In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B5.2 and LS50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and KEF LS50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50 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 LS50 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
KEF LS50 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 LS50 features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas LS50 has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50's min frequency of 79Hz.
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 LS50 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 LS50's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50, 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.
Debut 2.0 B5.2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
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
Debut 2.0 B5.2 features Post type posts and LS50 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing port whereas LS50 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 KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50'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 KEF LS50 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.8 x 7.8 x 10.9inch) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is 20mm narrower and 44mm less deeper than KEF LS50 but it is also 39mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and KEF LS50 in scale.
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 KEF LS50 is approximately 556.0cm2 / 86.2inch2. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 requires 24% less surface area than the LS50 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 KEF LS50 weighs 7.20kg / 15.8lbs. This makes the LS50 22% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B5.2 and LS50'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 KEF LS50?
Here are the items that come with the LS50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
79 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 |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
556cm2 (200x278mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
302mm
vs
341mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
KEF LS50 |
Brand |
ELAC |
KEF |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
120 watts |
25-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Magnesium/aluminum alloy |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Vented dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
2200Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
341.0mm (13.4") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
234.0mm (9.2") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
7.20kg (15.8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
Polymer/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black, High Gloss Piano Black, High Gloss Piano White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
18-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |