FS 249: When striving for perfection, you must break new ground
Experience music, be right in the middle of it, soak up the atmosphere, see, feel and sense each instrument, each voice this is how speakers should reproduce music. In order to reproduce music authentically, vividly and naturally, the ELAC R&D engineers have paid special attention to three-dimensional sound radiation patterns. Their aim: to acoustically energize the room in a consistent and harmonised way. To this end, ELAC has developed new transducer systems for the bass and midrange, and has calibrated the crossover frequency to optimise sound radiation characteristics across the entire frequency range. The result is a uniquely precise and musical three dimensional soundscape. Technical features and characteristics: The design of the new patentpending woofer is based on the renowned ELAC aluminium sandwich technology which, by combining the different resonant characteristics of cellulose and aluminium, leads to a marked reduction in harmonic vibrations.
The crystal-like surface of the new aluminium membrane catches both the eye & the ear. Harmonic vibrations are significantly reduced by the angled crystaline surface structure. In addition, by using a press formed structure, the membrane is more rigid and has lower distortion which not only prevents partial vibrations in the crossover zone but also reduces harmonic distortion. Due to the high rigidity of the aluminium membrane, it is now possible to attach the solenoid not only to the cone neck but also directly to the aluminium membrane. This significantly extends the cones bandwidth right across the frequency range giving a noticeably more even & continuous frequency response.
The FS 249 also stands out with a newly developed mid-range speaker that is equipped with a dual-wave (full-roll) absorbent fabric suuround. The specially designed surround absorbs & dampens lateral cone oscillations ensuring exceptionally pure output in the very sensitive mid-range area. This endows vocals in particular with a smoothness & articulation which is truly riveting.
In the treble, ELAC uses its class leading JET tweeter, recognised worldwide as one of the very finest available. Its internal design has been reworked, which has resulted in an even more linear frequency response and improved harmonic distortion. A key new feature is an acoustic tuning element made from porous foam called the JET DC (JET Dispersion Control) This allows the treble to be adapted to particular room settings especially for hall-like spaces with a lot of glass, wood floors, etc. The JET DC incorporates both a directional characteristic as well as a frequency response correction, so that instruments and voices can be pinpointed precisely - even in difficult room settings with many reverberant surfaces. Each FS 249 is equipped with 2 bass reflex tubes. One radiates sound toward the back, one downward onto the base plate. This arrangement allows for deeper bass tuning and can also be used as an acoustic low-pass filter. The rear projection bass reflex tube comes closed off with a bass control plug. By removing it, the bass reproduction can be intensified. The FS 249s beautifully built cabinet features massive internal bracing to minimise resonances. High-quality ELAC bi-wiring terminals are used with separate connections for bass and middle/treble drivers. The angled adapter terminations are easily accessible and are especially suitable for larger cables (16 mm) and highquality spade terminals (e.g. WBT products). The FS 249 is equipped with an elegant base plate and easily adjustable ELAC spikes/rubber feet. For acoustic reasons, since one of the bass reflex openings radiates sound downwards, the base plate must be securely fitted before use.

Finishes: Mocha, Cherry Veneer, Black High Gloss Specifications ELAC FS 249
Dimensions Height (with/without base plate/spikes) Width (with/without base plate) Depth (with/without frame/base plate) Weight Type Woofer Midrange Tweeter Rec. Amplifier Power at nominal impedance 1060/1118/1147 200/260 308/323/368 mm 31 kg 3-way, bass reflex 2 x 180 mm AS-XR cone 140 mm AS-XR cone JET III (?) W / Channel
Crossover Frequency Nominal Power handling Peak Power Handling Frequency Range Sensitivity Nominal impedance Minimum impedance
500/3200 Hz 200 W 250 W 28 - 50000 Hz 89 dB/2.8V/m 4 ohms 3.0 ohms at 120 Hz

Jrg Niemand, born 1959 in Dresden. 1977-1981 studied at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy Berlin. 1980-1986 Groes Rundfunkorchester Berlin, since 1986 trumpeter in the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra RSB. joergniemand@t-online.de www.genesis-brass.de, www.RSBrass
Test FS 249 ELAC There they are, the latest loudspeakers from the Elac 240 Series, the FS 249. Even as I unpacked them, I noticed that the packaging is perfectly designed; everything is in the right place, even white gloves and the microfibre dust cloth have been provided. Once the speakers are set up in my living room, their handsome appearance becomes self-evident. Their finish is excellent, they fit perfectly in their chassis, the honeycomb loudspeakers are a real eye-catcher. Encased in a black-lacquered housing, they are simply a delight to the eye. My own loudspeakers suddenly seem a little amateurish. After all, the eye also listens, and now mine are looking forward with anticipation to the first sounds. This is coupled with my Denon RAV 3802, naturally in bi-wiring with Kimber 4 PE, and my Sony RDR HX 900 and direct drive mode, without subwoofer support. The distance to the wall is approx. 60 cm. In addition to the downward bass reflex, which opens directly onto the base plate, there is a second opening directed backward, sealed by very dense foam stoppers that blend into the overall design. After several tests, I decided to remove these stoppers as a matter of personal preference. Of course, this is also always a question of room acoustics. These sound characteristics were especially appropriate for my favourite pastime: listening to music played softly in the evening with the lights out. It was unbelievable how beautifully these loudspeakers reproduce music even at low volumes. My first test piece was Pat Methenys "Secret Story". I love this CD and I go to a place in the 2nd track called facing west where the bass drops down to subcontra C at min 3'45", which causes problems for most loudspeakers. Everything is there, Im delighted. As I listen to this CD, I notice something is different. It is the sound quality of the high tones. After reading the various tests, the differences in terms of measured values among the really high-quality speakers are not so great. Nonetheless, I think that, specifically in the treble range, the sound quality of these speakers is simply outstanding. It may be the rapid response characteristics of the Jet tweeters that make the difference. Regardless of whether it is the alpine symphony performed by the Berlin Philharmonic or the RSBs pure music CDs that were issued by Audio, there is a finely-graduated spatial replication of the stage, a perfect tonal collage at all frequencies. I take the opportunity to rummage through my collection, and listen, for example, to my old Beatles CDs as well as Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull; everything appears in a new light. My eleven-year-old daughter also listens to a couple of her favourite recordings, including Abba; she is also bowled over. All in all the FS 249s from ELAC are super loudspeakers, wonderfully finished. Not only do they sound damn good. they look damn good as well. At around 4,000 per pair, theyre not exactly cheap, but they are definitely worth it. For this price you get loudspeakers that you will probably give you a lifetime of pleasure. Jrg Niemand
Jrg Lehmann, born 1962 in Eisenhttenstadt 1979-1983 studied at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy, Berlin 1983-1986 Komische Oper Berlin, since 1986 bass trombonist with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra RSB jrg-lhmnn@gmx.de www.posaunenquintett-berlin.de www.swingingbrass.de www.genesis-brass.de, www.RSBrass.de

The ELAC FS 249 When the loudspeakers suddenly stood before my door, my heart beat a little faster. Without delay, I opened the boxes in my studio. Even unpacking was fun, and when I screwed the adjustable feet onto the base plate (optionally with or without spikes) I could immediately sense the perfection of the workmanship. When I removed the soft white wrapper from the speaker, I saw a perfectly proportioned column in piano-black lacquer. Perfectly conceived! You can activate the second bass reflex opening with a rubber stopper at the rear of the speaker, depending on the room size and your personal taste. The main bass reflex opening feeds down onto an optically-matching base plate. This means that there is no need for trial and error in setting up the speakers on heavy boards, and if you are like me, and like to see the drives, then you know what to do with the protective cover, which can simply be clipped onto the back of the ELAC FS 249. Plugged into my Onkyo TX-DS 989 in direct mode, they can pound out to their hearts content. Soon, they feel as if they are at home in the room and fill the available space without losing stage depth. They brought the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, together with the Berlin Philharmonic (pure music Vol. 1 to one from AUDIO ) through AL DI Meola The Infinite Desire all the way to AEROSMITH Young Lust to life. In the process they excelled by enormous sound level consistency; of course they are able to effortlessly transmit instrument quality to the listener, and they have an added advantage when it comes to reproducing electronic effects. The magnetically shielded Jet III tweeters, which form a harmonious and visually-attractive unit together with the woofers and conical mid-range drives, undoubtedly play the main role in this. The FS 249 from ELAC has a timeless sound and a futuristic design. I can only highly recommend these loudspeakers. Jrg Lehmann
Christian Bard Born 03/10/1961 in Frankfurt/Oder 1986-1991 Studied at the Felix Mendelsohn Bartholdy Music Academy in Leipzig since 1991 cellist with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra RSB
David Drop Born 8.2.1971 1990-1992 studied at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London 1992-1995 Oberlin Conservatory of Music, USA Since 1998 lead violinist 2nd violins in Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra RSB

The FS 249s from ELAC convince the user from the first moment of visual and acoustic contact. The art of good design is to be simultaneously modern, yet timeless. This loudspeaker reconciles these objectives with ease. Turning to their ability to reproduce sound: Professional musicians are not impressed by booming basses and volume, but instead by depth of sound and spatial acoustics. In classical music, the effect is overwhelming. You really feel as if you were sitting directly in front of an orchestra, and that you can precisely match the sound tones to the individual instrument groups. Our live jazz recording was Keith Jarrets Cologne concert. Live is the right word. You feel as if you are on the stage with the pianist. To explore the limits of the speakers, we played Al Di Meolas World Sinfonia. The result was completely convincing. All sound spectra were precisely reproduced without seeming too cold. Unalloyed emotional impact! Christian Bard & David Drop

Robert Russ

The Elac FS 249
You only need a few things for a fulfilled life: And music is one of them, of course. For anyone who gets the chance to hear his music with FS249 loudspeakers, the above statement is self-explanatory. The impressions that the speakers leave with the listener can best be described as moving and even feelings of gratitude are evoked. Gratitude that a familiar, favourite recording is able once more to move one as if heard for the first time. Also moving is the realisation that all that is required is the essence of the music: authenticity and naturalness. And it is therefore not n exaggeration to speak of a sound experience in which the loudspeakers acquire the status of instruments. Just like a Stradivarius which in itself is only a simple, if perfect, piece of workmanship made from wood and lacquer that is wholly at the disposition of its player the FS249 speakers produce a sound that lets even inexperienced listeners feel: At this particular moment this is indeed music.
Robert Russ Universal Music Classics & Jazz www.klassikakzente.de