In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B5.2 and 705 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and B&W 705 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and B&W 705 S2 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and B&W 705 S2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Debut 2.0 B5.2 and 705 S2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
B&W 705 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Debut 2.0 B5.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the 705 S2 features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas 705 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 can go slightly deeper then the 705 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Debut 2.0 B5.2 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the 705 S2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 B5.2 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the 705 S2's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 705 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
705 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a 5-Way Metal post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing port whereas 705 S2 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 705 S2 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's and B&W 705 S2's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 has external dimensions of 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm ( 13.4 x 7.0 x 9.2inch) whereas B&W 705 S2 has external dimensions of 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 16-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.9-inch) .
B&W 705 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 66mm taller and 67mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2 and base area of the B&W 705 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 requires 30% less surface area than the 705 S2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs and the B&W 705 S2 weighs 9.32kg / 20.5lbs. This makes the 705 S2 58% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B5.2 and 705 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 B5.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of B&W 705 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 705 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
341mm
vs
407mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
602cm2 (200x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
3299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 |
Brand |
ELAC |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
120 watts |
30-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.1 ohms |
Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Continuum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
341.0mm (13.4") |
407.0mm (16") |
Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
234.0mm (9.2") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
9.32kg (20.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |