Elac’s new Element amplifier crosses lines to create a new class of its own

By Kris Wouk November 18, 2016

The name might not be immediately familiar, but Elac has been in the business of creating audio gear for more than 90 years. The company makes speakers and other electronics, but it has returned to a category it knows well for its latest product, the Element EA101EQ-G integrated amplifier.

Elac says its goal with the Element EA101EQ-G was to create “one of the most powerful, versatile, easy-to-use integrated amplifiers imaginable” and the look reflects that. While you’ll find a vast array of connectors on the back, the front of the amplifier is deceptively simple, with just a headphone jack and one knob for adjusting the volume.

Looking at the sound, the Element EA101EQ-G aims to solve two problems often present in 2.1-channel setups. The first is proper blending between the subwoofer and the main woofer, while the other is correcting for the room in which the system is set up. The amplifier aims to address both of these issues with its app-based Auto Blend and Calibrate (ABC) function. This automatically detects the ideal crossover frequency between the subwoofer and main speakers, while also adjusting the sound of the system to the room’s acoustics, leaving the listener free of any cumbersome setup. That means smooth and balanced bass with no hassle, which is something any music lover can appreciate.

The ABC function is controlled by the EA101-EQ-G app, available for both iOS and Android. This also allows for customization of playback using the amplifier’s built-in DSP. The amplifier also features remote learning, allowing for easy integration with either your television or set-top box remote control.

Inside the Element EA101EQ-G is an 80-watt amplifier that employs a technology called BASH, which the company says combines the best features of Class D and Class AB amplification to create a new class all of its own, with the efficiency of the former and the sonic characteristics of the latter. On the back of the unit, a number of analog inputs can be found, as well as a digital input accepting S/PDIF signals at up to 192kHz resolution, and capable of decoding multichannel Dolby Digital signals.

The Element EA101EQ-G integrated amplifier retails for $700 and is available now from authorized Elac dealers. For more information on this amplifier and other products, see the company’s website.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

Audio / Video

Ends tonight: Save $400 on the 65-inch Samsung ‘Frame’ QLED TV

The Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV placed on a wall in an attractive living room.

We always recommend Best Buy for great TV deals, and as one of its deals of the day it's offering $400 off the Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV. Usually $2,000, it’s down to $1,600 for a limited time only, so this is your chance to save plenty. The catch is that you only have today to do so. When the day is over, so is the deal. If it sounds appealing, keep reading and we’ll take you through what to expect from your purchase.

Why you should buy the Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV
Samsung is one of the best TV brands because it knows how to innovate. Besides being responsible for some of the best QLED TVs, it also creates visual delights like the Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV. The best thing about it is that it is designed to be wall-mounted. Rather than being a TV that is meant to take up room on a TV unit, you mount it on your wall and it effortlessly blends into your surroundings. Much of that is thanks to its Art Mode which displays either your images or famous art from the Samsung store so that it looks just like a piece of art on your wall.

Audio / Video

Best Beats headphone deals: Studio Pro, Studio Buds, Powerbeats

Beats Studio Pro sitting on travel case.

One of the best ways to take your music with you is with a great set of headphones, and since its arrival on the music scene Beats has produced some of the best wireless headphones and some of the best wireless earbuds available. You’ll also find Beats among some of the best headphone deals currently taking place, which is why we’ve given Beats some special attention. There are a lot of Beats headphone deals to pounce on right now, including options that compete with Bose headphone deals and Apple's AirPods deals. Reading onward you’ll find all of the best Beats headphone deals to shop right now, and they include both new and refurbished, as well as over-ear and in-ear options.

Best Beats earbuds deals

Audio / Video

Best Bluetooth speaker deals: Save on Bose, Sonos, JBL, and more

The JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth speaker, placed outdoors.

If you’re looking for a way to get some quality audio into different parts of the house, around the yard, or away from the home entirely, any one of the best Bluetooth speakers will do. And if you’re looking for one that promises some savings, you’ve come to the right place to uncover the best Bluetooth speaker deals. There are some top audio brands on this list, including crossovers from our best Bose deals and best Sonos deals. JBL, Harmon Kardon and Marshall also make the list. Below you’ll find the best Bluetooth speaker deals to shop right now, as well as some information on why each might best suit your portable listening needs.
JBL Charge 5 — $140, was $180

This is the fifth generation of JBL’s popular Charge lineup. People love this little speaker because of its portability and quality audio. It has JBL Original Pro Sound technology, which packs some punch despite the small size of this speaker. The speaker can also get up to 20 hours of playback on a single battery charge, allowing you to take the party with you without the need to charge up until you get back home. This makes it great for hikes, overnight camping trips, and days at the beach, in addition to being a nice addition around the house.