Elac Debut 3.0 DB63 Review

After years of trying out different stand-mount speakers (I've always been more of a tower guy), I've gone through a variety of models. This includes the Klipsch RP600M, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, Fritz Carbon 7, KEF LS50 Meta, and ATC SCM 19 v2, to name a few. None of them really did it for me. I had some empty stands sitting around, just waiting for a speaker that wouldn’t break the bank.

I was initially skeptical about the Elac Debut 3.0 DB63. It seemed like every reviewer was singing its praises, which always makes me cautious. Erin’s Audio Corner was one of the few sources that gave a more balanced view, and that convinced me to give them a try. Plus, I’ve been looking to downsize since I’m not listening to music as much these days.

At $450, the DB63’s seemed like a low-risk gamble. I set them up the first night in the same spot as my Vandersteen 1ci’s, facing straight into the room. They sounded fine, but nothing special.

After watching Erin’s advice on on-axis listening, I repositioned them—spreading them wider and aiming just outside my shoulders. That made all the difference. The highs were airy and smooth, the mids were full and well-rounded, and the bass was a surprise. It was full enough that I had to check whether my subwoofers were off. It’s not the tightest or most precise bass, but it's satisfying all the same.

For the money, I think these are speakers that a lot of people would enjoy. They offer a rich and engaging performance. There are a few downsides: some tracks can sound a bit boomy in the low end, and the finish, while nice-looking, tends to show marks easily from handling.

These Elacs have now become my new reference speakers. I’m seriously considering selling my Vandersteen 1ci’s and Magnepan .7’s because they’re just that enjoyable. If you’re in the market for a solid, budget-friendly speaker, the Elac Debut 3.0 DB63 is worth a listen.