EPOS ELS3

Bought system from EPOS NOW, to be honest software was ok but hardware they provided was terrible. Their customer service was shocking, did not deliver integrated Chip and Pin as promised. System kept crashing and when I had had enough of non returned phone calls, never getting email confirmations from them, I gave up and asked for a refund under the 30 day return policy. They tried to argue out of it even through they had not completed the order. Eventually got a refund but they kept £175 +VAT 'software activation fee' and wouldn't refund it. - WATCH OUT FOR THE EXTRA CHARGES with this company. - no whereon my quote was anything about and annual software activation fee. - Very Poor system and company - don't waste your time and deal with someone else!!

I just purchased a pair of EPOS ELS3 Surround Sound Speakers. It's really worth the money!

My room is about 14~15m2, and it has a good performance in string music and light music.

It may not be suitable for movies, due to the lack of bass sound.

I recently purchased a set of Aperion Intimus speakers in 5.1 configuration. I was very happy with their performance and their cherry venner finish made them look like high quality furniture. Aperion offers a 30 day money back so I decided to head out to the local shops and see what was available in the price range. The EPOS were at a local sound speacialty shop and they sounded great in the shop. I had brought along to aperions and when listening to music the EPOS deffinetly had an advantage. The Aperions were slightly better in the mid range but over all the EPOS outclassed them. I took three EPOS home to try as my mains and centers.

I have a moderatly sized room at 20x12. The aperions and epos were both adequate at filling the room with sound although the need for a sub was apperant if playing at louder volumes the EPOS could hold their own at moderate listening levels.

When I tried an ELS3 on it's side as a center it sounded very boxy and they voices were slightly but noticably enough muffled.

When I combined the ELS3 mains with the aperion center a new world opened up. I didn't think it would be good since they werent matched but where the aperion was vague in it's high end resolution the epos picked up. Voices were far more detailed in this configuration. A EPOS center is now available and I regret not having the oppurtunity to try it.

Imaging was slightly better with the 100% aperion set up but the slight loss in image accuracy was worth overall improvement the EPOS added to depth of soundstage and clarity of sound.

In the surround position I liked the Aperions better they more subtle and blended better with the environment. It may just have been the the EPOS had a better sensetivity and I could have played with my setting to get a better surround environment but I didn't have that kind of time. Besides I liked the way the Aperions were performing and I like the way they looked better even if they were $60 more expensive a pair.

The beauty of the whole experiment was that both manufacturers finishes blended well so in the end I kept 2 EPOS els3 as mains and sent back two aperion 522D. All my speakers have the smae finish and the Aperion sub I have thew 10" blends well with the EPOS ELS3 which does not have a sub offered in the product line.

Conclusion:

The EPOS are great for music hands down in a moderate to small room.

I would use them for a HT setup had they visually apealled to me more. You can hide bookshelf mains but the rears are in your face I need something that looks nicer.

For their size they perform like my dual 8" Klipsch speakers when I combine the with a sub. I can now retire my Klipsch to another room.

The Epos ELS3 received a 5 Star from HiFi choice UK magazine compared to the more expensive and big B&W 602-S3.

This supprised me in the beggining because the 602's are bigger speakers and have a very good reputation.

However EPOS is known for high fidelity quality and thats what they had in mind when they produced the ELS3.

The speakers are amazing for their size. They produce perfect Midrange and good bass. however you will need a subwoofer to get the full bass effect.

I use them as surround and back surround speakers allong with a pair of Epos ES11 for main and an Energy Subwoofer. The output from the Pioneer VSX-811s is amazing with these speakers.

Choose your speakers based on your needs and be sure to match them between them as well as with the amp.