B&W 607 S2 Anniversary vs. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$800 $330
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 6.50” × 9.13”
300mm × 165mm × 232mm
13.43” × 7.09” × 9.21”
341mm × 180mm × 234mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
52-28,000 Hz 46-35,000 Hz
ASR Score
3.2 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
5.3 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the arena of bookshelf speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition stands out with its detailed and spacious soundstage, driven by decades of acoustic innovation. Celebrating an iconic lineage, these compact marvels boast Continuum cone drivers that deliver pristine midrange performance. Meanwhile, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, engineered by the renowned Andrew Jones, offers a remarkable value proposition, featuring a woven aramid-fiber woofer that ensures a dynamic and robust bass response. Both sets of speakers cater to the discerning audiophile, yet the B&W leans towards a refined clarity, while the ELAC emphasizes affordability without significant compromise.

Speaker Comparison

In the realm of bookshelf loudspeakers, finding the right match for your acoustical taste can be akin to seeking the Holy Grail. Today, we're delving into a comparison that audiophiles may find particularly intriguing: Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers versus ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers. Both are remarkable in their own right, yet they cater to subtly different sensibilities in the high-fidelity landscape.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

Bowers & Wilkins' 607 S2 Anniversary Edition celebrates five decades of the British brand's sonic excellence. The build quality is robust, exuding a premium feel with its sleek contours and meticulous craftsmanship. ELAC's Debut 2.0 B5.2, on the other hand, designed by the legendary Andrew Jones, presents a no-frills, practical approach. The build is sturdy, though with a more functional aesthetic that emphasizes performance over visual flamboyance.

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
B&W 607 S2 Anniversary arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Signature and Performance

The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition inherits Bowers & Wilkins' timeless sound signature: it's a delightful blend of clarity and warmth that brings forth detailed highs and mids, with a commendable openness in the soundstage. The Continuum cone technology, a B&W hallmark, ensures that the music remains free from unwanted coloration, providing a pure, unadulterated sonic experience. ELAC's B5.2, while slightly warmer in tone, offers an astonishingly rich and full-bodied sound for its size. The speakers deliver a solid bass response and a smooth treble that can handle complex layers of audio with ease.

While both speakers shine in their domains, the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition is particularly impressive with its ability to reveal the micro-dynamics in recordings, a treat for those who appreciate the nuances in their music. Conversely, the ELAC B5.2 plays it safe, offering a more forgiving sound that's more accommodating to variances in recording quality, making it an excellent choice for a broader range of genres and listening environments.

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Price Point and Value

The conversation inevitably turns to pricing, and here is where your priorities and budget come into play. Bowers & Wilkins' offering, as a special edition product, commands a higher price point, reflecting its enhanced features and the brand's prestigious reputation. The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, meanwhile, is positioned as a budget-friendly contender, punching above its weight in performance per dollar. For the audiophile on a budget, ELAC's speakers are an undeniable value proposition.

That said, it is essential to consider that with the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition, you're not just buying a speaker; you're investing in a piece of Bowers & Wilkins' legacy. If your budget can stretch, the additional investment promises an audible enhancement in sound fidelity and a touch of class to your listening room.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is less about finding a clear winner and more about aligning with your personal preferences and circumstances. The 607 S2 is a testament to audiophile-grade refinement, ideal for those who crave an incisive listening experience, while the ELAC B5.2 is the workhorse that offers remarkable versatility and value. Your final choice will resonate with the tunes of your life, shaping the soundtrack to your auditory journey.


Check Current Prices:

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.