Elac Debut 3.0 DB53

Elac takes its Debut line in a new sonic direction

- 

Imagine you run a popular restaurant, and key to your establishment's success is an award-winning recipe that, while not necessarily mind-blowingly complex, is a winner with proles and princes alike. The problem is, you now need to update your signature dish in order to move with the times; and, while it's an exciting opportunity to push new boundaries, there is always the fear that you will throw the baby out with the culinary bathwater.

That's the challenge facing Elac with its third-generation Debut model. The outgoing Debut B5.2 were a supremely engaging set of budget speakers, and while they weren't anywhere near the top-end in terms of price, they were subtle, sonically savvy standmounts that won a stunning five What Hi-Fi? Awards on the bounce. Elac has promised wholesale design changes for the Debut 3.0 next-gen series - but does that Award-winning recipe still taste as sweet this time around?

Reassuringly solid

The Elac Debut 3.0 DB53 is the cheapest model in the third-generation range, and a well made pair of stereo speakers considering the money asked. The rival Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 exude a touch more class, but the tangible standard of care you'll notice when handling Elac's well-priced standmounts is impressive. Like many members of the brand's stable, there is a solidity to the Debut 3.0 that immediately puts your mind at rest.

They are not, however, a carbon copy of the outgoing Debut B5.2 standmounts. Viewed from the front, the Debut 3.0 DB53 are less cluttered than Elac's second-generation speakers. They again employ a two-way driver design but with the port relegated to the back of the speaker. That decision, says Elac, was born from a desire to improve bass reproduction, reduce distortion and keep the overall height of each unit down.