Short answer: the ELAC DBR62. It ranks #79 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $699.98. The HSU Research MFL-6 ranks #166, rated 3.3/5, at $558, $141.98 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The ELAC DBR62 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. An affordable bookshelf speaker that is very forgiving of placement and aiming, with wide sound and a little extra bass punch. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.07 against 2.63 for the HSU Research MFL-6. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the HSU Research MFL-6. The catch: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison.
Why pick the HSU Research MFL-6: An affordable high output bookshelf speaker with a horn loaded tweeter, easy to drive, that can sit on a wall, stand or sideways. Watch for: Its response deviation is substantial and the horn narrows dispersion, so tonal balance and seating coverage are less even than the best conventional monitors.
Buy the ELAC DBR62. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $141.98 you would save on the HSU Research MFL-6 does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC DBR62 | HSU Research MFL-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.98 per pair | $558 per pair |
| Ranked | #79 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #166 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm) | 16H x 8W x 6.25-10.375D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 85.6dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 1” horn-loaded tweeter, 6.5” paper-cone woofer |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 2.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.27 | 4.77 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
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