In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Reva 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Wharfedale Reva 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Reva 1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4.5-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 Reva 1 features a 1" woven textile Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Woven Glass Fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas Reva 1 has a frequency range of 52-20k 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 Reva 1's min frequency of 52Hz.
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 Reva 1 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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 Reva 1 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 60 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
Reva 1 features 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 Reva 1 has a bottom 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1'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 Wharfedale Reva 1 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 174.0 x 285.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 6-13/16 x 11-3/16inch) .
Wharfedale Reva 1 is 6mm narrower and 23mm shorter than ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 but it is also 51mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 is approximately 495.9cm2 / 76.9inch2. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 requires 15% less surface area than the Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B5.2 5% heavier than the Reva 1.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Reva 1'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 Wharfedale Reva 1?
Here are the items that come with the Reva 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper bars (pre-installed)Pair of white glovesUser-feets Manual
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
495cm2 (174x285mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
318mm
vs
341mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
Brand |
ELAC |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
120 watts |
20-60 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
52-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Woven Glass Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
341.0mm (13.4") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
Depth |
234.0mm (9.2") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
5.64kg (12.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
Wood composite laminate |
Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
28-30" |
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 |