In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Chorus 706, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Focal.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Focal Chorus 706 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 | Focal Chorus 706 |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | Focal
France · founded 1979 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Soft-Dome | 1" inverted dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber | 6.5" Polyglass |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-35k Hz | 55-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 120 watts | 25 - 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.40kg / 16.3lbs | 8.20kg / 18lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.8" x 7-3/4" x 10-9/16"
375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm | 15.4" x 8.7" x 10.4"
390.0 x 220.0 x 263.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Focal Chorus 706 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:
| Listening Environment* |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
Focal Chorus 706 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Chorus 706 are 2-way speakers.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2Focal Chorus 706
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
Focal Chorus 706 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Debut 2.0 B6.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the Chorus 706 features a 1" TNV2 AI/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polyglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz whereas Chorus 706 has a frequency range of 55-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Debut 2.0 B6.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Chorus 706's min frequency of 55Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Debut 2.0 B6.2 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Chorus 706 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 B6.2 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Chorus 706's is rated at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Focal Chorus 706 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Both handle the same maximum of 120 watts RMS, though Debut 2.0 B6.2 is rated up to 120 watts and Chorus 706 25 - 120 watts.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Debut 2.0 B6.2 features Binding post type posts and Chorus 706 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Chorus 706 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 B6.2's and Focal Chorus 706's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm (14.7 x 7.6 x 10.5inch) whereas Focal Chorus 706 has external dimensions of 390.0 x 220.0 x 263.0mm (15.4 x 8.7 x 10.4inch).
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is 25mm narrower and 15mm shorter than Focal Chorus 706 but it is also 5mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Focal Chorus 706 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Focal Chorus 706 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 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2 and base area of the Focal Chorus 706 is approximately 578.6cm2 / 89.7inch2. The Debut 2.0 B6.2 requires 10% less surface area than the Chorus 706 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is 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 B6.2 and Focal Chorus 706 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 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs and the Focal Chorus 706 weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the Chorus 706 11% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Chorus 706'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 B6.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 B6.2:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of Focal Chorus 706?
Here are the items that come with the Chorus 706:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Cloth grilles (attached)
- User manual
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
375mm
vs
390mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
522cm2
vs
578cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
400USD
vs
439USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
Focal Chorus 706 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
25 - 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-35k Hz |
55-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Polyglass |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
inverted dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
3000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
390.0mm (15.4") |
| Width |
195.0mm (7.7") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Depth |
268.0mm (10.6") |
263.0mm (10.4") |
| Weight |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Ported |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Lacquer/Leatherette |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Walnut, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 |
A generation apart: ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is the newer design, against a 2012 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 digs deeper - 44Hz against 55Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Focal Chorus 706 is more sensitive (90dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Focal Chorus 706 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (120W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 sits in a wider range (11 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | evenly matched | Much the same money ($400 vs $439 a pair). |
A ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 B Focal Chorus 706
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Focal Chorus 706 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 55Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Focal Chorus 706 is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.