Elac Elegant BS 312.2 Review
31 years ago, Elac introduced the Elegant 305. These ultra-compact bookshelf speakers have been regularly updated ever since. Before the 2024 version of the 305 is revealed this fall, we took another look at the Elegant BS 312.2, which now comes equipped with the new JET-6 tweeter.
When the Kiel-based manufacturer Elac introduced the bookshelf speaker Elegant 305 in 1993, it was a big hit. It has been a core part of the Elac product lineup ever since, receiving regular revisions to further enhance the sound. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is its form factor. The cabinet remains practically the same, while the drivers, bass reflex port, and terminal have seen consistent improvements.
We had hoped to review the latest version of the Elegant BS 305 for the 2024 Central German HiFi Days. Elac, as the “face of the exhibition,” is set to debut both the brand-new 305 and the Debut 3.0 series in Leipzig. Unfortunately, our printing deadline prevented us from testing the speakers in time. Thankfully, Elac offers plenty of other highlights, so we decided to test the Elegant BS 312.2, closely related to the 305 and now equipped with Elac’s newly developed JET-6 tweeter.
If you want to see, or rather hear, the Elegant BS 312.2 in action, visit Elac’s showroom in “Magdeburg” on the third floor during the Central German HiFi Days. You’ll also get to see the latest Elac speakers from the Debut 3.0 series and the Elegant BS 305 with the new JET-6 tweeter.
Design Icon
The Elegant speakers can rightly be considered modern classics of the HiFi world. Few speakers can claim to have remained both relevant and popular for over 30 years with the same core design. Elac credits this success to their timeless design, and we fully agree. The cabinet is only slightly wider than its woofer, just tall enough to house both the drivers. Elac’s approach to keeping the front baffle as small as possible creates an airy, open sound. Despite its compact size, the cabinet is relatively deep at 28 cm, a clever design to ensure sufficient low-frequency output.
Despite its small stature, the speaker weighs in at an impressive 7.2 kg, thanks in part to its aluminum housing, available in glossy black or white. The aluminum components holding the drivers on the front and the bass reflex port and terminal on the back are black on both color options. Elac does not shy away from visible screws, both on the front and back, which we think complement the speaker’s modern design, a look that has stood the test of time for over 30 years. The drivers are also state-of-the-art, particularly the JET-6 tweeter and AS-XR woofer. Not only do they enhance sound quality, but they also draw attention with their sleek appearance. If you prefer, you can choose from a variety of covers available in six different colors (black, white, gray, light blue, red, and yellow).
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Another new feature of the speaker is its terminal. The 312 now comes with a bi-wiring terminal that feels substantial and, like the rest of the speaker, is excellently crafted. Above the terminal is the bass reflex port. Optional speaker stands are available for the Elegant BS 312.2, although we didn’t have them for our test.
JET 6
Each new generation of speakers brings updates and refinements. The Elegant is especially notable for its new JET-6 tweeter.
This tweeter is based on the Air Motion Transformer (AMT) principle, developed by Dr. Oskar Heil. These tweeters use a folded ribbon moved by a magnet. The latest version of Elac’s “Jet Emission Tweeter” features an updated foil layout that moves unevenly, reducing harmful resonances. The protective grille has also been improved.
Instead of the three ribs found on the JET 5, there are now four. These may seem like minor changes, but Elac claims they significantly improve sound quality.
The JET-6 tweeter plays linearly up to 50 kHz, ensuring the audible frequency range is cleanly reproduced. It also covers frequencies down to 400 Hz, a range most tweeters cannot achieve. Like its predecessors, the JET-6 is hand-folded, and its precise manufacturing process remains a closely guarded secret at Elac.
Significant changes have also been made to the woofer. Elac’s AS-XR woofer features an aluminum-sandwich crystal membrane with an extended frequency range and a powerful motor. A larger diameter voice coil has been added. The result is improved efficiency, thermal stability, and greater excursion. The driver membrane has a crystal structure made of many triangles, which not only looks cool but also increases stiffness.
The 2-way system offers a sensitivity of 87 dB at 2.83 V and 1 meter. Elac claims a frequency range of 42 to 50,000 Hz, although we were initially skeptical. After some research, we discovered that the measurement was taken with a 10 dB tolerance. Remember, measurement methods affect results. In the end, what matters most is how the speaker sounds in use. Elac promises an acoustically impressive performance despite its compact size.
Airy, Musical
Before we discuss sound, it’s important to note the proper positioning for the Elegant BS 312.2. While the existence of optional speaker stands suggests this, we found that placing them away from walls (about 20 cm) produced the best bass. The further they are from the wall, the less bass you’ll get. They should also be angled towards the listening position. In our test room, which was admittedly a bit large for these compact speakers, they created a cohesive and expansive soundstage right from the first track. We played “The New Abnormal,” the Grammy-winning sixth album from New York rock band The Strokes.
On the third track, “Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus,” the Elac Elegant BS 312.2 showed its best qualities, delivering a wide, three-dimensional soundstage. The bass was expectedly shy, so for those wanting more powerful low-end performance, adding a subwoofer is recommended. But even on their own, the speakers delivered a tasteful and enjoyable sound. Cymbals were incredibly detailed and almost analytically clear thanks to the new JET-6 tweeter. Moving on to the next track, “Bad Decisions,” we enjoyed a well-rounded and cohesive presentation. The guitars and drums stood out, and the small speaker felt lively and upbeat. Julian Casablancas’ vocals were nicely separated from the rest, making it a joy to listen to.
Next, we played “Brown Rice,” an exploratory free jazz piece by Don Cherry. Here, the compact speaker presented a layered, deep, and three-dimensional soundstage. The abstract sounds were spatially and cleanly delineated. The whispered voice and reverberating chorus sounded very natural, thanks to the new JET-6 tweeter. It plays freely and openly, without ever feeling overly prominent or harsh, a problem some AMTs have. We can confidently say the Elac Elegant BS 312.2 is well-balanced.
Elac also promotes this compact speaker for home theater use. To explore its multimedia performance, we chose an audiobook, as it combines speech, sound effects, and music to convey a story without visuals. We played “Tannenbusch – Based on a True Story,” an audiobook about the activist and politician Petra Kelly. It’s a well-produced piece that tells a story about the 1968 movement, an unhealthy relationship, and a murder.
We were amazed by the sound of the 312.2. Voices were always clear and natural, and the sound effects and background sounds were convincingly portrayed. The mixture of naturalistic and theatrical elements was captivating and handled surprisingly well by the compact Elac. Time flew by during this test, and we had to say goodbye to the little speakers sooner than we’d like. But only for a short time, as we’ll see them again alongside other Elac speakers at the HiFi Days very soon.
Specs
General Information
- Device Class: Compact bookshelf speaker
- Price Category: Mid-range
- Manufacturer: Elac
- Model: Elegant BS 312.2
- Price (RRP): €1,798 (per pair)
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 12.3 x 20.8 x 28.2 cm
- Weight: 7.2 kg
- Information: www.elac.com
Technical Data (according to manufacturer)
- Type: 2-way, bass reflex
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Efficiency: 87 dB at 2.83 V / 1 meter
- Frequency Range: 40 – 50,000 Hz
- Power Handling: 50 – 150 W
- Recommended Room Size: 10 m² to 22 m²
- Individual Sound Adjustments: No
- Inputs: Bi-wiring
No adjustments/upgrades.
Conclusion
The ultra-compact Elac Elegant speakers have been around for over 30 years. The latest generation, called the Elegant BS 312.2, features the JET-6 tweeter and delivers a wonderfully open, free sound. It sounds beautifully musical and creates a great soundstage, though its form means it’s not a bass expert.
Special Features
- JET-6 tweeter
- Ultra-compact design
Advantages
- Airy, open sound
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Iconic design
Disadvantages
- Relatively weak bass due to its form
Rating
- Sound quality (airiness, openness): 9/10
- Craftsmanship: 9.5/10
- Design: 9/10
- Bass performance: 5/10
- Bass: 8.5/10
- Mids: 9/10
- Highs: 9.5/10
- Spatiality: 10/10
Overall Sound Quality:
- 64/70 -> 9.14/10
- Build Quality: 9/10
- User-Friendliness: 8/10
Intermediate Score:
- 81/90 -> 9/10
- Price/Performance: Good, 8/10
Final Score:
- Overall Rating: Very good, 89%
Elac Elegant Bookshelf BS312.2-GB 4.5" 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers with Jet 6 Tweeter
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