RMAF 2019 Show Report

ELAC And (Audio) Alchemy... So I Say...

  ELAC and (Audio) Alchemy. Am not sure I can really add much about them because at this point you probably already know. For those who don't, basically what they deliver is an incredible value for the (relatively small) investment. In fact, it was just announced that the prestigious Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society will be honoring Andrew Jones during their 26th Annual Founders Award! This in and of itself probably tells seasoned audiophiles all they really need to know. Congrats Andrew, and this begs the question will longtime brilliant (Audio) Alchemy electronics designer Peter Madnick be next to receive an award?

Oh, wait, in fact he did as Peter earned Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2019 Blue Note Award.

So, how did their room sound? Without a doubt the new ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 bookshelf speakers ($500) are a further improvement over previous value-priced designs. Sounds to me as though they have tighter control of matching loudspeaker drivers, and this in turn delivers better imaging and soundscaping. Harmonics also seem a teeny tiny bit more natural, and the previous products were truly impressive so really this is just a further refinement in producing more greatness from an already remarkable sound.

Front-end electronics were ELAC Discovery DS-A101 Wi-Fi streaming integrated amplifier ($750). System #2 featured ELAC Alchemy DDP-2 pre / DAC / streamer ($2500), DPA-2 stereo / mono bridgeable amplifier ($1500), plus ELAC Carina Series BS243.4 bookshelf speakers ($1200, pictured below) with JET tweeter and aluminum cone midrange / woofer. Other goodies within their room included the Discovery Series Music Server DS-S101-G ($1100) plus ELAC LS-80 speaker stands ($400).

Considering all the highly positive cyber-ink spilled about ELAC / Alchemy gear over the years, am perplexed of what I can add. Great sound, unbelievably inexpensive pricing for the performance they deliver, and backed by a reliable company who believes in providing high quality customer service. There's a saying:

Low Price
High Quality
Excellent Customer Service

You may only pick two of the above.

ELAC speakers and their Alchemy electronic products appears to be breaking the above rules in a very good way. Gentlemen, thank you for the music, for giving it to me (thank you Abba). All the raves about ELAC and Alchemy are spot on, yet you've probably heard it before. Andrew and Peter, all I want is to sing your praises out loud.

Without a song or a dance what are we?

As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

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