Elac Adante AS 61 vs AF 61


Hi Guys,

We are an Elac dealer and we have the AS 61 on display they are interesting and controversial speakers. 

We have found some great combinations that work well with the stand mounts. The question is are the floorstanders any better in any way or is it the exact same sound with the additional bass of the floorstanders.

We have had a pair of the floorstanders on order for months so we are wondering does it make sense to wait or will the AS 61 sound in reality nearly the same with the exception of the greater bass response of the floorstander. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
128x128audiotroy
We both agree and disagree with Contuzzi. 

Yes 20 watts is not optimal but it could sound glorious until the amp really clíps also providing the room size isnt big and the listener isnt a volume freak.

Played our Adantes on a 50watt Naim amp and it sounded fantastic. We also compared the $2500 Adantes vs a pair of $4000 Harbeths interesting compairison the Harbeths were more musical the Adantes were more exciting. 

The Adantes just scream for a warm liquid amp like the Mastersound.

The QUADS are amazing and are a more balanced design. The QUAD ribbon tweeter is exceptional. 

We routinely demo the QUAD Z1 monitors on the 12watt QUAD VA 1 tube amp dac and the sound is intoxicating.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
Contuzzi,

Yea, will have to search for a higher efficiency speaker. Believe it or not, the MS sounds fantastic with my Def Tech St-L’s. May not even need another speaker.
they are 93 dB, and plenty of volume, so a speaker in that range should be fine.
The Quads are 90 dB, so may be borderline.


Audio Doctor NJ,

I am thinking about either the Adantes, and have been eyeballing the beautiful Quad Z 4’s for some time. So, IYO is the Quad a better overall speaker than the Elac? I know they are very different and it’s all subjective, but what is your general thoughts? 
I will be using either a MastersounD DueVenti tube Integrated (20 w/pc) or
PS Audio Stellar M700 monos & pre/DAC.

i have had my finger on the trigger (but Elacs not available yet) and would appreciate your thoughts on either? 




Actually Contuzzi, we haven't yet. Although our product selection is among the best in the NY City tristate area, we have not received a lot of calls on the Elacs, which is why we brought in the line in the first place.

Personally we feel the Adantes are very good if you like their strengths which is tightness in bass, dynamics and a big soundstage.

We have found the new Quad Z series to be so  far the best overall affordable reference line of loudspeakers we have yet encountered, the Quads use an extraordinary Ribbon tweeter, that is sweet yet with remarkable clarity a very intoxicating sound.

Thanks for clarifying our feeling.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
Just like with the Uni-Fi line — you gain very little other than more bass and lower bass extension when going from the 3 way stand mount to the floor stander.  I wouldn’t bother.  

Have you actually sold any pairs of the Adantes?  I’d be surprised.  Hopefully you can answer honestly.