Some of the most remarkable vintage brands in the audio industry are Klipsch and Elac. They both perform wonderfully, and it may not be very easy to choose between the two. In this article, we shall review them to help you make an informed decision when choosing from them.
Klipsch and Elac are rival brands in the production of speakers. Klipsch offers outstanding performance, especially with high-frequency music. On the other hand, Elac is well known for mid-range and bass soundtracks. Having a listening test before choosing the best product is, however, advisable for the best audio experience.
Klipsch vs Elac History
Klipsch History
Klipsch is an American company founded in 1946 in Hope, Arkansas, based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The company was founded by Paul W. Klipsch as ”Klipsch and Associates” and produces loudspeaker drivers and enclosures. Klipsch sold all its shares to Audiovox in 2011.
Elac History
Elac is a German loudspeaker manufacturer founded in 1926 as “Electroacoustic GmbH.” During World War II, the company built electroacoustic devices for Kriegsmarine and other nautical applications.
Though the company maintained its nautical division, it transitioned through the building of sewing machines after the war and later into consumer electronics. The company also distributed goods from companies such as Sony and Nakamichi in Germany.
The firm became bankrupt in 1978 and sold the nautical division to Honeywell, an American company.
The firm was then renamed “Honeywell-ELAC.” In 1998, the nautical division of the company was resold to L3 Technologies, which was later sold to Wartsila in 2015 before being acquired by Cohort PLC in 2019. in 2016, ELAC acquired Audio Alchemy, an American audio company.
Difference Between Klipsch And Elac: Klipsch Vs Elac
Klipsch – Features, Design, and Performance
Klipsch speakers remain some of the highest-ranked design and sound quality. Although they are costly, they deliver high-quality sound.
The horn-loaded speakers are highly efficient, low in modulation distortion, have a wide dynamic range, a flat frequency response, and controlled directivity. Also, they are designed with tweeter horns and are therefore suitable for high-frequency sounds.
Elac Features – Features, Design, and Performance
Elac has earned its reputation through continued research, outstanding European design, uncompromising build quality, and high-quality sound. It developed some of the self-defining speaker technologies such as the JET folded-ribbon tweeter and 4Pi omnidirectional tweeter.
Elac is also known for its great selection of attractively-priced, well-performing speakers that favorably compete with some of the best in class.
Pros And Cons Of Klipsch Speakers
Pros
- Very efficient with very little to no distortion
- Require less power to drive
- High-frequency range speakers
Cons
- Expensive
Pros and cons of Elac speakers
Pros
- The silk dome tweeter offers great sound transparency
- More definitive bass
- Rhythmic and dynamic
Cons
- The speakers require good clean power for best performance
- They don’t sound as great at low volumes
Klipsch vs Elac Room Space
For a better sound experience with your speakers, you need to choose speakers that fit your taste and budget.
Both Klipsch and Elac speakers will need some space to deliver quality sound. However, Klipsch has a natural loudness and will sound awkward if placed in a small room. On the other hand, Elac is much smoother.
It will, therefore, fit well in a small room. It is, therefore, advisable that you carry out proper matching of the available space before buying Klipsch or Elac.
Klipsch vs. Elac When Using An AV receiver
Generally, Elac delivers a more crisp sound with smooth and more definitive bass than Klipsch, even without an amplifier. However, if you love heavy metal music, the high-frequency sounding speakers from Klipsch may sound much better.
On the contrary, Elac speakers sound low at low volumes and will require a receiver to improve the sound quality.
However, Elac and Klipsch will deliver a remarkable sound experience if you prefer to play loud music. Just remember to get Elac if you are looking for firm bass.
Example: Klipsch R-51M vs. Elac DEBUT 2.0 B6.2
| Feature | Klipsch R-51M | Elac DEBUT 2.0 B6.2 |
| Finish | MDF | MDF |
| Impedance | 8.0 ohms | 6.0 ohms |
| RMS rated power | 85.0 W | 120.0 W |
| Speaker type | N/A | 2-way |
| Woofer size (inches) | 5.25 | 6.5 |
| Speaker placement | Wall-mountable | Tabletop/bookshelf |
| Sensitivity | 93.0 dB | 87.0 dB |
| Weight | 16.31 lb | 11.02 lb |
Best Klipsch Speakers On Amazon
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00LMF41IY” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker[/easyazon_link]
These speakers combine connectivity with stereo separation of a receiver-speaker setup with the simplicity of a soundbar.
[amazon box=”B00LMF41IY”]
In a bold black-and-copper design, they deliver stellar sound quality with an impressive high-end response, more excellent extension, and minimal distortion. Also, the speaker has a built-in phono preamp and will easily connect to a turntable.
Pros
- Customizable with the in-built phono preamp
- Stellar sound quality
- Very efficient
Cons
- It needs a powered subwoofer for more outstanding bass
2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B001DZJPMA” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker[/easyazon_link]
They are designed to blend with the environment and produce enough sound to fill a large backyard. These speakers are versatile, with up to 50 watts per unit and a 94 sensitivity rating.
[amazon box=”B001DZJPMA”]
They will, however, need a sub to deliver heart-pounding bass. The 6.5-inch dual voice coil woofer and dual dome tweeters allow it to play both left and right stereo signals precision.
Pros
- High efficiency
- Superior acoustic package
- Built to last
Cons
- Expensive
3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B001587M02″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Klipsch R-1650-C In-Ceiling Speaker[/easyazon_link]
Compared to the regular floor-standing speakers that are the most common in your space, in-ceiling speakers can deliver a similar impact with minimal intrusion.
[amazon box=”B001587M02″]
With a 6 ½ inch polypropylene woofer, the powerful R-1650-C has crisp mids and bass, making it incredibly impactful.
Pros
- Affordable
- Crisp sound
- Limited lifetime warranty
Best Elac Speakers On Amazon
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B07B4Q5587″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf speakers[/easyazon_link]
The speakers have a new tweeter built with a wide-dispersion waveguide, a new woven aramid-fiber woofer with a sensitivity of 87dB at 2.83v/m, and new cabinets for easier placement.
[amazon box=”B07B4Q5587″]
The crossover frequency is 2200Hz, while the frequency response of the speakers is 44Hz – 35000 Hz with a 6-ohm nominal impedance and maximum power input of 120 watts.
Pros
- Don’tDon’t force your character
- High sensitivity
- Bags of rhythm
- Transparent sound
Cons
- Don’t forgive the sub-par source
- A little expensive
2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B07B4Q5588″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Elac Debut B5.2[/easyazon_link]
The B5 is compatible with a broader range of receivers and stereo amplifiers with easy-to-drive 6 ohm nominal impedance.
[amazon box=”B07B4Q5588″]
The front-firing ports allow for greater flexibility in room placement, and the speakers have a broader frequency response between 46Hz and 36kHz.
Pros
- Deep, impactful bass and smooth extended highs
- Solidly built with internal bracing
- Detailed, organized sound
3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B07B4WFWZF” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Elac Debut 2.0 F5.2[/easyazon_link]
The F5.2 is compatible with nearly all AV receivers and stereo amplifiers. It’s easy to drive with 6-ohm nominal impedance, and the 5 ¼ inch woven aramid fiber bass drivers, 5 ¼ inch mid-range, and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter deliver deep, impactful bass with smooth bass extended highs.
[amazon box=”B07B4WFWZF”]
It is built with an MDF cabinet with internal bracing and performs well within a frequency range of 42Hz to 35kHz.
Pros
- Plenty of detail
- Precise bass
- Great timing and dynamics
Cons
- Expensive
Are Elac Speakers Good For Movies?
Elac speakers such as the Elac Debut 2.0 F5.2 floor standing speakers are built with dual aramid fiber bass drivers mid-range and soft-dome tweeter to deliver deep impactful bass with smooth extended highs best for both music and movies.
The speakers are therefore suited for movies.
Are Elac Speakers Neutral?
Elac speakers have a striking balance between the bass, mid, and highs making them very neutral speakers.
Are Elac Speakers Considered High End?
Elac delivers high-end speakers compared with Klipsch speakers. Also, Elac concentrates on providing good sound quality and high-value products with versatile interiors and appealing design.
Conclusion
With the discussion above, it is much easier to choose between Klipsch and Elac. For high-frequency music, choose Klipsch. Otherwise, Elac is a great choice for mid-range and bass soundtracks.
