In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 C5.2 and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber Woofer
- 55-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Weight:8.41kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 21-5/16" x 9-3/8"( 181.0 x 542.0 x 239.0mm )
JBL Stage A135C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter
- 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer
- 75-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.46kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 105.0" x 29-3/8" x 7-5/16"( 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and JBL Stage A135C 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 C5.2 |
JBL Stage A135C |
| 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and JBL Stage A135C 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 C5.2 and A135C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 |
JBL Stage A135C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
Debut 2.0 C5.2 features a 1" silk Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Debut 2.0 C5.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A135C's min frequency of 75Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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 C5.2 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A135C which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 C5.2 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the A135C's is rated at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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 C5.2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the A135C.
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 C5.2 features 5-way post type posts and A135C has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a front firing port whereas A135C has a side firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to JBL Stage A135C 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 C5.2's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has external dimensions of 181.0 x 542.0 x 239.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 21-5/16 x 9-3/8inch) whereas JBL Stage A135C has external dimensions of 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm ( 4-1/8 x 29-3/8 x 7-5/16inch) .
JBL Stage A135C is 76mm shorter and 53mm less deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 but it is also 205mm wider.
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 C5.2 is approximately 1295.4cm2 / 200.8inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The Debut 2.0 C5.2 requires 7% less surface area than the A135C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.