In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 C6.2 and ES35, 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 C6.2 and Polk ES35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" aramid-fiber Woofer
- 55-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Weight:11.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 194.0" x 23-3/8" x 11-5/16"( 194.0 x 594.0 x 288.0mm )
Polk ES35 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 66-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 6-1/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 and Polk ES35 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 C6.2 |
Polk ES35 |
| 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 C6.2 and Polk ES35 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Debut 2.0 C6.2 and ES35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 |
Polk ES35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
Debut 2.0 C6.2 features a 1" silk Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aramid-fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 C6.2 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz whereas ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Debut 2.0 C6.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ES35's min frequency of 66Hz.
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 C6.2 and ES35 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 C6.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the ES35's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk ES35 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2, 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 C6.2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 C6.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the ES35.
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 C6.2 features 5-Way post type posts and ES35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2's 5-Way post terminals
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 C6.2 has a front firing port whereas ES35 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk ES35 with its rear-firing port.
Polk ES35 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 C6.2's and Polk ES35's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 has external dimensions of 194.0 x 594.0 x 288.0mm ( 7-5/8 x 23-3/8 x 11-5/16inch) whereas Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) .
Polk ES35 is 87mm shorter and 134mm less deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 but it is also 27mm 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 C6.2 is approximately 1710.7cm2 / 265.2inch2 and base area of the Polk ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2. The Debut 2.0 C6.2 requires 79% more surface area than the ES35 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.