The set of Elac Cinema 1 surround sound speakers were my first step into the world of good quality surround sound kit. The change was actually my wife's fault - up to that point we'd been using a black Technics amp and speaker set-up. The speakers were of acceptable quality, but large and ... Read review
Advantages: Looks, performance, can add extra speakers Disadvantages: Newer rivals on the market
The set of Elac Cinema 1 surround sound speakers were my first step into the world of good quality surround sound kit. The change was actually my wife's fault - up to that point we'd been using a black Technics amp and speaker set-up. The speakers were of acceptable quality, but large and black when the rest of our kit was silver. The amp was upgraded to a Sony STR-DB790S and the sound quality went up, but my better half was unhappy with the look ... ...a few sets. The Elac were the most expensive, but also by far the best in my price range.
Now for the geeky bit - the audio qualities. My set-up is compromised by room layout (TV in the corner) and the amp is only a mid-range affair but the performance delivered is rich and clear across the whole of the range. The small speakers (116x90x100mm HxWxD) produce enough bass to make the independantly powered sub a luxury for everyday TV, ... more
The set of Elac Cinema 1 surround sound speakers were my first step into the world of good quality surround sound kit. The change was actually my wife's fault - up to that point we'd been using a black Technics amp and speaker set-up. The speakers were of acceptable quality, but large and black when the rest of our kit was silver. The amp was upgraded to a Sony STR-DB790S and the sound quality went up, but my better half was unhappy with the look of the black speakers.
After some research in magazines and on the web, I went to our local independant hi-fi retailer and auditioned a few sets. The Elac were the most expensive, but also by far the best in my price range.
Now for the geeky bit - the audio qualities. My set-up is compromised by room layout (TV in the corner) and the amp is only a mid-range affair but the performance delivered is rich and clear across the whole of the range. The small speakers (116x90x100mm HxWxD) produce enough bass to make the independantly powered sub a luxury for everyday TV, but switch it on and the power of the performance shines through. The sub has selectable cross-over and volume, as well as polarity reversal and a 3 position power (on/auto/off) switch. The system only starts to distort at the upper limit of the amp, and I cannot rule out the possibility that the distortion is amp induced. The Sony AV amp has an acknowledged shortcoming in musical ability, but what little radio I listen to through either the amp or the digi-boxes always sounds perfectly acceptable to me.
In addition to this, the Elac have a matching speaker stand set, that are durable, weighty and good looking once you get past their slightly triffid-like appearance (younger readers who don't know what a triffid looks like should check out any cult TV website). The speakers are also available separately, so your system can expand as your amp improves to 6.1 (DTS-ES) or 7.1 (DD TrueHD).
Others to consider - Kef KHT2005.2, Mordaunt Short Genie
Overall - a very competent speaker set, with good looking stands and extra speakers available separately.
