ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers Reviewed

Few audio companies have been around as long as ELAC, which has been manufacturing audio equipment for almost 100 years, and audiophile loudspeakers for over 40. Perhaps best known for their revolutionary JET folded ribbon tweeter, now on its sixth iteration, ELAC continues to innovate and produce speakers that consistently receive audiophile acclaim. 

ELAC’s updated catalog showcases their commitment to the JET 6 tweeter, with over half of their bookshelf speaker lineup featuring the technology. Among these, the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers stand out as the most unique. I first encountered the BS312.2s at Axpona 2024, where the small form factor speakers caught the attention of this reviewer and just about everyone else in the room. A month or so later, I received a pair for review and couldn’t wait to give them a try in my own listening space. 

During the unboxing and up-close inspection of the ELAC Elegant BS312.2s, I was immediately impressed by their build quality, unique styling, and compact size. This is the second version of the ELAC Elegant BS312 model (hence the .2 at the end of the name), featuring improvements such as a more powerful woofer, extra magnet, larger voice coil diameter, higher efficiency, and thermal resistance. But do these upgrades justify their $2,000 price tag? And where do the ELAC Elegant BS312.2s fit among the selection of excellent small to mid-sized bookshelf competitors in this price bracket? Let’s delve into these questions and more in the review ahead …

What Makes the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf speakers So Special?

• The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers are a lifestyle-oriented product with serious audiophile roots that fit somewhere between the high-end ELAC Vela and Concentro ($3,500 per pair) and more wallet-friendly ELAC Carina bookshelf speakers ($999 per pair) in terms of pricing. Visually, however, they couldn’t look more different. ELAC took some bold aesthetic risks with the Elegant BS312.2, which paid off handsomely. The most striking feature is its solid aluminum body with a deep (over 11-inch) rectangular projection. But, at under five inches wide and only eight inches tall, the Elegant BS312.2 is very compact, yet still pretty hefty at 16 pounds. The front baffle proudly showcases the JET 6 tweeter, seated above ELAC’s eye-catching 115-mm (about 4.5 inches) crystal-coated cone. The result is a uniquely attractive speaker that fits seamlessly into any listening room, while also being versatile enough to suit an art installation or sit stylishly as a conversation piece in a fancy Manhattan loft.
• The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers feature almost all of ELAC’s most recent signature technology. The ELAC BS312.2 bookshelf speakers employ a two-way bass reflex design, and the new and improved JET 6 tweeter offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including linear frequency response up to 50 kHz, extended lower-frequency range, and improved accuracy and resolution. Having reviewed a handful of speakers with folded ribbon and/or air motion tweeters this year, I can confidently say that this tweeter is in a class of its own. Further, the woofer material, dubbed “AS-XR,” is also proprietary to ELAC and features an aluminum sandwich design, combining an outer layer of aluminum with a paper cone and covered in a geometrical sheath. The distinctive crystal membrane isn’t just there for looks; it enhances rigidity while minimizing resonance and coloration. The result is a speaker with an impressive dynamic range, surprising impact, and class-leading clarity, delivering sound that far exceeds what the speaker’s compact size would suggest.
• The rear-ported ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf speakers have impressive bass response for their size, thanks in part to their long, deep design. Their profile reminds me of upright, compact subwoofers, such as the ELAC Muro series. It isn’t uncommon for manufacturers of compact speakers to exaggerate their reported low-end frequency range, so as to not scare off potential consumers, only to disappoint once out of the box. This was not the case with the ELAC Elegant BS312.2s, as they consistently delivered competent, clean bass into the mid-40Hz range per my measurements. While adding a subwoofer did enhance the overall listening experience, the Elegant BS312.2 compact bookshelf speakers performed admirably on their own in the mid- to lower-frequency range, which was a pleasant surprise, especially considering their petite size.
• The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 are available in Gloss Black or Gloss White, but a variety of grille designs and colors are available for those seeking a more distinctive look. Potential owners of the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers can choose from a metal mesh grille or a magnetic cloth grille for a more classic appearance. For those looking to make a bold statement, the cloth grilles are available in blue, vibrant red, or yellow. With these options, the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 gives prospective owners the opportunity to add a touch of personal style to their listening spaces if they so choose.

Why Should You Care About the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers?

ELAC thought outside the box in just about every way with the Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers, and the results are fantastic. There’s nothing quite like them on the market. Trust me, finding compact, aluminum-bodied bookshelf speakers with advanced tweeter designs to include in my comparison section was quite the undertaking for this review. But as different as they are, they also check just about every box in terms of what audiophiles could ever want in a pair of bookshelf speakers. The price point is also spot-on – as these would be attainable for audiophiles newer to the hobby looking to step up from entry level speakers, or more seasoned enthusiasts looking for a compact solution or secondary stereo set.  They are also sonically matched to all ELAC speakers with the JET 6 tweeter, so for those already invested in the ELAC ecosystem, or looking to assemble a multi-channel home theater setup with ELAC speakers, the Elegant BS312.2s would be right at home. 

Some Things That You Might Not Like About the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers

• The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers are unlike anything out there in terms of design. They are visually striking, but may be a little too far outside the norm for those who prefer a traditional speaker shape and size. The narrow and deep dimensions may limit placement for some, as they are rear-ported and require some breathing room in order to not stifle bass response. However, I should note that they fit nicely in several locations in my home, including next to my 55-inch TV and on countertops adjacent to my fireplace. They fit nicely on stands as well; just make sure they are at the right height. 
• The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers are rated at four ohms, meaning they may not be an ideal fit for all amplifiers and receivers. My Marantz Slimline receiver (50 watts per channel) paired with my 90 watts per channel Monoprice Monolith M2100X stereo amplifier (see my review here) had no trouble pushing the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf speakers to reference volumes, but this may not be the case for every setup, so be sure to check that your equipment is compatible before purchasing.

Listening to the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers …

Father John Misty’s sixth studio album Mahashmashana is sonically diverse in the best possible way. Perhaps best known recently for his satirical, borderline cynical lyrical style and lush indie-pop production, frontman Josh Tillman occasionally reveals a more vulnerable and soul-bearing side on this record. The album features several cathartic moments, most notably on the track “Screamland.” This song starts with Tillman’s voice front and center, accompanied by a simple, melancholy string line and a subtle, driving electronic bass drum. The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf speakers perfectly captured the slow, measured buildup as the strings swelled above and in front of the vocals, culminating in a powerful chorus with layered synths and strings. Bass was present and steady, and the dynamic prowess of the JET 6 tweeter was on full display throughout. Midrange clarity and depth were major strengths, and higher-frequency information shined. There was no distortion or fatigue, even at high volumes, making this track all the more enjoyable and emotive. 

With Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar back in IMAX for its 10-year anniversary, I thought it fitting to revisit the film’s original motion picture soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. One of my favorite scenes in the film features the track “Stay,” a slow-burning, gut-wrenching rollercoaster of emotion, heartbreak, and hope. Typically, I use this slow-building track as a reference option for larger speakers, but I decided to test it with the compact ELAC Elegant BS312.2s. Initially, I hadn’t planned to include this track in my review, but the Elegant BS312.2s left me no choice, as they were that impressive. 

Dynamically, the Elegant BS312.2s exhibited explosive yet controlled volume capability during the second half of the track. I didn’t expect speakers of this size to fill my room as effectively as they did, projecting sound in every direction. Placement was crucial – my initial position at ear level didn’t do them justice. They truly came to life when placed further apart and slightly above ear level, effortlessly filling my small listening/TV area with clear, powerful sound. In my larger space, they needed a bit more power from my amplifiers, but performed admirably. The JET 6 tweeter handled the climactic conclusion with precision and warmth, showcasing ELAC’s quick, accurate high-end prowess while maintaining a steady and full midrange. Overall, the ELAC Elegant BS312.2s delivered a remarkable listening experience, proving their versatility and strength even with demanding tracks. 

Will the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers Hold Their Value?

Each chapter of ELAC’s history has improved upon the last. The mid-2010s marked a significant surge in mainstream interest when famed audio engineer Andrew Jones joined the company. He introduced some of the best-sounding, most budget-friendly speakers on the market after doing the same thing with Pioneer a few years prior. The ELAC Debut series and Uni-Fi line remain excellent starting points for beginner audiophiles nearly a decade later, and the recently released Debut 3.0 is generating a lot of buzz.

Building on this success, ELAC has expanded its catalog with unique speakers that are built to last. Over the past decade, the brand’s awareness has soared, creating something of a cult following across the audiophile spectrum. I often see ELAC speakers bought and sold secondhand with minimal depreciation, which is always a good sign. ELAC also has a reputation for quality construction, meaning their speakers will likely outlast lesser competitors and allow owners to keep, repurpose, or resell their products with ease.

What is the Competition for the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers?

There aren’t a lot of aluminum-body compact bookshelf speaker pairs on the market, but the first that come to mind are the $2,200 MonAcoustic SuperMon Minis. While compact (even more so than the BS312.2s), the Korean SuperMon Minis are quite heavy at 23 pounds per speaker, and feature waveguide loaded air motion tweeters and isobaric loaded four-inch bass drivers. Their color options range from traditional silver and black to more exotic finishes, such as “acid purple” and “Sakura.” Everything about these speakers screams over-the-top, but they do look cool, sound good, and feature some interesting internal tech to boot. Their distribution in the United States is questionable, to be polite, and their resale value could be close to zero when you are looking to make your next speaker upgrade.

The Monitor Audio (not to be confused with the aforementioned MonAcoustic brand) Gold 50 6G are $2,499 per pair and packed with frisson-inducing technology that is sure to suit the needs of many an audiophile. Monitor Audio is similar to ELAC in many ways, in that they are a storied European audio brand with a near 40-year history of producing incredible speakers across the price spectrum. The Gold 50 6G bookshelf speakers feature Monitor’s proprietary MPD III high-frequency transducer with a pleated diaphragm design, and they were somehow able to squeeze a six-inch ceramic-coated aluminum/magnesium alloy woofer into their compact body, giving them more bass than most other speakers in this category. Like the ELAC Elegant BS312.2, they are rated at four ohms and require adequate juice to power them properly, but with the right components, they should have no trouble impressing any listener.  

I couldn’t write a review of a compact bookshelf speaker without giving mention to the $899 per pair SVS Ultra Evolution Nano Bookshelf speakers. SVS has had quite a year, debuting the Ultra Evolution line, which will likely go down as one of the, if not the single, best in the brand’s storied history. I had the pleasure of reviewing the larger Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (read my review) speakers earlier this year and came away very impressed with their ability to play loud and clean, thanks in part to a reworked tweeter and time-aligned cabinet design. The SVS Nano is essentially the same speaker as the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf, just slightly smaller in size overall. It features a 5.25-inch woofer in place of the 6.5-inch, meaning that listeners would want to pair it with a good subwoofer to maximize the experience – something recommended, but not quite necessary with the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 for most traditional stereo applications. For under $900 per pair, you can’t go wrong here.

Final Thoughts on the ELAC Elegant BS312.2 Bookshelf Speakers …

The ELAC Elegant BS312.2 bookshelf speakers caught my eye and ear at first sight, but first impressions don’t always hold up upon critical review. The ELAC Elegant BS312.2s did the opposite, surprising me more and more throughout my listening experience. I was expecting a lot from these, given ELAC’s excellent track record, but they exceeded my expectations in just about every way. It remains to be seen if ELAC will continue to produce lifestyle-oriented, category-bending speakers such as the Elegant BS312.2 compact bookshelf speakers, or if these will be a one-and-done entry into their impressive catalog. Either way, I’m excited for ELAC’s future, and eagerly await whatever else this legendary brand has in store for audiophiles like you and me.