Short answer: the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63, though both sound hollow in the mids. The DB63 pairs a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter with a partial-lens waveguide and a 6.5-inch aramid fiber cone woofer, but a roughly 1.5dB dip from 300-600Hz reduces vocal warmth. The Cerwin Vega LA165 has decent cabinet damping for the price but a far-from-neutral balance, with a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range giving it a hollow midrange.
Buy the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $200 you would save on the Cerwin Vega LA165 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
An affordable bookshelf speaker with punchy midbass and a wide soundstage for fans of a lively, kick heavy sound.
An affordable bookshelf speaker with solid sound for the money, a spacious soundstage, and an easy load for any receiver.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cerwin Vega LA165 | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.99 per pair | $469.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #206 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal (4.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.7”H x 8”W x 12.4”D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm) | 13.3”H x 7.7”W x 11.7”D (337.8 x 195.6 x 297.2 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.01 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.48 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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