In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 C5.2 and RP-600C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and Klipsch RP-600C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and Klipsch RP-600C 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 C5.2 and Klipsch RP-600C 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 RP-600C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 |
Klipsch RP-600C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Debut 2.0 C5.2 features a 1" silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-600C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz whereas RP-600C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Debut 2.0 C5.2 can go slightly deeper then the RP-600C's min frequency of 58Hz.
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 and RP-600C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 C5.2 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-600C's is at 97 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600C 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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the RP-600C.
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 Binding post type posts and RP-600C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a front firing port whereas RP-600C has a rear 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 Klipsch RP-600C 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 Klipsch RP-600C'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 Klipsch RP-600C has external dimensions of 204.0 x 558.0 x 308.0mm ( 8 x 21-15/16 x 12-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-600C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 23mm taller and 69mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2.
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 Klipsch RP-600C is approximately 1718.6cm2 / 266.4inch2. The Debut 2.0 C5.2 requires 25% less surface area than the RP-600C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 C5.2 weighs 8.41kg / 18.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-600C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the RP-600C 30% heavier than the Debut 2.0 C5.2.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 C5.2 and RP-600C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 C5.2:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleOperating Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetPlastic tipped bolt (w/ attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
58 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 |
Height |
181mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1295cm2 (542x239mm)
vs
1718cm2 (558x308mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
270USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600C |
Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
up to 125 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
97 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
55-35k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
aramid-fiber |
Cerametallic cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
dome |
Tractrix horn dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
204.0mm (8") |
Width |
542.0mm (21.3") |
558.0mm (22") |
Depth |
239.0mm (9.4") |
308.0mm (12.1") |
Weight |
8.41kg (18.5lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |