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ELAC Adante AS-61 Standmount Loudspeakers In as new condition with original cartons, velvet cover bags, manuals etc. For disclosure I have listed the RRP as $4999.00 which was correct at the time. I paid $2499.00 on special from Hey Now Hi Fi in Melbourne. The only comment I have on these is that, as mentioned in the reviews, the bass doesn't 'slam' it is tight, accurate and controlled ( which some may prefer) I was running them with dual REL subs. Having been designed by Andrew Jones, in every other respect they are as you would expect. In my opinion you would need to spend 3 to 4 times the a
The timing is fine here: the Adante AS-61 is an older but still high-end Andrew Jones design, and it’s not a case where a newer replacement has made it obsolete. At A$850, this looks well below typical used pricing; comparable new or discount pricing has been around A$2,300–A$3,800 depending on region and sale, so this is a genuine bargain if the pair is clean and fully working.
What makes it worth grabbing is the sound: the AS-61 is praised for detailed highs, superb vocals, and bass that’s notably clean for a bookshelf, thanks to its concentric mid/tweeter and serious cabinet/woofer loading. It’s a speaker that rewards good amplification and can play very “big” for its size, especially if you plan to add a sub later. At this price, I’d mostly just confirm driver health, original grilles/feet/accessories, and that both cabinets are presentable; otherwise it’s a strong buy.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Elac, a cornerstone of German audio engineering, traces its origins to September 1, 1926, when Electroacustic GmbH was founded in Kiel by Dr. Heinrich Hecht, Dr. Wilhelm Rudolph, and Gerhard Schmidt. Initially focused on sonar technology and underwater acoustics for maritime applications, the company peaked at 5,000 employees during World War II, supplying the Kriegsmarine. Postwar restrictions pivoted it toward consumer goods like sewing machines and radios, while distributing brands such as Sony, Fisher, and Nakamichi in Germany. By 1978, it divested its nautical division to concentrate on hi-fi, with Austrian CEO Wolfgang John taking the helm in 1981 to steer its modern trajectory.
Elac excels primarily in loudspeakers, renowned for innovations like the 1985 4Pi omnidirectional tweeter and the JET folded-ribbon tweeter, which deliver exceptional dispersion and clarity. Its portfolio spans high-end floorstanders, bookshelves, and compact systems across series like Vela, Solano, and Debut, alongside turntables such as the Miracord lineup, subwoofers, and electronics including amplifiers and DACs. This broad yet speaker-centric range caters to discerning setups from entry-level to reference-grade.
Positioned as a high-end mainstay with mid-tier accessibility, Elac commands respect among audiophiles for its precise German engineering, balancing value and performance without chasing boutique exclusivity. Under John's enduring leadership, it sustains a reputation for dynamic, transparent sound that rivals elite competitors, appealing to knowledgeable buyers seeking timeless quality over fleeting trends.
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