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ELAC BS 73 Bookshelf Speakers Review

Introduction

When I initially stumbled upon the ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers, I was intrigued by their reasonable price point and ELAC’s reputation, particularly with the buzz surrounding their DEBUT series. As someone who enjoys testing different audio equipment, I decided to get a pair and thoroughly evaluate them. Here is a comprehensive review of my experience with the ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers, covering their performance, build quality, compatibility, and overall value.

Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing the ELAC BS 73, I was immediately struck by the impressive build quality. The fit and finish are impeccable, and the edges are seamless, giving the speakers a robust and premium feel. Their substantial weight is a testament to their solid construction and substantial internal components, reassuring you of their durability and reliability.

I gave the speakers a week of break-in time, playing a variety of music genres at different volumes to thoroughly test their capabilities. This period allowed the speakers to ‘settle in,’ and I noticed a significant improvement in their performance. The initial impressions were generally positive but with specific variances depending on the type of audio equipment I paired them with.

Sound Quality

Low End

One of the standout features of the ELAC BS 73 is its bass response. The speakers handle low frequencies exceptionally well, providing a lovely bass floor that gives depth to the music. This is particularly impressive given their size. They excel with male voices and bass-heavy genres, delivering a full, satisfying sound without overwhelming the mid and high frequencies.

Midrange

The ELAC BS 73 truly shines in the midrange. Male vocals come through rich and warm, which I don’t always find in speakers at this price point. However, female vocals can be more problematic, especially those with high-pitched or sharp tones. Depending on the setup, they can sound slightly strident or dull. It’s a delicate balance, and it is affected by the type of receiver you are using, which I’ll discuss next.

High End

The high frequencies are precise but can lean towards brightness, especially if your system is already inclined that way. Using a Denon receiver accentuated this brightness, making the sound fatiguing over longer listening sessions. On the other hand, pairing the ELAC BS 73 with a Marantz receiver resulted in a warmer, more balanced sound. This brings us to the crucial topic of system compatibility.

Compatibility and Setup

During my testing, I used a Marantz and a Denon receiver to see how the ELAC BS 73 would perform with different setups. Interestingly, the sound character varied significantly between the two. With the Marantz receiver, the speakers exhibited a warmer and more engaging soundstage, much to my liking. On the other hand, the Denon receiver accentuated the high frequencies, leading to a brighter sound that could become a bit harsh with certain types of music, particularly female vocals.

I also experimented with running the EQ on the Denon receiver, which did help in tempering the brightness to some extent. This experiment highlights the importance of pairing these speakers with the right equipment for the best performance. It’s clear that the ELAC BS 73 is not dull by any means, but your experience can vary depending on your system.

ELAC BS 73 Bookshelf Speakers

Build Quality and Design

The ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers are well-constructed, with a high standard of fit and finish. The edges are seamless, and the overall build quality gives the impression of a more expensive product. The heavy weight of the speakers adds to the sense of durability and quality. They would seamlessly fit into most home audio setups aesthetically and functionally.

Value for Money

Considering their price point, the ELAC BS 73 offers exceptional value. While they may not be in the same league as $50k speakers, they deliver impressive sound quality for their cost. Despite their sensitivity to system pairing, they are a wise investment, particularly for those entering the world of high-quality audio.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Impressive bass response for their size
  • Excellent build quality and finish
  • Rich and warm midrange, particularly with male vocals
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • It can be bright with certain receivers
  • Female vocals can be strident or dull depending on the setup
  • Sensitivity to system pairing for optimal sound

Comparison to Similar Products

Compared to other bookshelf speakers in a similar price range, the ELAC BS 73 stands out with its robust build quality and compelling sound performance, particularly in the low-end and mid-range. Many speakers in this category need help with a smooth bass response and tend to feel more lightweight and less durable. However, this does not mean they outshine everything else. Brands like KEF and Q Acoustics offer competitive products with their strengths, such as better handling of high frequencies or more straightforward compatibility across different systems. If robust bass and a warm midrange are your priorities, the ELAC BS 73 will serve you well. But for a more balanced sound profile without the hassle of system sensitivity, consider other options as well.

Conclusion

The ELAC BS 73 bookshelf speakers offer a lot of bang for the buck. Their strong points include:

  • A robust bass response.
  • Superior build quality.
  • Excellent performance with male vocals and bass-heavy music genres.

However, their sensitivity to the type of receiver used can result in a varying listening experience. Considering your existing audio setup when purchasing these speakers is crucial. They provide remarkable sound quality for the price but are not without their quirks. Overall, they have piqued my interest enough to explore more expensive ELAC offerings in the future.

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Bass Response
8.8
Bass response on the Elac BS 73 is impressive for bookshelf speakers. They deliver a solid bass floor that's noteworthy for their size and price. Male voices and bass-heavy tracks particularly shine, making them ideal for genres like rock or jazz.
Treble Detail
7.5
Treble detail is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the speakers can be bright and detailed, but this can vary significantly depending on your system setup. For instance, they sounded bright with a Denon receiver but warmer with a Marantz system. Female voices can be strident if the setup leans bright, but are manageable if adjusted correctly.
Midrange Clarity
8.5
Midrange clarity is generally good, especially for male vocals. Male voices come through with clarity and depth. Female voices, however, can be a touch dull or overly bright depending on the system's EQ settings. A bit of tinkering might be required to get the optimal midrange quality.
Design
9
Design and build quality are definite highlights. The Elac BS 73 speakers feature seamless edges and a heavy, robust construction. They look as good as they sound, making them a stylish addition to any listening space.
Sound Quality
8.3
Overall sound quality is commendable. They excel in bass response and midrange clarity, though the treble can be a bit of a challenge to get just right. These speakers perform well across various musical genres and certainly hold their own against more expensive competitors.
Value for Money
9.5
The Elac BS 73 speakers offer exceptional value for money, especially if you snag them at an introductory price. While they aren't comparable to high-end $50k speakers, they are an excellent choice given their price point. The build quality, including seamless edges and substantial weight, enhances their value.
8.6
Total Score
Rating Summary
We found the Elac BS 73 speakers to be a great choice for anyone seeking quality bookshelf speakers at a reasonable price. They offer fantastic value for money and boast impressive bass response and midrange clarity. Treble detail can be hit or miss, largely depending on your system setup, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Design-wise, these speakers are well-built with a sleek finish. They perform admirably across a range of musical styles, making them versatile enough for most listening preferences. While they may not rival ultra-high-end options, they certainly punch above their weight class and are worth considering for your next speaker upgrade.