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.

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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…

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