When it comes to high-quality audio, bookshelf speakers remain a cornerstone of great sound reproduction. Today we're comparing two distinct approaches - the premium $959 Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 and the value-focused $332 ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53.
The bookshelf speaker category has seen remarkable technological progress in recent years. Key innovations in driver materials, cabinet design, and crossover implementation mean today's speakers deliver performance that would have cost significantly more just a decade ago.
The B&W 707 S2, released in 2017, represents a refined take on the premium segment. Its Carbon Dome tweeter technology and Continuum cone material (which replaced B&W's famous yellow Kevlar) marked significant steps forward in driver design. Meanwhile, the ELAC DB53, just announced for Fall 2024 release, showcases how modern manufacturing and materials science can deliver impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
The B&W 707 S2's Carbon Dome tweeter (which handles high frequencies) can reproduce sounds up to 47kHz - well beyond human hearing but contributing to a sense of "air" and spaciousness in the music. This tweeter design helps create precise imaging, meaning you can clearly locate where instruments are positioned in the sound field.
The ELAC's newly designed aluminum dome tweeter takes a different approach, focusing on controlled breakup modes (how the driver behaves at its limits) to deliver clean, extended high frequencies without harshness. While it may not match the absolute resolution of the B&W, it produces a natural, fatigue-free sound that works well with a wide range of music.
Here's where things get interesting. The B&W uses their Continuum cone material - developed over 8 years - for the mid/bass driver. This provides exceptional transparency, meaning vocals and instruments sound remarkably true-to-life. You can hear subtle details like breath sounds in vocals or the woody resonance of acoustic guitars with striking clarity.
ELAC's aramid fiber cone (similar to Kevlar) takes a slightly warmer approach. While still detailed, it adds a touch of fullness that many listeners find pleasing, especially with digital music sources that might otherwise sound thin or harsh.
Despite their compact size (both use 5.25" woofers), these speakers handle low frequencies differently. The ELAC DB53 delivers surprisingly full bass for its size, thanks to careful port tuning and a slightly more generous cabinet volume. It's more likely to satisfy without a subwoofer in smaller rooms.
The B&W 707 S2 focuses on precision over quantity - bass notes are extremely tight and well-defined, but some users may want to add a subwoofer, especially for home theater use. The upside is that the controlled bass integrates beautifully with capable subwoofers.
This is a crucial difference. The B&W's 84dB sensitivity rating means it needs roughly twice the amplifier power to reach the same volume as the ELAC's 86.5dB sensitivity. In practical terms, while the ELAC will sing with modest amplifiers (50-75 watts), the B&W really wants high-quality power (100+ watts) to show its best.
The B&W's rear-firing port means it needs space behind it to breathe - at least 6-8 inches from walls. The ELAC's dual front-firing ports make it more flexible for placement closer to walls, which can be a significant advantage in smaller rooms.
The B&W 707 S2 represents a serious investment at nearly three times the cost of the ELAC DB53. However, its premium build quality and refined sound make it a speaker many owners keep for decades. The classic styling and excellent finish options (Gloss Black, Satin White, or Rosenut) help ensure it won't look dated.
The ELAC, while more modestly finished, delivers remarkable performance for its price point. Its more forgiving nature with different amplifiers and music sources makes it an excellent choice for those building their first serious system or upgrading from entry-level speakers.
Both speakers can serve well in home theater applications, but with different strengths. The B&W's precise imaging and detail retrieval make it excellent for complex movie soundtracks, though you'll definitely want to budget for a subwoofer. Its matched center channel option (HTM72 S2) ensures seamless dialog reproduction.
The ELAC's fuller bass response and easier amplifier matching make it a more budget-friendly choice for home theater. While B&W might have a slight edge in absolute detail retrieval, the ELAC's natural tonality works well for both movies and music.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
The B&W 707 S2 and ELAC DB53 represent different but equally valid approaches to bookshelf speaker design. The B&W aims for ultimate refinement and detail, requiring appropriate associated equipment to shine. The ELAC delivers exceptional performance for its price point with greater flexibility in setup and system matching.
For most users, especially those without high-end amplification, the ELAC represents the smarter choice. However, if you have the budget and equipment to support them, the B&Ws offer a level of refinement and detail that can provide years of musical enjoyment. Either way, both speakers demonstrate just how far bookshelf speaker design has come, delivering performance that would have been unthinkable at their respective price points just a few years ago.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $959/pair (premium segment) | $332/pair (value segment) |
| Sensitivity - Determines amplifier power needs | |
| 84dB (requires powerful amp) | 86.5dB (easier to drive) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass extension and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 48Hz - 38kHz (-6dB) |
| Tweeter Design - Affects high-frequency detail and clarity | |
| 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome (premium tech) | 1" Aluminum Dome (well-engineered basic) |
| Woofer Material - Influences midrange clarity and bass control | |
| 5" Continuum cone (proprietary material) | 5.25" Aramid fiber (proven design) |
| Power Handling - Safe operating range | |
| 30-100W | 20-120W |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal (4.0Ω minimum) | 6Ω nominal (4.8Ω minimum) |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts resonance and placement flexibility | |
| Rear-ported (needs space from walls) | Dual front-ported (flexible placement) |
| Dimensions - Physical space requirements | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" (compact) | 12.2" x 6.8" x 10.5" (slightly larger) |
| Weight - Build quality indicator | |
| 13.2 lbs each (solid build) | 13.34 lbs each (substantial) |
| Finishes Available - Aesthetic options | |
| Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut | Black Ash Vinyl only |
| Warranty - Long-term protection | |
| 5 years (transferable) | 3 years (parts and labor) |
The $959 B&W 707 S2 offers superior detail for movies, but requires a subwoofer. The $332 ELAC DB53 provides better value and fuller bass on its own. For most home theaters, the ELAC is the smarter choice unless you're building a premium system.
The B&W 707 S2 needs a quality amplifier (100W+) due to its 84dB sensitivity. The ELAC DB53 is more efficient at 86.5dB and works well with modest receivers or amplifiers (50W+).
The ELAC DB53 delivers fuller bass that works better without a subwoofer. The B&W 707 S2 offers tighter, more controlled bass but less quantity - it's designed to pair with a subwoofer.
Both excel at music and movies. The B&W 707 S2 provides more detail and precise imaging. The ELAC DB53 offers a warmer, more forgiving sound that works well with various content.
Yes, both the B&W 707 S2 and ELAC DB53 perform best on proper speaker stands placed 18-24 inches from walls. The ELAC is more forgiving with placement due to front-firing ports.
The ELAC DB53 is better for small rooms due to its front-firing ports and more forgiving placement requirements. The B&W 707 S2 needs more space from walls for optimal performance.
The ELAC DB53 works better without a subwoofer due to its fuller bass response. The B&W 707 S2 typically needs a subwoofer for home theater use.
The B&W 707 S2 offers superior build quality and premium finishes. The ELAC DB53 has good build quality for its price point but uses more basic materials.
Both need about 20-30 hours of break-in. The B&W 707 S2 particularly benefits from break-in, with highs becoming smoother. The ELAC DB53 requires less critical break-in.
The B&W 707 S2 offers bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities through dual binding posts. The ELAC DB53 has single binding posts and doesn't support bi-wiring.
Both work well in surround systems. The B&W 707 S2 has matched center/surround options for seamless sound. The ELAC DB53 offers better value when building a complete system.
The ELAC DB53 offers exceptional value at $332. The B&W 707 S2 at $959 delivers superior performance but requires better associated equipment to justify its price premium.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - crutchfield.com - elac.com - thegearpage.net - hifiplus.com - youtube.com - musicdirect.com - projectorscreen.com - elac.com
