Wharfedale 12.1 vs ELAC 3 DB 63

[DirkDirkin]

Has anyone compared these two speakers. Thoughts please

I live in a small NewZealand town and unable to A/B them

 

[nopiano]

Welcome to the forum! I’ve not heard these compared, though individually I’ve heard some very decent small Elac speakers, and the Wharfedales are a popular choice.

A YouTube/blogger who goes by the name of Erin’s Audio Corner has tested and auditioned both. Might be worth seeking that out.

Unfortunately our hosts don’t seem to have had Elac’s for review recently, as they don’t have very consistent distribution here in the UK.

 

[daytona600]

Can you get a home demo / loan from a local dealers

Speakers - Soundlab New Zealand

Speakers | Soundlab NZ | HiFi | Auckland | New Zealand | NZ

www.soundlab.co.nz

 

[DirkDirkin]

Can you get a home demo / loan from a local dealers

Speakers - Soundlab New Zealand

Speakers | Soundlab NZ | HiFi | Auckland | New Zealand | NZ

www.soundlab.co.nz

Unfortunately theres no dealers in my area. Would have to travel 400km at least. I know What hifi rave about the 12.1s, but have seen excellent reviews on both brands

 

[nopiano]

Unfortunately theres no dealers in my area. Would have to travel 400km at least. I know What hifi rave about the 12.1s, but have seen excellent reviews on both brands

What are there prices in your local currency?

 

[DirkDirkin]

What are there prices in your local currency?

Elac 3.0 db63 $999nzd
Wharfedale 12.1 $699nzd

 

[nopiano]

Elac 3.0 db63 $999nzd
Wharfedale 12.1 $699nzd

Well that’s a significant difference in favour of the Wharfedales.

Here in the UK, the 12.1 are £249, currently on offer at £199. The Elacs are £379. An even bigger difference!

The Elac are only available in black ash, which is undeniably neat, but may seem a bit dull, depending on your tastes. The Wharfedales have three finishes.

I may sound contrary, but the QA3030i are very good and reduced to £249 down from a nominal £389. The latest C series has superseded them, and brought a brighter sound. Are they available in NZ?

Time to check what amplifier and source(s) you plan to pair them with, and what size room.