Полочная акустика — Elipson HERITAGE XLS 7

The Heritage XLS 7 is the smallest member of the Heritage range from Elipson, France's oldest surviving loudspeaker brand, founded in 1938. The line also includes the three-way XLS 11 and XLS 15. This two-way model carries a vintage look that draws on 1960s and 1970s monitor classics such as the Celestion Ditton 551, JBL 4312 and Pioneer HPM-100. Elipson lists it at EUR 799 per pair, and it is sold only in pairs, with a UK launch figure of GBP 799.

Key specs that matter

A 165 mm driver covers the bass and mids, using a cellulose pulp cone and a reinforced magnet assembly, while a 22 mm silk dome tweeter with a double magnet covers the top octaves. The crossover point sits at 2,400 Hz with 12 dB slopes on both sides. Frequency response is 49 Hz to 25,000 Hz within 3 dB, sensitivity 88 dB at 1 W and 1 m, and nominal impedance 6 ohm with a minimum of 5.3 ohm at 6,180 Hz. The port is tuned to 52 Hz. Power rating is 90 W RMS, with Elipson recommending amplifiers of 30 W to 120 W. Each cabinet measures 380 mm high, 225 mm wide and 250 mm deep, growing to 260 mm with the grille fitted, and weighs 9.7 kg.

Engineering and use context

The tweeter is derived from the unit used in the Prestige Facet series, and Elipson pairs it with a cone of cellulose fibre for the lower band instead of the metal or polymer diaphragms common in modern boxes. Unlike its larger Heritage siblings, the XLS 7 keeps a single crossover and two drivers. Its reflex opening is on the baffle facing the listener, which lets the cabinet be placed near the wall behind it or go inside a bookcase without the port being blocked. An adjustable treble control with a range of about 2 dB is mounted on the front. External surfaces carry real walnut veneer, the baffle is painted black, and a removable cloth-on-frame grille with the Elipson logo holds on by magnets. At the back there is a single pair of binding posts and no provision for bi-wiring. It suits living rooms up to about 25 m2, and dedicated stands are offered separately.

Pairing

The nominal load with a minimum that stays above 5 ohm is easy on amplifiers, so compact integrated amplifiers or receivers whose output falls inside Elipson's recommended bracket suit it. The moderate sensitivity means modest power is adequate in a small room.

Alternatives

The Elipson Heritage XLS 11 is the next model up, a three-way compact speaker with an 8 inch cellulose woofer and a 2.2 inch dome midrange.