When it comes to building a great sound system, bookshelf speakers often provide the sweet spot between performance and practicality. Today we're comparing two compelling options at different price points: the premium $959 Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 and the value-oriented $427 ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63.
Bookshelf speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. While they're still compact enough to sit on a shelf (though they usually perform better on stands), modern materials and engineering allow them to produce surprisingly full sound from relatively small cabinets. Their versatility makes them popular for both dedicated music listening and home theater setups.
The key characteristics that separate great bookshelf speakers from good ones are:
The B&W 707 S2, released in 2018, represents B&W's trickle-down technology approach. It inherits advanced features from their flagship 800 Series Diamond line, including the Continuum cone material (which replaced their famous yellow Kevlar) and their Carbon Dome tweeter. These materials were developed specifically to control breakup modes - the points where a driver stops moving as a single unit and begins to distort.
The ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63, launching in fall 2024, takes a different approach. Rather than exotic materials, it focuses on refined engineering and careful component matching. The aramid fiber woofer and aluminum dome tweeter are proven technologies, but ELAC has optimized their implementation through careful cabinet design and crossover tuning.
The B&W's Carbon Dome tweeter, which pushes its breakup mode to 47kHz (well beyond human hearing), delivers exceptional detail and air in the treble region. This isn't just about specifications - it translates to more realistic cymbal crashes and better reproduction of spatial cues in recordings.
ELAC's aluminum dome tweeter, while not as exotic, is precisely tuned to provide smooth, extended high frequencies without becoming harsh. It may not reveal every last detail like the B&W, but many listeners might prefer its more forgiving nature, especially with less-than-perfect recordings.
Here's where things get interesting. B&W's 5-inch Continuum cone handles both midrange and bass duties, and it does so with remarkable clarity. Voices have an almost holographic quality, floating precisely between the speakers.
The ELAC's larger 6.5-inch aramid fiber cone offers a slightly warmer, more full-bodied presentation. While it might not match the B&W's microscopic detail, it provides a very natural, engaging sound that many find more musically satisfying over long listening sessions.
Despite its smaller driver, the B&W 707 S2 produces tight, well-controlled bass down to about 45Hz. It's precise but might leave some listeners wanting more, especially in larger rooms or for home theater use.
The ELAC DB63, with its larger driver and carefully tuned port, reaches slightly deeper to 42Hz and offers more impact. This makes it particularly suitable for use without a subwoofer in medium-sized rooms.
This is crucial: the B&W's 84dB sensitivity means it needs a good amount of power to really sing. You'll want at least 50 watts per channel from a quality amplifier. The ELAC's 87dB sensitivity makes it notably easier to drive - even modest AV receivers can get excellent results.
The B&W 707 S2 works best in smaller to medium rooms and benefits from careful placement - at least 8 inches from walls to control its rear-firing port. The ELAC DB63 is more flexible, working well in larger spaces and being somewhat less sensitive to placement.
Both speakers can serve well in a home theater context, but their characteristics suggest different approaches:
The price difference here is substantial - you could buy two pairs of ELACs for the price of one pair of B&Ws. But value isn't just about initial cost:
Consider these key factors in order:
The B&W 707 S2 is the choice for those seeking the highest level of detail and refinement, who have appropriate amplification and are willing to pay for premium performance. The ELAC DB63 is for those who want excellent sound quality and practicality at a more accessible price point, offering performance that punches well above its weight class.
In my experience, both speakers provide immensely satisfying listening experiences - they just take different paths to get there. The B&W showcases what's possible when cost is less of a constraint, while the ELAC demonstrates just how good modern "budget" speakers can be.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 ($427) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 84dB - Requires more powerful amplifier | 87dB - Easier to drive with modest amplifiers |
| Driver Size - Affects bass capability and overall sound | |
| 5" Continuum cone woofer | 6.5" Aramid fiber woofer |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass extension and treble reach | |
| 45Hz - 33kHz | 42Hz - 38kHz |
| Power Handling - Shows maximum system capability | |
| 30W - 100W | 20W - 140W |
| Tweeter Technology - Impacts detail and high-frequency clarity | |
| Carbon Dome (47kHz breakup) - Premium technology | Aluminum Dome - Well-proven design |
| Cabinet Size (H x W x D) | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" - Compact | 13.3" x 7.7" x 17.3" - Larger cabinet |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet construction | |
| 13.2 lbs - Dense, well-braced | 17.3 lbs - Substantial build |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω (4Ω minimum) - Stable load | 6Ω (4.8Ω minimum) - Easy load |
| Port Design - Influences bass performance | |
| Rear Flowport with foam plug | Dual flared rear port |
| Finish Options - Aesthetic considerations | |
| Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut | Black Ash Vinyl only |
The ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 ($427) offers better value for most buyers. While the B&W 707 S2 ($959) offers superior detail and build quality, the ELAC delivers 80-90% of the performance at less than half the price.
The B&W 707 S2 requires a higher quality amplifier due to its 84dB sensitivity. The ELAC DB63, with 87dB sensitivity, works well with most mid-range receivers and amplifiers.
The ELAC DB63 is generally better for home theater due to its deeper bass extension and higher sensitivity. However, both speakers would benefit from a subwoofer for complete home theater performance.
The ELAC DB63 reaches down to 42Hz with its 6.5" driver, while the B&W 707 S2 extends to 45Hz. The ELAC produces more impactful bass due to its larger driver.
The ELAC DB63 performs better in larger rooms due to its larger driver and higher sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 is more suited to small to medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both speakers perform best on stands despite being called "bookshelf" speakers. This improves sound staging and reduces unwanted resonances.
The B&W 707 S2 offers more detail and precision, especially in the high frequencies, thanks to its Carbon Dome tweeter. The ELAC DB63 provides good detail but with a warmer, more forgiving sound.
Both speakers use rear ports and should be placed at least 8 inches from walls. The B&W 707 S2 is more sensitive to placement than the ELAC DB63.
The B&W 707 S2 offers premium build quality with superior finishes. While the ELAC DB63 is well-built, it uses more cost-effective materials and finishing.
The ELAC DB63's deeper bass extension makes it more suitable for use without a subwoofer. However, for full-range sound, especially in home theater applications, both speakers benefit from a subwoofer.
Both excel at music, but in different ways. The B&W 707 S2 offers more detail and precision for critical listening, while the ELAC DB63 provides a warmer, more engaging sound that many find more enjoyable for long-term listening.
Yes, both speakers work well with streaming services. The ELAC DB63's warmer sound might be more forgiving with compressed streaming audio, while the B&W 707 S2 will reveal more detail in high-quality streams.
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 - youtube.com - elac.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - hifiplus.com - audioadvice.com - elac.com - musicdirect.com - creativeaudio.net - elac.com
