference!
I play on some old 90s boston accoustics towers and the range is 40-20000hz. They surprisingly slam pretty hard on the bass considering a 7.5" woofer. I am a huge fan of cerwin vegas. My dream is the XLS dual 15" speaker.
Great video what are the best options for JNOG2 - I did include Ak4499 curious your thoughts on additional options
I have jnog2 with 4493 chip. I upgraded to Burson v7 vivid on my RCA and WOW... what a difference.
If you have that 4499 chip, you will be thrilled with upgraded op amps.
Hans zimmer on the interstellar soundtrack kills every speaker I own. Hell, it crushes a few of my low-end subs.
Randy, I am surprised that JBL did do a black spray or black wrap to match the baffle. To me all black & grey speakers is my visual of classic look on speakers.
Buy the heaviest one. This applies to most components. But make sure half your entire stereo budget goes into the speakers.
I guess if you did buy the two pairs of speakers, you could use a quality receiver and plus one pain in the stereo main and the other pain in the Zone two stereo sockets so you could easily switch between the speakers without doing anything other than pressing a button on the receivers control.
Looks in order: Emotiva, Elac, JBL. Build quality: Emotiva, Elac, JBL. Sound Quality: Emotiva (Detailed), Elac (Dynamic), JBL (Eh?). If you're an audiophile the Emotiva, If you want a party speaker... Elac. If you need more bass, instead of using a second pair of bookshelf speakers, invest in a sub.
Good Moring Cheap Audio Man. Man, I love grabbing a cup of coffee and watching your channel. I have a quick question that I'm hoping you could help me answer. I'm using the db2's in a 3.0 setup (with a db6 center channel) If you could only upgrade the center or left and right speakers to the db3's, which would you chose?
Where is our full on review of the Outlaw.? Another great American audio company.
The problem with the XB2s are they are sold out. I've been on a waiting list for almost 4 months. I don't know if I'll ever get them.
Sounds like the biggest Debut 3 center would work with my Lintons.
I'm running a subwoofer at basically all times. That means that the bass response from bookshelf speakers is a moot point for me. Clarity and detail are my jam.
Unless I'm hearing wrong, the emotiva speakers take the cake in that department.
. Just wait for the great clarity and detail in the bass response to come as one's journey matures.👍
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Best Metal songs:
Iron Maiden - To Tame a Land
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Tool - Vicarious
Anthrax - I Am the Law
Slayer - Reign in Blood
Fight me about it! 😂
I'll fight you, but those tracks have to be playing in the background. Haha
@@nathanclaspell6003 LOL
Hi Randy, Check Paul's (PS Audio) video from yesterday 10/3. It gives a good description of tweeter types and how they work. Keep up the great work.. Big fan here.
Metalica...blaaa... Sidenote. You should try streetheart essentials on some your tests. 80's rock. but sounds cool. I like "Action" the best.
Can I actually use a bookshelf speaker in a bookshelf when it has a rear port? I want to replace my front left/right speakers in my ceiling with bookshelf speakers. They will be located in a bookshelf with the ports fairly close to the rear of the bookshelf. In this room we are mainly watching TV/Movies, very seldom music. The height of the Elac would just fit. Most people I see mounting these on a stand in open air. I don't want and "booming" or echoing.
I wouldn’t put a rear ported speaker on a bookshelf. You are correct that the bass will bloom in not a good way.
I need a subwoofer for any of these.
Would definitely go JBL. Especially with bass management.
More my sound. Would choose on looks and name alone.
any recommendations for a outdoor wired speaker?
Thank you for the interesting content, will be the Elac a good choice for a Wiim Amp?
10:50 if a person is just getting into this hobby, how can a person know if the sibilance is in the recording or your speakers are distorted?
Very interested to hear your thoughts on those Outlaw Model 2220 monoblocks!
What about those JBLs stage 250b vs the JBLs stage a130?
What about modern slam/death metal like the band peeling flesh??
I just bought the 250b stage 2 surround system but you are the only one i seen with a positive review about these. Im considering taking them back and getting the sony core series. What are your thoughts? Im looking fir quality and immersion not just powerful sound. Thanks in advance.
Which of them for a particularly large, difficult room?
I'm having a terrible time deciding on the Elac Debut 3.0 and Emotiva XB2. I have custom home theater towers & center with RAAL ribbon tweeter and am a huge fan of the mid & high crispness and clarity without being overly bright, which appears to be a characteristic of the XB2. However, these will go in my cabin's great room, which is just awful, terrible, no good for perfect sound. 40'x24', with 22' ceiling, one side glass, a big stone fireplace in the middle. I can't get speaker separation, I can't plan for depth, and I certainly can't get enough subs. That said, with the right speakers (currently tiny but beautiful sounding Emp E41-B with SVS SB-1000 sub) I can get a very pleasing sound both nearfield and across the room. I'm a music photographer and have no specific genre phobias, although I tend to listen to jam bands, newgrass, jamgrass, with some indie and classic rock slipped in from time to time. Anyway, after extensive viewing (including this video about 6 times now) and reading I've decided the soundstage and warmth from the Elac may be a better fit in my space, and wonder if you have an opinion to share. Thanks.