Elac subwoofers excel in performance, ease of setup and use. The Elac subwoofer review and alternative will make it easier for you to choose the best. The build quality is very good, and most subwoofers use MDF. Elac reveals all the specifications so that you can analyze before you buy. Elimination of physical controls with mobile app makes them some of the best versatile Elac subwoofers.
Among many you can choose the Elac Adante 3070 subwoofer that delivers excellent bass making movies dramatic and realistic. Music is enjoyable as well. You can download the mobile app for easier control of settings. Elac subwoofers doesn’t produce overpowering bass. Intelligent use of MDF in most cabinets minimizes audio coloration.
Elac subwoofers are available in all price ranges so users with any type of budget can select the best one for them. Let’s find out more about Elac Subwoofers.
Quick Comparison of 5 Best Elac Subwoofer:[Category-wise]
Top 5 Elac subwoofers:
Let’s look into the 5 best Elac subwoofer review.
ELAC Debut 2.0 DS10.2 200-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Specifications:
- Driver size: 1 x 10-inch high-excursion doped paper cone
- Frequency response: 35 to 150 Hz
- Power: 200 Watts peak / 100 Watts RMS
- Dimension: 5 x 13.5 x 13.5
Details
Elac Debut 2.0 subwoofer has a black-ash vinyl enclosure. The MDF cabinet ensures the subwoofer produces clean, uncolored, and undistorted audio. It uses highly efficient BASH amplifier that has Class D amplifier. It also supplies adequate voltage to Class AB amplifier. In this Elac debut 10.2 subwoofer review, we will shed light on both positive and negative aspects.
If you know music and high-end speakers, then Elac S10.2 subwoofer might not impress you. However, this doesn’t mean it is bad. Considering the low cost, Elac performs decently. Music lovers who are just starting their journey into the audio world will find this attractive. The low frequencies are tight and impactful making soundtracks or music rumble at that region.
A 100W RMS power isn’t very exciting in terms of subwoofers and we wish it were higher. However, it will still run well when you pair with a good quality of speakers. With the given frequency response, the Elac powered subwoofer can get as low as 35Hz. While a 10” woofer driver size will work in large rooms, it is best for medium sized rooms.
The subwoofer has Auto on/off feature which means it can detect any input signal and switch on. This bass-reflex subwoofer has dual flared port. In terms of placement, the Elac subwoofer user manual suggests two locations. Place the subwoofer at the corner or by the side wall, then listen and find the spot where the overall audio sounds better. The purpose of a subwoofer is to blend in without seeking attention to it.
ELAC S10EQ Debut Series 400-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Specifications
- Driver size: 10″ High Excursion Doped Paper
- Frequency response: 28 to 150 Hz
- Power: 400 Watts Peak/200 Watts RMS
- Dimension: 5 x 13.5 x 13.5
Details
The Elac S10EQ is one of the best Elac subwoofers with Auto EQ option. Let’s check out the Elac S10EQ review to know more about it. Comparing Elac S10EQ vs Elac Debut 2.0 S10, the S10EQ uses passive radiator instead of vented ports. This is known to eliminate the ‘chuffing’ noise and deliver flat frequency response.
The rear panel doesn’t have control knobs or switches like most other subwoofers. It is often quite a hassle to have access of the back panel. The S10EQ Elac subwoofer includes all the controls and adjustments into the ELAC SUB Control app. It has on-board software that takes help of the mobile microphone on which you are using the app.
The build quality of most Elac equipment is sturdy. This one has CARB2 Rated MDF enclosure with a Black Brushed Vinyl finish. Rubber feet are best for hard-surface floors whereas, use the spike feet for carpet. Amplifiers in all Elac subwoofers are BASH Tracking. While using the app, make sure it supports Bluetooth 4.0.
The sub delivers crisp-clear and tight bass allowing you to enjoy most of the contents. The performance is very good specially when compared to the cost. This compact subwoofer is a must-have for you to enjoy any type of content.
Elac – Adante SUB3070
Specifications:
- Driver size: 2 x 12″ Aluminum Sandwich Cone
- Frequency response: 18 to 180 Hz
- Amplified Power: 1200W
- Dimension: 13×20.39x 18.75”
Details
The Elac Sub3070 is one of the expensive subwoofers. It has two side firing 12” drivers and are in opposite configuration. It is recommended to use dual woofer drivers rather than a single large driver of 15 or 18”. Along with MDF enclosure and vinyl finish, the internal bracing will include stiffness. This will remove any sort of resonance or distortion. It is available in three different color options.
The acoustic suspension enclosure will deliver tight and accurate bass. Available ports are: 2 line-channel (XLR), 2 line-channel (RCA) and 3 Speaker level. Using Bluetooth, use the mobile app to fully control the subwoofer. Comparing the Elac S10EQ vs Sub 3070, the rear panel only has a volume control. You can connect a pair of tower speakers to it or create a large home theater system.
The Elac Adante 3070 subwoofer review discuss its characteristics and specs in details. This dual 12” Elac subwoofer is best for movies and music. The rumble and thumping bass bring out the low-end of music and movies. Movies become enjoyable with room shaking bass. The high-efficient BASH amplifier allows the subwoofer to fit well in large spaces.
Speaker placement is similar for all subwoofers. You can also use the subwoofer crawl technique for optimum performance. The Elac Sub3070 manual shows wiring diagram which will help any newbie with the setup. This audiophile grade subwoofer is appreciable. Elac Sub 3030 is another 12” subwoofer with auto EQ. The cost is much lower and affordable than the Sub 3070.
Elac SUB1010 Subwoofer
Specifications:
- Driver size: 10” High Excursion Textured Polypropylene
- Amplifier type: Class AB
- Amplifier power: 120 Watts Peak/60 Watts RMS
- Frequency response: 37 to 200 Hz
- Dimension: 12-3/16” x 14-3/16” x 12-3/16”
Details
Among the best 5 Elac subwoofers we reviewed here, the Elac Sub1010 is the cheapest one. It has dual flared ports. Although a 10” subwoofer can be placed in medium sized spaces, it is best to place the subwoofer in small rooms. With CARB2 Rated MDF enclosure and rubber feet, you can place it easily avoiding muddy bass. You can consider it as an entry-level subwoofer and is best if you like average bass.
With 60W of power, the subwoofer can produce tight and decent bass it will not be earth shaking. The rear panel has L/R/LFE RCA and Speaker Level inputs. Along with these ports, you will find multiple controls needed for optimum subwoofer performance. This subwoofer is similar to the ELAC Debut 2.0 DS10.2 which doesn’t have any mobile app.
Connecting preamp or amplifier is quite easy. The setup and usability of the subwoofer is very simple and straightforward.
This subwoofer doesn’t have auto room calibration option so make sure you are ok with it. We have always recommended using two or four subwoofers instead of one for better integration of the overall audio output. This Elac powered subwoofer uses powerful Class AB amplifier that has higher efficiency. Although there are other high-end subwoofers, average sounding subwoofer are also necessary.
The subwoofer can handle all sorts of content delivering decent performance, but don’t expect too much from this. This budget friendly Elac subwoofer is best if you are purchasing your first subwoofer.
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 400-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Specifications:
- Driver size: 1 10-inch high-excursion doped paper cone
- Passive radiator: 1 x 10-inch high-excursion doped paper cone
- Amplifier type: Class AB
- Amplifier power: 400 Watts peak / 200 Watts RMS
- Frequency response: 28 to 150 Hz
- Dimension: 14.33×13.5×13.5”
Details
Elac Sub3010 review describes the subwoofer and its performance. With the addition of a passive radiator, the subwoofer will deliver punchier bass. Like all other models, it has a MDF enclosure. The build quality is unquestionable. It includes the ELAC SubEQ app eliminating the hassle of adjusting physical controls.
The app and its controls are already discussed above. This Elac Debut 2.0 Sub3010 review will assist you to understand whether you should go for it or not. You can include it with two floorstanding speakers (DF52/DF62), two bookshelf speakers (DB52/DB62), two center-channel (DC52/DC62), and one Dolby Atmos speaker (DA42).
In case you have space, constraints and don’t want a large subwoofer, then you can choose this compact size. This subwoofer delivers decent performance both with movies and music. The bass is clean and accurate. The power is adequate for medium sized rooms and so is the frequency response. Overall, if you don’t want to spend much, then you can choose it.
How I rated the 5 best Elac subwoofer:
Which features are a must have to consider while choosing a subwoofer? Let’s have a look.
Type
The type of subwoofer is important because each is designed for different purpose. This 5 best Elac subwoofer review talks both about passive and ported subs. Subwoofers with passive radiators are said to be more compact with decent power. It is capable of eliminating the ‘chuffing’ noise. However, ported subwoofers are quite powerful and can easily fill up large spaces or rooms.
Driver and room size
Subwoofer vs room size is quite important. For small to medium sized rooms, use a 6.5”, 8” or 10” subwoofer. A 10” subwoofer is best for medium sized rooms given that it is powerful enough. A 12” or 15” subwoofers are best for large room setups. You should have a look into this because you don’t want to mismatch. The subwoofer driver and power must be adequate for the room. So, this is a crucial consideration.
Subwoofer controls
Flexibility in controlling and using the subwoofer matters a lot. Elac has two types of subs, one that has physical controls on the rear side and another that doesn’t. Without physical controls and with the use of mobile app makes those models quite flexible and easy to use. Just sit back on your listening position and tweak settings.
The app affects the audio quality as well. This is due to the inclusion of Auto EQ room calibration performed through mobile’s microphone.
Placement and others
Elac always comes with placement suggestion. However, those who like to explore further, go with the subwoofer crawling technique. Where you need to take an SPL, place the subwoofer on your seating place. Crawl or walk around the room and find out the spot where the sub sounds the best. If you can afford, spend for two or four subs.
Multiple subwoofer placement can be done is different ways, you can place two subs facing each other by two side walls. You can place then on the front two corners of the room as well.
Cost
Entry-level subwoofer with 10” woofer driver but comparatively low power is available at lower cost. Look at your room size, speaker system configuration (stereo or 5.1 home theater) and then decide for the subwoofer driver size and power. For larger driver, higher power and advanced tweaking and settings will increase the cost.
3 best alternatives to Elac subwoofer:
The Elac Subwoofer Review and Alternative focus on some of the best Elac subwoofers and its alternatives.
Comparison table of alternative subwoofers:
PSB SubSeries 250 Subwoofer 10-inch
The PSB SubSeries 250 is a compact and sealed subwoofer. The 10” driver with 200W continuous power, the bass is very good, but you shouldn’t expect earth-shaking nature either. It has limiting circuitry to protect the woofer and amplifier. The custom designed Class D amp is highly efficient handling the subwoofer pretty well.
The SubSeries 250 is best for small to medium sized rooms. Overall, the bass and clean and tight. It can go as low as 20Hz. If you have a mid-range budget, then this subwoofer is for you. For inputs and outputs, you will find gold-plated RCA line-level and LFE (low frequency effects) inputs and outputs and, speaker-level inputs and outputs.
Fluance DB10W 10-inch Low Frequency Powered Subwoofer
Fluance has a 3” port on the front side. The rear side has all the controls. While it might be annoying to change the settings several times, once done, you can enjoy rocking sound seamlessly. Connections include Inputs RCA Input, High Level Input and Speaker Levels. With 45W RMS power, this subwoofer is best for small to medium sized rooms.
The Fluance DB10W can get as low as 20Hz. The bass is punchier and adequate to deal with music and movies. MDF construction makes it a well-built subwoofer. It is one of the best subwoofers under $200.
Aperion Audio Bravus II 12D Powered Subwoofer
The Aperion Bravus II 12D subwoofer has a down-firing driver and two side-firing passive radiators. It uses the very common Class D amplifier. The enclosure uses HDF internally braced cabinet to minimize any sort of vibration or buzzing noise. Physical controls lie on the back side.
You can easily place it in large rooms pairing with a home theater system. The performance, engineering and quality makes it one of the best subwoofers under $1000.
Partings words
The Elac Subwoofer Review and Alternative focuses on illustrating every aspect of subwoofers allowing you to take a wise decision. In case you think physical controls are a hassle, choose the Elac subwoofer model that comes with mobile app. Pairing with good quality of speakers is as important as choosing a high-end subwoofer.
You can choose from Elac speakers as well. Polk or Klipsch also makes some of the best speakers. Room acoustics and subwoofer placement is important as well. Having an Elac model with mobile app will help with the room calibration process. In case you have carpet, use the spike feet that comes along with the subwoofer.
Make sure the subwoofer isn’t a misfit in your room. if you are a basshead, choose subwoofer that can go lower in the frequency response and has enough power to fill the room. Subwoofer is like ‘salt’ which is a must have in any music system. Movies, music or games, all kind of contents rely on subwoofer for low end representation. Lastly, always go with multiple subs, if possible.
FAQ
When it comes to solving your problems, our FAQ sections are at the best service. let’s find out about this particular segment here:
Are Elac subwoofers good?
Elac is a reliable and trustworthy brand. Andrew Jones designed most of their subwoofers like Elac 3030, S10EQ etc. Elac also manufactures some of the best speakers. Their subwoofers excel in quality and are continuously improving themselves. Mobile app makes it very user-friendly to control and use the subwoofers.
Based on driver size and power, the amount of bass may vary, but no matter how ‘low’ the bass is, it is always clean and clear.
What is the difference between front-firing and down-firing drivers?
When looking for a subwoofer, you will see some has front-firing drivers, others have down-firing drivers. Does it affect the audio quality? Well, since subwoofers deliver non-directional audio, it doesn’t affect the sound quality. Front-firing drivers deliver sound at the front and are best if placed on the front of the room.
Down-firing subwoofers will direct audio downwards, towards the floor. It is best to place them by the side wall or on any corner of the room.
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