PREVIEW: ELAC SUB 2070 active subwoofer with app calibration function and top-firing TS 3000 modules 22.01.2015 (Carsten Rampacher)

ELAC is currently on a roll, and two particularly interesting new products, the high-tech Sub 2070 active subwoofer and the new TS 3000 top-firing modules, have caught our eye – giving us the perfect excuse to visit Manfred Boczek, Manager of ELAC's home retailer "Hört Sich Gut An" in Kiel, in order to gain an initial impression of the components. We begin with the Sub 2070. With a suggested retail price of €1,499 and currently available in high-gloss black and white, this is a very powerful active subwoofer and ELAC’s largest design to date. Its stand-out feature is the facility to perform calibration using a smartphone app. This app incorporates automatic as well as manual calibration functions. A built-in Class A/B analog amplifier delivers a peak output of 600 watts and a Class D amplifier is integrated in the power supply. Here, ELAC is using BASH technology developed by Indigo Technologies. The Class A/B power amplifier lives up to audiophile expectations and its power supply is regulated by the Class D amplifier to prevent any unnecessary power losses.

Rear side

The unit employs two 25 cm bass drivers, each equipped with an aluminum sandwich membrane and long-throw cone surround, which operate together in a "push-pull" arrangement. The advantage of this configuration is that it eliminates the transfer of resonance to the cabinet and, therefore, to the floor.

An optional dongle costing € 159 allows the Sub 2070 to connect wirelessly to the AV receiver or AV preamp, thereby offering genuine wireless freedom (except for the obligatory power cable). ELAC deliberately offers the wireless dongle as an option in the knowledge that not all users will need it. Given that traditional home cinema users are unlikely to balk at the use of a subwoofer cable, but will certainly be very interested in the Sub 2070, ELAC decided to spare them the expense of a module that they would never actually use.

High-quality detailing of the top plate

Pedestal design

The top membrane (25 cm driver), a second driver is fitted below (push-pull configuration)

Sub 2070 rear view

Near-field calibration

Calibration at the listening position

The Bluetooth-based ELAC app feature mentioned above is quite ingenious. We immediately visited the app store (in our case, the Apple one) and started the download. Using an LTE connection, it took a mere 30 seconds to install the app on the iPhone 6 Plus. The app is of course also available for Android devices.

Automatic calibration successfully completed

Users can examine the graphs in detail

The second calibration step is performed at the listening position

The first near-field calibration step directly in front of the subwoofer

Those who prefer a hands-on approach will appreciate the parametric EQ

Automatic calibration is performed in two steps. To carry out the first step, you turn the smartphone so that microphone points straight at the subwoofer and then place it on the floor directly in front of the Sub 2070. Phase 1 begins with various test tones. Once Phase 1 is complete, you move to the listening position with your smartphone, where you hold it at ear level with the microphone directed towards the subwoofer. The second phase of the calibration process then starts, once again using different test tones. When calibration is successfully completed, you can view the measurement curves in graphic form. Users well versed in acoustics can, quite literally, "picture" the acoustic optimizations that have been made. If, for whatever reason, you prefer the manual calibration option, you can carry out very extensive manual adjustments using the app. A fully parametric equalizer that allows adjustment of bandwidth, Q-point and polarity is provided; phase, crossover frequency, and delay parameters can also be individually set. You can even activate the auto-on function from the app. In our opinion, ELAC’s app represents a minor revolution and is extremely practical – a job well done.

Don't make the mistake of dismissing the microphone in a smartphone as being too vague for meaningful measurements. According to an expert we consulted, the microphone capsules used in smartphones are simple condenser microphones. These have a very wide, extended frequency response, but generally suffer from significant deviations in series production. To take account of this fact, the automatic calibration function is based on a relative measurement. This ensures that the frequency response of the smartphone microphone does not influence the result of the automatic calibration. The first series of test tones played with the smartphone in the near-field position records a value for each test tone. The second series played with the smartphone held at ear-level in the listening position records the values again and performs a calculation, which involves subtracting the value of the second pass from the value of the first pass for each test tone. The remaining result is the difference, a relative value, which accurately reflects the characteristics of each listening room and is unaffected by the characteristics of the smartphone microphone.

Setup

FS 407 with top-firing module

CC 400

TS 3000

We now turn our attention to the other components used in the chain and to the top-firing modules: The AV receiver used in this test is the Onkyo TX-NR3030, although it acts merely as a pre-amplifier for some channels. The power amplifier is a Marantz MM8077 with seven output channels, five of which are used: The front L/R, center, and surround L/R channels are handled by the Marantz, while the four Atmos channels are routed through the TX-NR3030. The front loudspeakers are ELAC FS 407s; the center loudspeaker is a CC 400, while two BS 403 models are used for the rears. The front and rear loudspeakers are fitted with TS 3000 top-firing modules, available at a price of €299 per unit. The module shown here features a matte satin, non-reflective cabinet finish that is particularly suitable for home cinema use. The drive unit is a coaxial design by ELAC with the tweeter situated at the center of the midrange driver, thus faithfully adhering to the principle of the point source.

We used this combination to listen to the Dolby Atmos demo Blu-ray Disc. In all the Atmos trailers, the Sub 2070 impresses with dry, yet rich bass, even at the significantly elevated volumes one would associated with home-cinema use. The high-quality TS 3000 and, of course, the other ELAC loudspeakers provide an excellent showcase of ELAC's expertise in loudspeaker design – reproducing effects with tremendous resolution.

With an incredible sense of space and realism – natural sounds such as animal noises are delicately rendered, but brought to the fore with the necessary power. The Sub 2070 delivers impressive attack and outstanding bass extension – all the more so when one considers its relatively compact dimensions.

The short animated Atmos movie trailer, during which one of the lead characters "slides" onto the screen during thrilling and slower-paced film sequences, highlights the abilities of the Sub 2070 in reproducing simultaneously occurring bass effects. The four top-firing modules masterfully create a high-resolution three-dimensional soundstage. Both the Onkyo and the Marantz unit have a proven track record when it comes to supplying a high-quality signal.

The acoustic benefits also apply to the Red Bull Racing clip - fitting the wheels to Formula 1 racing cars; revving the engine - all this comes across as exceptionally lifelike and with outstanding fine detail.

During the music video for "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias, the test setup demonstrates that control, clarity and dynamics are possible at a level that will delight even the most demanding listener. The Sub 2070 is a convincing performer that delivers dry, authoritative bass - it's the outstanding control and deep reserves of power that set this excellent new active bass unit apart.

Our first impression: ELAC is focused on the future and its high-tech active subwoofer and top-firing modules represent two extremely interesting, and very competitively-priced products. Although we have yet to subject the Sub 2070 and the top-firing modules to a lengthier practical test, their excellent performance is sufficient cause for our enthusiastic endorsement at this stage.

Preview: Carsten Rampacher Images: Sven Wunderlich Date: January 22, 2015