Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Epos Acoustics ELS3 Speakers by jonbee

Model:	ELS3
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$330
Description:	Small 2 way stand mount speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Epos Acoustics
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on October 21, 2004 at 10:02:44
IP Address: 65.219.140.66

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It seems that there is always a hot new budget speaker on the market that is deemed a giant killer, that will give the $2000 sound for $3-500. Spica TC50, Axiom M3ti, Sound Dynamics RTS3, Ascend CBM170, GR Research Paradox 1, Triangle Titus are models that pop into my head, and I have owned all except for ther Ascend. For me the latest is the Epos ELS3.
These little speakers have had a lot of favorable press, and a mint used pair became available at a great price, so I thought I'd see what they're about.
These are quite small, the size of shoe boxes for children's shoes. They look about as good or a bit better than the aforementioned, except for the GR, which has a nice wood veneer cabinet.
These were broken in, so I listened to a couple of my standard test cds, Harry Connick's "We are in love" because of the the clean but borderline bright horn arrangements, which really show top end distortion, and Oregon "Ecotopia" for detail and bass handling. By themselves these sounded pretty good: smooth, natural, with good detail and a pretty well integrated sound. As mentioned in other comments on these, the highs are detailed and crisp, but also somewhat reticent at the top. The bass was pretty good and well balanced, but limited in depth, of course. The mids had some qualities worth noting: vocals, etc. projected a bit in front of the rest of the range, but were balanced and natural, but when pushed the mids developed a bit of a honky quality. Overall, the volume capabilities were also limited.
At this point I must declare that the overall quality is "very nice-FOR THE MONEY". I like them better than the Axiom, which I felt lacked midrange projection and detail and had a top end roughhness and a midbass boost.
When compared to my faves in the next highest price class, the $500 Titus 202 and $750 Sequerra Met 7.7mkIV, they showed their limitations. The Sequerra was smoother overall, better integrated and had deeper bass. The midrange projection and honkiness was gone, and the overall soundfield was more open and uniform. They also could play a lot louder. The Titus also lacked the midrange emphasis, had a much more extended (perhaps slightly over emphasized) top end, and has stunning dynamic qualities, much more detail from top to bottom, will play much louder and also goes a bit deeper in the bass. The Titus is yang to the Sequerra yin, if you will. Both speakers simply make the Epos sound small and limited, in range and capabilities.
I do not want this to be construed as bashing the Epos. They really are enjoyable small speakers, whose limitations are mostly in what they can't do than what they do wrong. They just don't play in the same league as the best speakers at 2-3 times the price, IMO, which include the Sequerra and Titus, and also the Paradox 1 and Spica, which are no longer available.
If asked which I would buy again for a budget system, I would spring for a pair of used Titus for around $350, and pair them with the small NAD amp, or perhaps the Panny XR50 and DV47 DVD player. A sub is necessary for a realistic bottom end. A pair of used Sequerras is a good alternative for those who prefer a more relaxed sound. If the budget is under $300 and the room is smallish, though, then the Epos is probably the best bet in my experience.

Product Weakness: Limited volume and bass abilities, top end rollof, some midrange honkiness.
Product Strengths: Smooth, natural, well balanced. Easy to listen to.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	NAD C340
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Technics sl-xp700 CDP
Speakers:	see review
Cables/Interconnects:	12 ga.THHN copper
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	see review
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Limited volume and bass abilities, top end rollof, some midrange honkiness.
Product Strengths:	Smooth, natural, well balanced. Easy to listen to.