In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B6.2 and A130, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and JBL A130 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and JBL A130 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 B6.2 and JBL A130 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 B6.2 and A130 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
JBL A130 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k 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 A130's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 B6.2 and A130 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 B6.2 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the A130's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A130, 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 B6.2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the A130.
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 B6.2 features 5-way post type posts and A130 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a front firing port whereas A130 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to JBL A130 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 B6.2's and JBL A130'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 JBL A130 has external dimensions of 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm ( 12-11/16 x 7-1/2 x 9-13/16inch) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 4mm wider, 52mm taller and 18mm deeper than JBL A130.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and JBL A130 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 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The Debut 2.0 B6.2 requires 9% more surface area than the A130 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:
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 JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B6.2 36% heavier than the A130.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B6.2 and A130'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 loudspeakers2 GrillesOperating Instructions
What's in the Box of JBL A130?
Here are the items that come with the A130:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
323mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
477cm2 (191x250mm)
vs
522cm2 (195x268mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
JBL Stage A130 |
Brand |
ELAC |
JBL |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
20-125 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
44-35k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Polycellulose |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
Width |
195.0mm (7.7") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Depth |
268.0mm (10.6") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
Weight |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Ported |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
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 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |