In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Motion 15i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and MartinLogan.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and MartinLogan 15i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 | MartinLogan 15i |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Soft-Dome | 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber | 5.25" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-35k Hz | 60-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 5 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 120 watts | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.40kg / 16.3lbs | 5.40kg / 11.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.8" x 7-3/4" x 10-9/16"
375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm | 11.4" x 6.8" x 9.4"
290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and MartinLogan 15i 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 |
MartinLogan 15i |
| 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 Motion 15i are 2-way speakers.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2MartinLogan 15i
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 |
MartinLogan 15i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-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 Motion 15i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz whereas Motion 15i has a frequency range of 60-25k 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 Motion 15i's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 Motion 15i which has a nominal impedance of 5 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 B6.2 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Motion 15i's is rated at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 15i 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.
Motion 15i can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the Motion 15i.
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 Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts and Motion 15i has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's 5-Way post terminals
MartinLogan 15i's Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a front firing port whereas Motion 15i 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 MartinLogan 15i with its rear-firing port.
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 MartinLogan 15i'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 MartinLogan 15i has external dimensions of 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm (11.4 x 6.8 x 9.4inch).
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 22mm wider, 85mm taller and 28mm deeper than MartinLogan 15i.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and MartinLogan 15i in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and MartinLogan 15i 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 MartinLogan 15i is approximately 415.2cm2 / 64.4inch2. The Debut 2.0 B6.2 requires 26% more surface area than the Motion 15i which gives it a small disadvantage 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 MartinLogan 15i 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 MartinLogan 15i weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B6.2 37% heavier than the Motion 15i.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Motion 15i'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 MartinLogan 15i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 15i:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- Users Manual
- Warranty/Registration Information
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
5 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Price per pair* |
400USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
290mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
415cm2
vs
522cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
MartinLogan Motion 15i |
| Brand |
ELAC |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-35k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Folded Motion |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
| Width |
195.0mm (7.7") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
268.0mm (10.6") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Ported |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
26-28" |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - MartinLogan 15i costs roughly 2.3x what ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 digs deeper - 44Hz against 60Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | MartinLogan 15i is more sensitive (92dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is the easier load at 6 ohms. |
| Headroom | B | MartinLogan 15i takes more power (200W vs 120W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | MartinLogan 15i is easier to place; ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. MartinLogan 15i sits in a wider range (18 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is cheaper - $400 against $900, about 56% less; arguably a different class. |
A ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 B MartinLogan 15i
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?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 60Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, MartinLogan 15i is the easier speaker to get right.
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.