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Elemental Designs W6-6TC Bookshelf Gets Wood

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eD W6-6TC Bookshelf

eD W6-6TC Bookshelf

Summary

  • Product Name: W6-6TC
  • Manufacturer: Elemental Designs
  • Review Date: May 18, 2009 05:20
  • MSRP: $650/pair
  • First Impression: Pretty Cool

  • 8 Ohm Bookshelf speaker
  • Recommended Power 10-125 Watts
  • Sensitivity: 86 db/1m
  • Frequency Response: 43Hz-20kHz
  • Height: 16.5”
  • Width: 8.125”
  • Depth: 10.5”
  • Weight: 53lbs (pair)
  • Bi-amp capable

Elemental Designs has been striving to get more speakers into more living rooms over the last few years. While the new A7-900 subwoofer might not have helped too much (well, it is better than it's predecessor but at 400lbs+, it's not exactly going to be met with open arms by your better half). The W6-6TC Bookshelf speakers get something that most eD speakers are missing - wood. eD loves their hand made textured black finish and , while it certainly is durable, it probably won't be featured on HGTV any time soon. The new rosewood veneer on the W6-6TC Bookshelfs might do just that.

When you talk about good looking speakers in audio circles, Swan Loudspeakers often (I'd say invariably but maybe that's a bit strong) come up. Regardless how they sound (and many love them), they look fantastic. When eD decided they wanted to make a high spousal acceptance speaker, they did what few do - they looked for advice. The W6-6TC speakers are a joint venture with Swan Loudspeakers and have definitely benefited from the partnership. The rosewood veneer gets 7 layers of varnish on it to make it shine and to protect it. From the pictures we've seen, the finish looks outstanding.

The W6-6TC Bookshelf speakers features a 1.5" silk dome tweeter and a 6.75" pressed poly cone midrange driver. The midrange has a whopping 3" voice coil! The W6-6TC’s offer a quoted response from 43 Hz - 20 kHz, reaching well within the range of some tower speakers at a fairly compact size. These speakers were designed with 2.0 and 2.1 reference listening systems in mind. If they can truly reach down that low, they definitely could be a great entry level speaker for the discerning audiophile or perhaps those that are looking for a speaker that won't take up much space but also won't require the immediate addition of a subwoofer.

The rated sensitivity of 86dB/1m is a bit low and will allow aficionados to add additional amplification for augmented acoustic aid. The speakers aren't exactly small, however, at over 16" tall and 10" deep. They weigh over 25 lbs a piece which indicates sturdy construction and bracing. Reportedly, they are using 3/4" MDF for the walls and internal bracing. Currently, they are only selling 50 pairs a month - probably due to high manual labor in construction. For Audioholics readers, however, they are offering $175 off the $650/pair price. Just use audioholics_w6intro promo code on checkout. This introductory deal is only valid until June 15th so hurry!.

For more information, please visit www.edesignaudio.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

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As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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