Bic Acoustech PL-200 II vs. ELAC ARB51 Navis

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$420 $2000
Dimensions (H × W × D)
17.25” × 14.88” × 19.50”
438mm × 378mm × 495mm
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
Power Type
Powered Powered
Frequency Response
21-200 Hz 44-28,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of deep, room-filling bass, the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II subwoofer stands tall with its muscular power and precise low-end delivery. A true beast in its class, it enriches home theaters with visceral impact. Contrastingly, the ELAC ARB51 Navis powered bookshelf speakers are a harmonious blend of finesse and balance. These refined monitors offer a full-range performance with built-in amplification, excelling in delivering clear mids and sparkling highs. While the PL-200 II focuses on foundational heft, the ARB51s are masters of detail and spatial precision—a duo showcasing the breadth of auditory experiences for the discerning audiophile.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to outfitting your audio system with the best possible components, the choice of subwoofer and speakers can make a profound difference in the listening experience. Today, we're pitting the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer against the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers, two contenders that offer distinct approaches to sound reproduction. The PL-200 II is a dedicated subwoofer designed to handle the low end, while the ARB51s are full-range bookshelf speakers with a built-in amplifier for each driver, making them an all-in-one solution.

Design and Build Quality

The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II boasts a robust and traditional design that focuses on delivering powerful bass. With its black finish and sizeable 12-inch front-firing driver, this subwoofer promises to be the powerhouse of your home theater or listening room. In contrast, the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers exude a more refined and sleek aesthetic. They feature a trilateral, aluminum cabinet design that's not only visually appealing but also acoustically engineered to minimize resonance and coloration.

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Characteristics

The PL-200 II is known for its ability to deliver deep and impactful bass that can bring movies and music to life. It reaches down to 22Hz, providing those essential lower octaves that give fullness to any track or film score. On the flip side, the ARB51s present a balanced and accurate sound profile across the frequency spectrum. With their custom-designed midrange/tweeter concentric driver, paired with a dedicated woofer, these speakers deliver a highly coherent and detailed soundstage that audiophiles cherish.

Power and Performance

Power is another area where these two contenders diverge. The PL-200 II is equipped with a substantial built-in amplifier, delivering up to 1000 watts dynamic peak output, ensuring that it can shake the room with ease during those explosive movie moments. The ELAC ARB51s, however, have a more nuanced approach to power. Each speaker contains three separate amplifiers, one for each driver, totaling 300 watts of pure, class AB amplification. This allows for exceptional control and clarity across the volume range, without the need for an external amplifier.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Integration with an existing system is often a deciding factor for many audiophiles. The PL-200 II's sole focus is to supplement your speakers with deep bass, and it offers a variety of inputs and controls to fine-tune its performance to match your main speakers. The ARB51s, being active speakers, require a little more consideration in terms of placement and connectivity, since they need power outlets and source connections for each speaker, but they eliminate the need for an external amplifier, which can be a huge plus for those seeking a simplified setup.

Value Proposition

Considering the price point, the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II is an incredible value for anyone looking to add serious bass to their home theater without breaking the bank. It's a specialized piece of equipment meant for a specific purpose. The ELAC ARB51s, on the other hand, are priced significantly higher, but justify their cost with exceptional all-around performance and the convenience of an all-in-one system. For the discerning listener who values precision and is willing to invest, the ARB51s offer a compelling package.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer and the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers comes down to what you value most in your audio setup. If raw, thumping power and affordability are your priorities, the PL-200 II is a no-brainer. However, if you're in pursuit of exquisite sound quality and an elegant, streamlined system, and don't mind the higher investment, the ARB51s may be your perfect match. Regardless of your choice, both options stand as testament to the exciting diversity that the audio world has to offer.


Check Current Prices:

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.