ELAC Andante AS-61

Kuoppis

Kuoppis

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Has anyone heard these ELAC standmounts? If so, kindly share your impressions. There is a gloving eulogy from Alan Sircom on these in the latest Hi-Fi+.

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I am still on the search for worthy replacement for my trusty Harbeth 3PSRs in the summerhouse, but have not really found many viable candidates so far.

Mike, aren’t you carrying ELAC nowadays?


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Somehow I have the feeling Alan Sircom was a bit impressed here:
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Mechnutt said:
Here is a CNET review of them that praises them but also shows they need careful system matching.

https://www.cnet.com/news/elac-aims-higher-with-its-new-adante-as-61-speaker/
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Interesting comments from Guttenberg, but understandable when reading Sircom’s review.

Combining both views the AS-61s for sure require proper amplification, Sircom says 100 wpc +. So the speakers are not to be considered tube friedly it appears. Alan also points out that careful setup, solid amplification and a good source are required to get the best sound out of them.
 
Kuoppis said:
Interesting comments from Guttenberg, but understandable when reading Sircom’s review.

Combining both views the AS-61s for sure require proper amplification, Sircom says 100 wpc +. So the speakers are not to be considered tube friedly it appears. Alan also points out that careful setup, solid amplification and a good source are required to get the best sound out of them.
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You can use a tube amp but it will need to be something like a high powered VTL or Atma-Sphere. And they can double as space heaters.

Sounds like they may be a good match for a Pass or CJ amp.
 
CPP said:
you mean in price, big price difference between the AS-61 and the REF 1. I've heard both the R300 and the Ref 1, I've never heard the AS-61 so I can't comment.
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I thought performance-wise, as far as I have understood.

Based on what I know the REF 1 is about double as expensive, but I’ve heard good things about the Adante.


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bart said:
Kuoppis, you're most welcome.

Can we know your first name?
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Kuoppis is my nickname, my friends call me that [emoji3].

Hence I thought it might be suitable for the Sharks forum as well, lots of likeminded people around here.


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Kuoppis said:
Mike, aren’t you carrying ELAC nowadays?


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I placed my opening order in May and by December still nothing. I had “concerns” about QC based on what I was hearing and we will leave it at that. I’m still debating. It looks like a year later, they have their act together. Frankly, I’m really excited about the Magico A3’s and I love the Harbeth’s in the same price range as the ELAC’s.

I have the Triangle of France speakers in the store now for a test drive (picture below). Interesting horn loaded tweeter and gorgeous cabinets.

Frankly, if I add another speaker line, I would like something outside the box (no pun intended) - like Maggie, Quad, King Sound, the new Ultimate 545 SoundLabs, the KLH 9, Martin Logan, etc. But I wouldn’t shy away from the “right” box speaker. I just don’t want to bring in a speaker similar to either Magico or Harbeth as that just creates confusion. I like variety, especially in speaker DESIGNS and how to deliver sound. I like people to think about different designs and the pros and cons of each.

Lining up 27 different box speakers is not ideal. Magico’s are the best SOTA box speaker IMO. Harbeth’s are classic BBC sounds and loved by many, Avantgarde’s are dynamic and deliver the live experience. The Gryphons are a great “system synergy” play and sound great.

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Mike said:
I placed my opening order in May and by December still nothing. I had “concerns” about QC based on what I was hearing and we will leave it at that. I’m still debating. It looks like a year later, they have their act together. Frankly, I’m really excited about the Magico A3’s and I love the Harbeth’s in the same price range as the ELAC’s.

I have the Triangle of France speakers in the store now for a test drive (picture below). Interesting horn loaded tweeter and gorgeous cabinets.

Frankly, if I add another speaker line, I would like something outside the box (no pun intended) - like Maggie, Quad, King Sound, the new Ultimate 545 SoundLabs, the KLH 9, Martin Logan, etc. But I wouldn’t shy away from the “right” box speaker. I just don’t want to bring in a speaker similar to either Magico or Harbeth as that just creates confusion. I like variety, especially in speaker DESIGNS and how to deliver sound. I like people to think about different designs and the pros and cons of each.

Lining up 27 different box speakers is not ideal. Magico’s are the best SOTA box speaker IMO. Harbeth’s are classic BBC sounds and loved by many, Avantgarde’s are dynamic and deliver the live experience. The Gryphons are a great “system synergy” play and sound great.
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Thank you for your input Mike, that is very interesting. I was not aware of the QC issues, as I have so far always considered ELAC one of the German mid-fi players along with Canton, Magnat, Heco etc. But that was before Chris Jones Jones joining, he definitely brings along some hi-end pedigree.

Agree about your philosophy, with Magico, Harbeth and Avantgarde you have definitely picked out the best of the bunch in different categories IMHO. Add Maggies and you have all types.

Triangle is definitely an interesting excellent value for money option and quite popular in Europe. For my special purpose their Triangle Signature Theta is another standmount hitting way above its price point I am looking at, and which could be a replacement for the 3PSRs. They compete head-to-head with the Adantes.


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You might want to also have a listen to the Canton Reference K9 bookshelf as their Reference line is not mid-fi. This line apparently from reviews and owners is far from the HT based Vento and other series.
 
Jack said:
You might want to also have a listen to the Canton Reference K9 bookshelf as their Reference line is not mid-fi. This line apparently from reviews and owners is far from the HT based Vento and other series.
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Thank you for the recommendation. At this point I am however not entirely sure about the ELAC, Triangle or Canton to be honest. Just thought the Adante was an interesting concept with the concentric mid/ tweeter and the passive radiator bass.

My top candidates at the moment are Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution or now the newer Guarneri Tradition, TAD ME1 or the Isophon Berlina RC3. But let’s see how things turn out, luckily I am in no rush. Currently I am kind of intrigued by the Sonus Fabers, but they are not an impulse purchase product.


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If you are going to keep the Pass Int-60 I would definitely listen to the SF's first as they may be to much of a good thing. The TAD's and Isophon's reputation is to be forward so they may match with the Pass or not. If where you are the Canton's are easy to get a listen to I would try them. A guy on another forum is using them with a Luxman integrated and loves them so who know how they would sound with Pass. I am from the "Musical" (Harbrth, Spendor, Reynaud, Nola, Vandersteen) camp so don't know much about the "detail and transparency" camp of speakers. I am more a Dudley, Neill guy than a Valin or Harley guy so take my recommendations in that light.
 
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