In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B5.2 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M 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 R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
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 R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k 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 R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 R-51M 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 R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M 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.
Debut 2.0 B5.2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 35 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 Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts and R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's 5-Way Metal post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing port whereas R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 3mm taller and 19mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Klipsch R-51M Size and External Dimensions
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 Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 requires 10% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage 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:
Size Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console
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 Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B5.2 18% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B5.2 and R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
359USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
338mm
vs
341mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
421cm2 (180x234mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
120 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
341.0mm (13.4") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
234.0mm (9.2") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |