In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 C5.2 and Monitor XT35, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and Polk XT35 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 )
Polk XT35 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
- 57-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-200watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 5-9/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and Polk XT35 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 |
Polk XT35 |
| 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 Polk XT35 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 Monitor XT35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 |
Polk XT35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 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 Monitor XT35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz whereas Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Debut 2.0 C5.2 can go slightly deeper then the Monitor XT35's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 Monitor XT35 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.
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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 80 watts less than the Monitor XT35.
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 Monitor XT35 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
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a front firing port whereas Monitor XT35 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 Polk XT35 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 Polk XT35'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 Polk XT35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 5-9/16inch) .
Polk XT35 is 74mm shorter and 97mm less deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 but it is also 79mm 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 Polk XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2. The Debut 2.0 C5.2 requires 47% more surface area than the Monitor XT35 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.