I appreciate how you show the look and feel of these products up close and the nuances of how they actually function when you use them to. You are one of the only audiophiles that seems to realize that we have eyes, too.
Excellent review. You mentioned the most important key features making the Navis unique: 1) design is good enough that no DSP is needed to "cover up"/correct short comings 2) analog direct, so if you have an excellent DAC then the analog signal does not get digitized again and future proof 3) easy subwoofer integration because of the high pass option
Heard the tower version of these at the Toronto audio fest. They were demoing it with Thanks to You by Boz Scaggs. The volume was kept very low but it sounded very impressive. A natural, balanced presentation that felt very easy to listen to
I was there, yes, great sound. However, it goes down to the D2 and that was about it. It lacked punch and really really needs a SUB for classical music. Other than that, great speakers! They had really nice timbre, and they disappeared on a hotel room... that's amazing!
John, you are so correct about how well the Navis scale. I recently read about audiophile fuses on an audio forum and tonight I just installed a $50 audiophile FUSE on my DDC that sits between my computer and DAC. The SQ coming out of the Navis noticeably kicked up another notch. I'm not joking. I never would have imagined a fuse would do this and that Navis would be able to communicate through it's speakers what seems like it would be such a subtle tweak is amazing.
Excellent review. I've been following Andrew Jones' career closely since he left KEF and went to TAD/Pioneer and now ELAC. Andrew is a true genius, IMHO, when it comes to designing loudspeakers. His TAD CR-1 is one of the finest speakers I've heard at any price. I have his $99/pr Pioneer SP-BS22-LR for my bedroom sytem and they are pretty amazing, too. This was an excellent review, and I liked very much how you compared the ELACs to other comparably priced market offereings, something that the traditional "print media" mags never do (they actually have policies about not doing that). Your reviews have much more credibility for me in this regard. Great explanation of the system and its capabilities for expansion. Thanks again. Oh, and BTW, I love your Fujifilm X100T or F? (I three X-mount Fujis also: X-H1, GS X-T2 and X100F). Cheers, Stephen
Thanks for the Navis review. I viewed/read it along with several others before finally deciding on a purchase. They are now paired with a JL Audio sub (using their high pass filter) and sound tremendous. All the best.
Great review. I meet Andrew Jones last weekend at the Audio Show in Montréal (QC, Canada) and he confirmed that the drivers of the Navis were anew and better design then the one in the Unifi B5.
Thank you for the Elac Navis ARB 51 review. Thinking of getting them as a beginner system. I am exhausted on trying to make up my mind on what speakers to get, and what amp, preamp, etc to get. Going active speakers as with these speakers will be a good starting point perhaps....Although, still back in my head will always be the thought: what am I missing out on with Klipsch Hersey lll, Forte lll, and/or JBL L 100, or Studio 590, or Stage 190? I am a horn head, and love the physicality of high efficient speakers bring to the table. And JBL, well I have grown up with them and always loved their presentation. Yes, I can still honesty say these things even after listening to numerous speakers like Totem, B&W, Dynaudio, and others....Klipsch and JBL just rule my world....But Andrew Jones is a madman and I really dig his philosophy on audio so I think I'll demo them and if I like, then that's the one.
I think the Navis are better than a beginner system because they scale really well. So when you upgrade an external DAC or DDC or preamp the sound quality ramps up too.
@@deannalopez8109 Hey so I Can add a preamp to an active speaker.(?) I have been wondering if I could add a preamp to active speakers (any active speaker...with appropriate out/ins of course). I have my eye on a tube preamp and would like to add it to the active speaker, and then get a source into the pre. Reason being: I guess I like to eventually get passive speakers, especially the Klipsch Hersey lll and use the system I build for the active speakers to it...just to save some cash...you know, not having to buy a separate speaker And amp. Comments?
Can't agree more: being an audiophile is not about seeking the absolute sound - which IMHO doesn't even exist even for oneself - but it's about the journey not the destination, as you put it: its about 'playing around' with gear, incrementally. We're all grown-up kids playing with our expensive toys 😁!
John, you are awesome! Love the way you explain whatever it is you are reviewing. No mumbo-jumbo or really meaningless specs. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a real lover of "hi-fidelity" music and equipment giving us thorough, no b.s. reaction to the pieces under review. Please keep doing what you do. Cheers!
Absolutely wonderful review. I have them myself and I agreed with every word. However I do think coupled with primo sources they leave the LS50W behind in most aspects (had them in my room as well). The mids are better and the bass is on another level. Imaging is the best I've ever heard on a speaker this size. I absolutely love them and I will try to scale them as good as I can in my acoustically treated room.
Hearing just the first few seconds of the music on these ELAC speakers made me stop what I was doing and pay attention. The thing that struck me was the tonal quality of the sound - it sound is just so very pleasant to listen to! Of course I know I am only listening to them via TH-cam and played back through my desktop system which consists of a Mac mini, Schitt modi DAC and Audioengine A2s, but I really like what I was hearing! They indeed very convivial!
No offense but your discernment of Elac speakers is useless unless you own them yourself. Listening on computer speakers to judge a pair means nothing.
Thanks for the review. I like to hear that the active speaker work fine with no dsp frontend inside. The analog concept is very cool, so everybody can improve the soundquality with better external gear. Very nice!
Great review, I really love that Andrew Jones and Elac allowed the streaming DAC to be defeated, that's just a genius move and something that I wish more companies would adopt. On another note, can you please review the Nativ Sound Vita and matching DAC. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Dear John, I love your approach on reviewing gear. As you are living in Germany please show us Nubert NuPro X and Elacs German Line up ➡️ Elac Vela. All of the well known reviewer only talk about Andrew Jones‘ speakers. But this is not Elacs Highend departure. Elacs HighEnd is Vela and Air-X 403 with their newest Jet 5 ♥️
Love this guy's aproach to reviewing .his style for me is what I have been looking for. Very exciting brand of speaker , very enjoyable review . Edit - I just took a quick glance at a handful of the other comments below = Apparently I'm in good company and I'm still thinking normally after reading so many other similar comments - more important is that we apparently really do have a great reviewer here .
I also compared the Navis and LS50 wireless in my home and picked the Navis for sound quality as well as for being capable of pure analog. I don't want to play vinyl through a DAC and I also don't want to be confined to what the internal DAC on LS50 wireless is capable of. If I upgrade my external DAC I don't want another internal DAC limiting what my upgraded DAC can do. I also found that the Navis scales really well as you stated. For example when I changed my DDC I immediately heard a sonic difference with the Navis. I agree the mid-range is fantastic and better on the Navis and that was one of the factors for me in keeping Navis over LS50 wireless.
you crack me up John great job man and thank you for your hard work and dedication on audio reviews really appreciate the education you bring to audio it's all about having fun and enjoying our passion for music play back
I am in the verge to replace my budget monitors and I am looking forward to passing the COVID-19 crisis to go to the newly appointed China ELAC distributor’s showroom to test those speakers. I have a quite strong personality and, in this infodemic world, I normally don’t listen too much about anyone’s comments about SQ but my ears; anyhow I must say that I do like your style very much and you are amongst the few reviewer that I follow. Thanks for your passionate dedication to this hobby (for me).
I’m a new convert to the channel and really enjoy your style, just one teeny tiny thing it would be great if you could just mention at some point how much things cost to help me understand if I might actually have a shot at owning them or I’m just enjoying the video, in and of itself 👍
Wow, active (analog) loudspeakers with DIP switches on the back to adjust crossover slopes, tilts, etc... Just like my Meridian M20’s that I use daily, and have had for decades. 😎
Another great video. I'm always on the lookout for your video's so keep them coming. I do like how you keep your space clean and uncluttered, with all the different speakers and hifi components.
Yes, you make audiophilia quite approachable so...Thank You. I am setting up a new in-home office and my IKEA rack of choice is the Vitsoe knock-off STOLMEN system (RIP). I plan to have across from my working/listening space a set of bookshelves. On said bookshelves you have...HAD...me leaning towards the LS50 wireless hooked into an Apple TV ( hooked into my network via Ethernet and then toslink to the LS50W) to stream my music collection to. Another reason I love your approach is that we are playing the same electronic music. With your recent review of these...should I be rethinking the LS50W for electric music? I do notice that the ELAC are $1999 USD plus the $400 for the streamer which makes them just a tad more than the LS50W...SMH...
I've answered my own questions...after researching into my proposed setup the ATV setup would mean the music is downsampled then upsampled, which I worse than an Airport express which only downsamples but STILL downsamples (either it does it or iTunes not POSITIVE WHICH) so "best" for iTunes is digital out of the computer into Toslink on the KEFs or USB out of the computer to the USB in on the KEFs. Since the ELACs Discovery unit doesn't do hi-res then it looks like I'm still leaning towards to KEFs...
I heard this speaker last year at RMAF and was amazed how good they sounded and the low end was amazing. I asked Andrew did he have a sub hooked up and he said no. Alot speaker for $2k.
Agreed. They even ended up playing some modern stuff by Post Malone and I was surprised that it had plenty of bass. Shook the curtains behind it with the port action. The most bass I've heard from a 5.25".
I have a pair of UniFi UB5s that are mind-alteringly good. They were replaced by a pair of Adante AS-61s, which are really wonderful. The UB5s were relocated to the dining room, where they still sound fantastic, but are used more for light background listening. Would love to pick up a pair of the Navis, but can't for the life of me figure out where I'd put them.
Would you say the bass is deep and good on the Adante? I love the look and the tweeter/mid driver, but it doesn't seem to have a lot of extension based on a demo where I asked the presenter to turn off the sub. Do you run it with a sub?
Thank you so much John , you have got me really interested in Good quality audio again - 30 years + from my tinkering days ! I will definitely be guided by you on all future purchases
Well structured review John - easy to see the differences. Love the professionalism of the production. Been reading your stuff since the early days of you just pretty much reviewing DACS, you've always remained "true to source" lol
Good work on this review man. I really think your actually improving even further! Take this for what you will and I dont mean it as an insult by ANY means (cuz some crazy people think it might be), but your like a the super high end Zeos in terms of objectivity but with your own unique style. There’s really nobody else on TH-cam giving these reviews with this production value with this tier of gear
Thank you John. Each review improves on the last in depth and dialogue for my tastes. Much Appreciated and now I see why this was taken off the "coming soon" page as I had hoped.
I can just recommend ELACs to everyone. Not only because of their sound quality but also for their customer service. They Repaired my 10 year old speakers for free. Thats just amazing and I wont buy any other brand
I have the UB5 slims and they are awesome, even if my current setup is underpowered with a NAD amplifier. As a pro audio live (and studio) engineer the fact it’s taken this long for audiophile brands to come up with self powered speakers which don’t limit your use into their own eco system has been laughable. Companies like Meyer have been 20 years ahead of everyone in this regard, but considering the respect I have for Elac it’s no surprise they’ve come out as leaders in both quality and function. Well done, and thanks for the review.
Hell, the UB5 is a knockout. It didn't take that much to power them. Like a (now) $250 Emotiva A-100 50-watt powers them well. I got it for $230 about a year ago. Could probably power them with a $150 Yamaha S202 if you wanted to go cheap-cheap. Or the Sony with 135 watts. The UB5 doesn't really need anything, it sounds perfect.
Great review and extra points for your comparison to the UniFi. You get a nice package for the money, but I do think there should be a model in between, no DAC but just powered speakers for 1200-1300/pair. A much better proposition, and I'm sure they could even go into a studio with a sub. If you still have these for a while, you possibly try or re-review these with something like an Adam Sub8? I'm really keen to know if the Navis ARB-51s sound better still if you took off everything from around 80Hz down.
I hope to be keeping these around but unlikely that I will review them a second time with a sub. When we make videos we have to make choices and subwoofer addition is almost never a choice because it's not intrinsic to the system under consideration. It's an add-on.
@@DarkoAudio Hey John, thanks for answering my question. I understand you only review products on their own merits and your focus is on system integration and comparisons, rather than add-ons. Ofcourse adding a subwoofer wouldn't be worth an extra video, but an add-on to the written review would be cool. I've got a pair of HEDD monitors and have noticed a lot of studios are switching to brands like Kii and Focal and was wondering how these ELACs would be for near- or midfield listening, with an addition of a sub to fill out the bottom end.
They really seem to have scored a HIT with their Swiss Army Knife approach to these speakers , They look pleasing to the eye , future proofed , and oh so versatile , its really refreshing the different approach taken here , in the end if the market doesn't more forward to reflect and embrace the burgeoning new technology I'm pretty sure punters will walk away from the non visionaries .
Once again a great presentation and review. Cudos to the team. Keep on Keeping on with your style Mr D. It does you proud. Even though I'm not in the market for this type of speaker you have made me curious about the floorstanding version. I appreciate how technological improvements are trickling down to improve lower priced items. The value these days is fantastic when compared to what I paid in the 70s & 80s for basic 'steam driven' components (even when considering inflationary increases).
Ordered Mavis ARB-51, stands, and Discovery Connect. Got Roon and Tidal (tried others). Copied hundreds of my CDs... Hoping for decent quality and simplicity with a huge territory to explore.
If you turn on the RCA mode in the back of the Navis to bypass the internal DAC, will that also bypass the internal amps? So if I'm using an external DAC will I also need an amp to run these speakers? And since these speakers are rear ported, can I still place them close to a wall, or will that create some sound issues? Thanks and Great review. Also please review the vela and carinas to make a comparison.
Thanks so much for your review again! Always top notch! I must ask the question and I plea that you give a personal opinion. I own a Mytek Brooklyn and have been looking at the PS DirectStream. Is there a significant increase in SQ to warrant the expenditure of the purchase of the DirectStream? I’m just gathering opinions and recommendations. Is the DS twice or three times as good as the Brooklyn? Or just an incremental increase if any? Thanks
Been eagerly waiting for an English review of these! And from someone who enjoys proper electronic music! As a previous ls50 passive owner I can’t wait to hear these with your impression that they image even better than the ls50’s. Thanks for this review mate much appreciated. You should check out Djrums “portrait with firewood” album, and Skee Masks “Compro” album. There’s a few tracks on those I think you’ll love. Thanks again great review
Good evening. I do have the KEF LS50W and steam but mainly use also for my Marantz TT15 turntable. How would this compare for vinyl? How do you connect the turntable to the Elac? In the back there is no RCA input as I saw. Worth the change? Thanks a lot :)
The Navis are great for vinyl since they can be used all analog. You can connect to Navis using a preamp and RCA cables. With a turntable and the LS50 you are forced to feed the analog signal through the digital internal DAC in the LS50 which is altering the analog sound.
For analog detail, usually self contained use an op amp for the crossover. This choice of chip (not given) affects the overall sound. KEF XR300 and LS50 image is unique to the tangerine waveguide. Can the tweeter grill be optionally removed to determine its effect?. Gradient Revolution with cloth removed for example has no tweeter grill.
I know you said not to ask about comparisons lol.... but I cant help but wonder how these would compare to the Dynaudio focus 20 XD's. If you were in the market for an active pair of standmounts the Dyn's would probably be the logical step up from these, but I wonder how much better they would be at over twice the price..
If the Dynaudio focus doesn't use a tweeter embedded in the midrange, the soundstage will not be as stable and the frequency response will not be as smooth as you move your head vertically or horizontally. That's one of the most important things to me, and thus most things are disqualified. (I've listened to the LS50, Had the Navis in my home, and hope to hear a Genelec 8260 at some point. The Kali IN-8 is coming out end of summer too if you're interested in dual concentric/coincident coaxial drivers.)
Would this set be a good alternative for a sounbat, for watching tv ? Or let me ask it the other way around.. Would a good sounbar be better for watching tv.. ?? I question this myself.. ?
Have been debating if i should add this to my consideration set or not (along with KEF LS50W and Buchardt S400), I think you've nudged it back in... I do like the idea of having flexibility of upgrading the digital side with outboard components later on. Sounds like could benefit from a sub?
Nice to see more and more active speaker options. I suspect most every company will offer one in the future. Prices will hopefully drop too given the fear of having all your eggs in one basket.
Thanks for another great video, really like your approach! Quite a while since this video was released, but I would love to see the B&W formation Duo compared to Elac/Dali/Kef.
Any idea on why the EQ switch on the back is +1 : switch in down position and -1 : switch in up position? Not a big deal but seems a bit counterintuitive if you are reaching behind it to move the switch.
Love your taste in music. I bet you also dig Fridge and Peace Orchestra? It really helps to know what albums/songs you use for demos and the fact we have the same taste makes it all the more relevant and helpful. Funnily enough i have the Uni-fi UB5 and although i'm sure the LS50 would probably be a better match for electronica i love how musical and non fatiguing they sound. The bass is awesome for the size. I don't remember you mentioning how the low end in the Navis performed compared to the other two?
@@niki.7031 yeh man that DJ-Kicks album is still the best and original from that series! Susuki in Dub is pretty awesome and the one i used to take with me to demo hifi.
As always, beautifully done! Any thought on how these compare with the Devialet Reactor 900 in stereo configuration that you reviewed as well? I am keen to simplify my complex system and go the minimalist route but don't want to do something I would regret shortly after selling everything on AudioGon!
Hello, Thank you for the detailed review of these Elacs. I cannot find a shop to audit these in Spain, and would like your personal opinion on whether Jazz and Classical could be appreciated we’ll with these speakers. How about the Divialet Reactor 900? I thank you in advance for your consideration. Cheers. Jose Manuel
Yes and no. Typically, active speakers can be used at line level (without external amp) or with an external amplifier. This particular seems very adequately amplified so your computer or other source should be enough when just using the volume control on each.
I got these 2 weeks ago and loving them. Now I need to figure out what to do with my Schiit Ragnarok since it's no longer needed for amplification. 2 Questions for John or others. 1. What stands are you using with the NAVIS? 2. With the ELAC Connect, will I be limited to streaming only to NAVIS or will other wireless speakers work?
I like classical music. So soundstage (width, depth, height) is important to me: can you pick out the individual instruments in space? That's my litmus test since many speakers just can't cleanly handle that type of musical complexity. Next time, do give us your determination on how well the speaker you review handle the most basic styles of music such as classical, jazz, rock.
I loved my LS50W. But one amp suddenly died, so I immidiately sold them after repair (2 months of waiting) and will never ever buy active speakers again. I would always live in fear that one part of the electronics could fail without reason, and there is a ton of things that can go wrong. You are not able to replace the one component that failed, you are left completely naked when these speakers go back for a repair for weeks and weeks.
I appreciate how you show the look and feel of these products up close and the nuances of how they actually function when you use them to. You are one of the only audiophiles that seems to realize that we have eyes, too.
This review actually tipped me over the edge, I've had my Elac Navis for a few months now and I couldn't be happier.
I'm thinking of trying these. Can I ask what setup you are using?
Excellent review. You mentioned the most important key features making the Navis unique:
1) design is good enough that no DSP is needed to "cover up"/correct short comings
2) analog direct, so if you have an excellent DAC then the analog signal does not get digitized again and future proof
3) easy subwoofer integration because of the high pass option
Heard the tower version of these at the Toronto audio fest. They were demoing it with Thanks to You by Boz Scaggs. The volume was kept very low but it sounded very impressive. A natural, balanced presentation that felt very easy to listen to
I was there, yes, great sound.
However, it goes down to the D2 and that was about it. It lacked punch and really really needs a SUB for classical music.
Other than that, great speakers! They had really nice timbre, and they disappeared on a hotel room... that's amazing!
John, you are so correct about how well the Navis scale. I recently read about audiophile fuses on an audio forum and tonight I just installed a $50 audiophile FUSE on my DDC that sits between my computer and DAC. The SQ coming out of the Navis noticeably kicked up another notch. I'm not joking. I never would have imagined a fuse would do this and that Navis would be able to communicate through it's speakers what seems like it would be such a subtle tweak is amazing.
Its nice to hear perspective from someone who listens to electronic music as well. Many different textures than on synthetic sounds.
KEF LS50W vs ELAC Navis ARB-51 - this is the comparison review I've been waiting for. Nicely done. Thank you.
Excellent review. I've been following Andrew Jones' career closely since he left KEF and went to TAD/Pioneer and now ELAC. Andrew is a true genius, IMHO, when it comes to designing loudspeakers. His TAD CR-1 is one of the finest speakers I've heard at any price. I have his $99/pr Pioneer SP-BS22-LR for my bedroom sytem and they are pretty amazing, too. This was an excellent review, and I liked very much how you compared the ELACs to other comparably priced market offereings, something that the traditional "print media" mags never do (they actually have policies about not doing that). Your reviews have much more credibility for me in this regard. Great explanation of the system and its capabilities for expansion. Thanks again. Oh, and BTW, I love your Fujifilm X100T or F? (I three X-mount Fujis also: X-H1, GS X-T2 and X100F). Cheers, Stephen
Best hi-Fi review channel on TH-cam.
For the first time ever I loved the advertisement. Spread the word, Tidal has competition (and Roon is awesome too).
Best review for the evening! Thanks Darko! Good to hear that Elacs didn't disappoint.
Thanks for the Navis review. I viewed/read it along with several others before finally deciding on a purchase. They are now paired with a JL Audio sub (using their high pass filter) and sound tremendous. All the best.
Great review. I meet Andrew Jones last weekend at the Audio Show in Montréal (QC, Canada) and he confirmed that the drivers of the Navis were anew and better design then the one in the Unifi B5.
Thank you for the Elac Navis ARB 51 review. Thinking of getting them as a beginner system. I am exhausted on trying to make up my mind on what speakers to get, and what amp, preamp, etc to get. Going active speakers as with these speakers will be a good starting point perhaps....Although, still back in my head will always be the thought: what am I missing out on with Klipsch Hersey lll, Forte lll, and/or JBL L 100, or Studio 590, or Stage 190? I am a horn head, and love the physicality of high efficient speakers bring to the table. And JBL, well I have grown up with them and always loved their presentation. Yes, I can still honesty say these things even after listening to numerous speakers like Totem, B&W, Dynaudio, and others....Klipsch and JBL just rule my world....But Andrew Jones is a madman and I really dig his philosophy on audio so I think I'll demo them and if I like, then that's the one.
I think the Navis are better than a beginner system because they scale really well. So when you upgrade an external DAC or DDC or preamp the sound quality ramps up too.
@@deannalopez8109 Deanna, do you have the Navis? I guess you do. Not that many if any places near me have them to demo.
@@deannalopez8109 Hey so I Can add a preamp to an active speaker.(?) I have been wondering if I could add a preamp to active speakers (any active speaker...with appropriate out/ins of course). I have my eye on a tube preamp and would like to add it to the active speaker, and then get a source into the pre. Reason being: I guess I like to eventually get passive speakers, especially the Klipsch Hersey lll and use the system I build for the active speakers to it...just to save some cash...you know, not having to buy a separate speaker And amp. Comments?
Excellent straightforward presentation without hype or pushy bias. You go Darko!
Can't agree more: being an audiophile is not about seeking the absolute sound - which IMHO doesn't even exist even for oneself - but it's about the journey not the destination, as you put it: its about 'playing around' with gear, incrementally. We're all grown-up kids playing with our expensive toys 😁!
John, you are awesome! Love the way you explain whatever it is you are reviewing. No mumbo-jumbo or really meaningless specs. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a real lover of "hi-fidelity" music and equipment giving us thorough, no b.s. reaction to the pieces under review. Please keep doing what you do. Cheers!
Absolutely wonderful review. I have them myself and I agreed with every word. However I do think coupled with primo sources they leave the LS50W behind in most aspects (had them in my room as well). The mids are better and the bass is on another level. Imaging is the best I've ever heard on a speaker this size. I absolutely love them and I will try to scale them as good as I can in my acoustically treated room.
Hearing just the first few seconds of the music on these ELAC speakers made me stop what I was doing and pay attention. The thing that struck me was the tonal quality of the sound - it sound is just so very pleasant to listen to! Of course I know I am only listening to them via TH-cam and played back through my desktop system which consists of a Mac mini, Schitt modi DAC and Audioengine A2s, but I really like what I was hearing!
They indeed very convivial!
No offense but your discernment of Elac speakers is useless unless you own them yourself. Listening on computer speakers to judge a pair means nothing.
Thanks for the review. I like to hear that the active speaker work fine with no dsp frontend inside. The analog concept is very cool, so everybody can improve the soundquality with
better external gear. Very nice!
Great review, I really love that Andrew Jones and Elac allowed the streaming DAC to be defeated, that's just a genius move and something that I wish more companies would adopt. On another note, can you please review the Nativ Sound Vita and matching DAC. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Dear John, I love your approach on reviewing gear. As you are living in Germany please show us Nubert NuPro X and Elacs German Line up ➡️ Elac Vela. All of the well known reviewer only talk about Andrew Jones‘ speakers. But this is not Elacs Highend departure. Elacs HighEnd is Vela and Air-X 403 with their newest Jet 5 ♥️
Love this guy's aproach to reviewing .his style for me is what I have been looking for. Very exciting brand of speaker , very enjoyable review .
Edit - I just took a quick glance at a handful of the other comments below = Apparently I'm in good company and I'm still thinking normally after reading so many other similar comments - more important is that we apparently really do have a great reviewer here .
I also compared the Navis and LS50 wireless in my home and picked the Navis for sound quality as well as for being capable of pure analog. I don't want to play vinyl through a DAC and I also don't want to be confined to what the internal DAC on LS50 wireless is capable of. If I upgrade my external DAC I don't want another internal DAC limiting what my upgraded DAC can do. I also found that the Navis scales really well as you stated. For example when I changed my DDC I immediately heard a sonic difference with the Navis. I agree the mid-range is fantastic and better on the Navis and that was one of the factors for me in keeping Navis over LS50 wireless.
you crack me up John great job man and thank you for your hard work and dedication on audio reviews really appreciate the education you bring to audio it's all about having fun and enjoying our passion for music play back
I am in the verge to replace my budget monitors and I am looking forward to passing the COVID-19 crisis to go to the newly appointed China ELAC distributor’s showroom to test those speakers. I have a quite strong personality and, in this infodemic world, I normally don’t listen too much about anyone’s comments about SQ but my ears; anyhow I must say that I do like your style very much and you are amongst the few reviewer that I follow. Thanks for your passionate dedication to this hobby (for me).
I’m a new convert to the channel and really enjoy your style, just one teeny tiny thing it would be great if you could just mention at some point how much things cost to help me understand if I might actually have a shot at owning them or I’m just enjoying the video, in and of itself 👍
Not sure if featuring Talk Talk was by accident or design but RIP Mark Hollis.
Wow, active (analog) loudspeakers with DIP switches on the back to adjust crossover slopes, tilts, etc... Just like my Meridian M20’s that I use daily, and have had for decades. 😎
Another great video. I'm always on the lookout for your video's so keep them coming. I do like how you keep your space clean and uncluttered, with all the different speakers and hifi components.
Yes, you make audiophilia quite approachable so...Thank You. I am setting up a new in-home office and my IKEA rack of choice is the Vitsoe knock-off STOLMEN system (RIP). I plan to have across from my working/listening space a set of bookshelves. On said bookshelves you have...HAD...me leaning towards the LS50 wireless hooked into an Apple TV ( hooked into my network via Ethernet and then toslink to the LS50W) to stream my music collection to. Another reason I love your approach is that we are playing the same electronic music. With your recent review of these...should I be rethinking the LS50W for electric music? I do notice that the ELAC are $1999 USD plus the $400 for the streamer which makes them just a tad more than the LS50W...SMH...
I've answered my own questions...after researching into my proposed setup the ATV setup would mean the music is downsampled then upsampled, which I worse than an Airport express which only downsamples but STILL downsamples (either it does it or iTunes not POSITIVE WHICH) so "best" for iTunes is digital out of the computer into Toslink on the KEFs or USB out of the computer to the USB in on the KEFs. Since the ELACs Discovery unit doesn't do hi-res then it looks like I'm still leaning towards to KEFs...
Lovely review, John. Considering ELAC's recent pricing, I thought to myself, oh, maybe $1000 for the Navis? I wasn't expecting $2k at all.
Love your production, cool apartment, great lighting, love your no bullshit comparison of popular alternatives. Keep the awesome videos coming!
I love the Talk Talk 'Myrrhman' guitar chord at around 4:50!
I heard this speaker last year at RMAF and was amazed how good they sounded and the low end was amazing. I asked Andrew did he have a sub hooked up and he said no. Alot speaker for $2k.
Agreed. They even ended up playing some modern stuff by Post Malone and I was surprised that it had plenty of bass. Shook the curtains behind it with the port action. The most bass I've heard from a 5.25".
I have a pair of UniFi UB5s that are mind-alteringly good. They were replaced by a pair of Adante AS-61s, which are really wonderful. The UB5s were relocated to the dining room, where they still sound fantastic, but are used more for light background listening. Would love to pick up a pair of the Navis, but can't for the life of me figure out where I'd put them.
Would you say the bass is deep and good on the Adante? I love the look and the tweeter/mid driver, but it doesn't seem to have a lot of extension based on a demo where I asked the presenter to turn off the sub. Do you run it with a sub?
It's like watching the smarter. better equipped version of myself that has no kids.
Thank you so much John , you have got me really interested in Good quality audio again - 30 years + from my tinkering days ! I will definitely be guided by you on all future purchases
Well structured review John - easy to see the differences. Love the professionalism of the production. Been reading your stuff since the early days of you just pretty much reviewing DACS, you've always remained "true to source" lol
Good work on this review man. I really think your actually improving even further! Take this for what you will and I dont mean it as an insult by ANY means (cuz some crazy people think it might be), but your like a the super high end Zeos in terms of objectivity but with your own unique style. There’s really nobody else on TH-cam giving these reviews with this production value with this tier of gear
Thank you John. Each review improves on the last in depth and dialogue for my tastes. Much Appreciated and now I see why this was taken off the "coming soon" page as I had hoped.
I can just recommend ELACs to everyone. Not only because of their sound quality but also for their customer service. They Repaired my 10 year old speakers for free. Thats just amazing and I wont buy any other brand
My future speaker I hope. I just bought my first integrated amp adudiolab so I'm gonna stick with that for a year .
Get the deviant phantom II’s for $99 more, they’re TEN times the speaker of the Navis….
The scalability (to source) feature was a brilliant call by Andrew. Thanks for calling that out. Another fantastic and informative video review.
you've just got this way with making these Navis speakers look absolutely stunning... added to my want list.
I have the UB5 slims and they are awesome, even if my current setup is underpowered with a NAD amplifier. As a pro audio live (and studio) engineer the fact it’s taken this long for audiophile brands to come up with self powered speakers which don’t limit your use into their own eco system has been laughable. Companies like Meyer have been 20 years ahead of everyone in this regard, but considering the respect I have for Elac it’s no surprise they’ve come out as leaders in both quality and function. Well done, and thanks for the review.
Best approach and down to earth real world. Please don't change formats. Its just bliss
Great job man. (impeccable taste in music, wow)
Have you reviewed the Buchardt S400 yet? I'd love to know your opinion on them.
Hell, the UB5 is a knockout. It didn't take that much to power them. Like a (now) $250 Emotiva A-100 50-watt powers them well. I got it for $230 about a year ago. Could probably power them with a $150 Yamaha S202 if you wanted to go cheap-cheap. Or the Sony with 135 watts. The UB5 doesn't really need anything, it sounds perfect.
DSP is great if it’s engineered right.
Great review and extra points for your comparison to the UniFi.
You get a nice package for the money, but I do think there should be a model in between, no DAC but just powered speakers for 1200-1300/pair. A much better proposition, and I'm sure they could even go into a studio with a sub.
If you still have these for a while, you possibly try or re-review these with something like an Adam Sub8?
I'm really keen to know if the Navis ARB-51s sound better still if you took off everything from around 80Hz down.
I hope to be keeping these around but unlikely that I will review them a second time with a sub. When we make videos we have to make choices and subwoofer addition is almost never a choice because it's not intrinsic to the system under consideration. It's an add-on.
@@DarkoAudio Hey John, thanks for answering my question. I understand you only review products on their own merits and your focus is on system integration and comparisons, rather than add-ons.
Ofcourse adding a subwoofer wouldn't be worth an extra video, but an add-on to the written review would be cool.
I've got a pair of HEDD monitors and have noticed a lot of studios are switching to brands like Kii and Focal and was wondering how these ELACs would be for near- or midfield listening, with an addition of a sub to fill out the bottom end.
They really seem to have scored a HIT with their Swiss Army Knife approach to these speakers , They look pleasing to the eye , future proofed , and oh so versatile , its really refreshing the different approach taken here , in the end if the market doesn't more forward to reflect and embrace the burgeoning new technology I'm pretty sure punters will walk away from the non visionaries .
Great review and music selection. Pretty cool how versatile the Elac's are for future upgrades.
Really like the new videos. Been reading your articles for years, part of the reason I own passive LS50's and schiit gear. Keep it up!
Once again a great presentation and review. Cudos to the team. Keep on Keeping on with your style Mr D. It does you proud.
Even though I'm not in the market for this type of speaker you have made me curious about the floorstanding version.
I appreciate how technological improvements are trickling down to improve lower priced items. The value these days is fantastic when compared to what I paid in the 70s & 80s for basic 'steam driven' components (even when considering inflationary increases).
Thanks John for the awesome review! How can you add a sub to these speakers? I don’t see a sub out on the back.
A preamp like a Schiit Saga which has two outputs can do that.
Ordered Mavis ARB-51, stands, and Discovery Connect. Got Roon and Tidal (tried others). Copied hundreds of my CDs... Hoping for decent quality and simplicity with a huge territory to explore.
Super review. Great technical descriptions with real-world relatability. I'll be checking out your channel in the future.
Please don't forget to mention pricing in your reviews...makes a lot of difference to us. Thanks
Excellent review, bonus points for Boards Of Canada and Autechre. Sounds like we have very similar taste in music.
totally agree with people's opinion that you are one of the go-to person for audio!
That opening strum from Laughing Stock... 😢😭
If you turn on the RCA mode in the back of the Navis to bypass the internal DAC, will that also bypass the internal amps? So if I'm using an external DAC will I also need an amp to run these speakers? And since these speakers are rear ported, can I still place them close to a wall, or will that create some sound issues? Thanks and Great review. Also please review the vela and carinas to make a comparison.
No. The internal amps always remain engaged.
first timer. so pleasantly surprised by your music test selection. subbed. cheers m8!
Extremely thorough and enjoyable review. These videos continue to improve and impress!
Thanks so much for your review again! Always top notch! I must ask the question and I plea that you give a personal opinion. I own a Mytek Brooklyn and have been looking at the PS DirectStream. Is there a significant increase in SQ to warrant the expenditure of the purchase of the DirectStream? I’m just gathering opinions and recommendations. Is the DS twice or three times as good as the Brooklyn? Or just an incremental increase if any? Thanks
Very good review, so I'm very interested in these Elac's, going to listen were they can be heard!
Been eagerly waiting for an English review of these! And from someone who enjoys proper electronic music! As a previous ls50 passive owner I can’t wait to hear these with your impression that they image even better than the ls50’s. Thanks for this review mate much appreciated. You should check out Djrums “portrait with firewood” album, and Skee Masks “Compro” album. There’s a few tracks on those I think you’ll love. Thanks again great review
Good evening. I do have the KEF LS50W and steam but mainly use also for my Marantz TT15 turntable. How would this compare for vinyl? How do you connect the turntable to the Elac? In the back there is no RCA input as I saw. Worth the change? Thanks a lot :)
The Navis are great for vinyl since they can be used all analog. You can connect to Navis using a preamp and RCA cables. With a turntable and the LS50 you are forced to feed the analog signal through the digital internal DAC in the LS50 which is altering the analog sound.
I went with the Elac . The kefs have had issues . Thanks for this great review btw .
For analog detail, usually self contained use an op amp for the crossover. This choice of chip (not given) affects the overall sound. KEF XR300 and LS50 image is unique to the tangerine waveguide. Can the tweeter grill be optionally removed to determine its effect?. Gradient Revolution with cloth removed for example has no tweeter grill.
I know you said not to ask about comparisons lol.... but I cant help but wonder how these would compare to the Dynaudio focus 20 XD's. If you were in the market for an active pair of standmounts the Dyn's would probably be the logical step up from these, but I wonder how much better they would be at over twice the price..
If the Dynaudio focus doesn't use a tweeter embedded in the midrange, the soundstage will not be as stable and the frequency response will not be as smooth as you move your head vertically or horizontally. That's one of the most important things to me, and thus most things are disqualified. (I've listened to the LS50, Had the Navis in my home, and hope to hear a Genelec 8260 at some point. The Kali IN-8 is coming out end of summer too if you're interested in dual concentric/coincident coaxial drivers.)
Nice, but how do you adjust the volume on Navis without Discovery thing?
Would this set be a good alternative for a sounbat, for watching tv ? Or let me ask it the other way around.. Would a good sounbar be better for watching tv.. ?? I question this myself.. ?
Have been debating if i should add this to my consideration set or not (along with KEF LS50W and Buchardt S400), I think you've nudged it back in... I do like the idea of having flexibility of upgrading the digital side with outboard components later on. Sounds like could benefit from a sub?
Great videos. Btw, May I ask the name of the bossa song played at 0:50 secs? （it's not in the music playlist）
Great review! Jana's touches are really nice. Cheers
❤️
What about a test of Dynaudio active speakers ?!
Nice to see more and more active speaker options. I suspect most every company will offer one in the future. Prices will hopefully drop too given the fear of having all your eggs in one basket.
Thanks for another great video, really like your approach! Quite a while since this video was released, but I would love to see the B&W formation Duo compared to Elac/Dali/Kef.
Any idea on why the EQ switch on the back is +1 : switch in down position and -1 : switch in up position? Not a big deal but seems a bit counterintuitive if you are reaching behind it to move the switch.
Did you try removing the tweeter grill on the Navis? On the Debuts it adds a little more air to the presentation and it's also less peaky.
Love your approach , your video editing and how well you have a gift sir, Thank you
Fantastic..but so complicated.............where can i read up about these systems. so i can learn about all this new stuff..?
Love your taste in music. I bet you also dig Fridge and Peace Orchestra? It really helps to know what albums/songs you use for demos and the fact we have the same taste makes it all the more relevant and helpful. Funnily enough i have the Uni-fi UB5 and although i'm sure the LS50 would probably be a better match for electronica i love how musical and non fatiguing they sound. The bass is awesome for the size. I don't remember you mentioning how the low end in the Navis performed compared to the other two?
I really like Kruder and Dorfmeister's individual work as Peace Orchestra or Tosca, but nothing beats their Dj-Kicks or the legendary K&D Session!
@@niki.7031 yeh man that DJ-Kicks album is still the best and original from that series! Susuki in Dub is pretty awesome and the one i used to take with me to demo hifi.
As always, beautifully done! Any thought on how these compare with the Devialet Reactor 900 in stereo configuration that you reviewed as well? I am keen to simplify my complex system and go the minimalist route but don't want to do something I would regret shortly after selling everything on AudioGon!
Will be interesting to see how You'll rate the b&w formation duo compared to these... if You are planning to review them?
So ELAC in analog mode is the winner? I hope comparison was done in the wireless mode. Thank you
Hello, Thank you for the detailed review of these Elacs. I cannot find a shop to audit these in Spain, and would like your personal opinion on whether Jazz and Classical could be appreciated we’ll with these speakers. How about the Divialet Reactor 900? I thank you in advance for your consideration. Cheers. Jose Manuel
So...you mean that an active speaker I wont need an external amp? Just plug it to my dac and thats it? Im counfused
Yes and no. Typically, active speakers can be used at line level (without external amp) or with an external amplifier. This particular seems very adequately amplified so your computer or other source should be enough when just using the volume control on each.
Wow, you make great reviews. You deserve a lot more subsribers. Now you have one more!
Two more! :-)
3 more
I got these 2 weeks ago and loving them. Now I need to figure out what to do with my Schiit Ragnarok since it's no longer needed for amplification. 2 Questions for John or others. 1. What stands are you using with the NAVIS? 2. With the ELAC Connect, will I be limited to streaming only to NAVIS or will other wireless speakers work?
Once again you nailed it! Great video. And a glorious result (as happened with KEFs AND ELACs), ACTIVES - PASSIVES : 1 - 0 !
I really like your reviews. Very informative!
Great Review! I think I’ll have to order these! Is the ELAC Discovery streamer needed to make the Navis and Roon endpoint? Thanks
You have impeccable musical taste!!! Ladytron and Board of Canada very nice!! Did you also say Autechre? Impressive
How would you compare Elac with Hedd? I know Hedd is studio monitor. Just need to know if there a difference between premium HiFi vs studio monito.
I like classical music. So soundstage (width, depth, height) is important to me: can you pick out the individual instruments in space? That's my litmus test since many speakers just can't cleanly handle that type of musical complexity.
Next time, do give us your determination on how well the speaker you review handle the most basic styles of music such as classical, jazz, rock.
I listen to electronic music, rock and indie rock. No jazz. No classical. Sorry.
Superb video and relevant comprehensive points. Brilliant
I loved my LS50W. But one amp suddenly died, so I immidiately sold them after repair (2 months of waiting) and will never ever buy active speakers again. I would always live in fear that one part of the electronics could fail without reason, and there is a ton of things that can go wrong. You are not able to replace the one component that failed, you are left completely naked when these speakers go back for a repair for weeks and weeks.