In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 F5.2 and S 809, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from ELAC and Jamo.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 and Jamo S 809 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 | Jamo S 809 |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | Jamo
Denmark · founded 1966 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" dome with wide-dispersion waveguide | 1" |
|---|
| Midrange | 5.25" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber | 3 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 42-35k Hz | 37-26k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 140 watts | 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 15.64kg / 34.4lbs | 13.60kg / 29.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 41-1/16" x 7-7/16" x 10-1/4"
1043.0 x 189.0 x 261.0mm | 41.0" x 7.5" x 9.9"
1042.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 and Jamo S 809 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 F5.2 |
Jamo S 809 |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Debut 2.0 F5.2 is a 3-way design whereas the S 809 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2Jamo S 809
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
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 F5.2 |
Jamo S 809 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
3 x 5-inch
|
Debut 2.0 F5.2 features a 1" silk dome with wide-dispersion waveguide Tweeter, a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 90Hz and 2200Hz. On the other hand, the S 809 features a 1" Tweeter and 3 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 F5.2 has a frequency range of 42-35k Hz whereas S 809 has a frequency range of 37-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the S 809 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Debut 2.0 F5.2's min frequency of 42Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing 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 F5.2 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the S 809 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 2.0 F5.2 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the S 809's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Jamo S 809 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Debut 2.0 F5.2 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS, whereas S 809 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Debut 2.0 F5.2.
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 F5.2 features Post type posts and S 809 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2's 5-Way post terminals
Jamo S 809's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 F5.2 has a rear firing port whereas S 809 has a front firing ports. Jamo S 809's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 with its rear-firing port.
Jamo S 809 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 F5.2's and Jamo S 809's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 has external dimensions of 1043.0 x 189.0 x 261.0mm (41-1/16 x 7-7/16 x 10-1/4inch) whereas Jamo S 809 has external dimensions of 1042.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm (41.0 x 7.5 x 9.9inch).
Jamo S 809 is 1mm shorter and 9mm less deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 but it is also 2mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 and Jamo S 809 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 and Jamo S 809 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 F5.2 is approximately 493.3cm2 / 76.5inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 809 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The Debut 2.0 F5.2 requires 2% more surface area than the S 809 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 F5.2 weighs 15.64kg / 34.4lbs and the Jamo S 809 weighs 13.60kg / 29.9lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 F5.2 15% heavier than the S 809.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 F5.2 and S 809's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 F5.2:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Spikes (hex-nuts attached)
- Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of Jamo S 809?
Here are the items that come with the S 809:
- 2 Floorstanding loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Mounting feet
- 16 Screws
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
37 Hz
vs
42 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
1042mm
vs
1043mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
481cm2
vs
493cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
634USD
vs
800USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 |
Jamo Studio S 809 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 140 watts |
120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42-35k Hz |
37-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome with wide-dispersion waveguide |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
90Hz and 2200Hz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1043.0mm (41.1") |
1042.0mm (41") |
| Width |
189.0mm (7.4") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
261.0mm (10.3") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
15.64kg (34.4lbs) |
13.60kg (29.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| 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 |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Jamo S 809 digs deeper - 37Hz against 42Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Jamo S 809 is more sensitive (90dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Jamo S 809 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (140W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2: Atmos drivers; Jamo S 809: Atmos drivers. ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 sits in a wider range (11 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Jamo S 809 is cheaper - $634 against $800, about 21% less. |
A ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 B Jamo S 809
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?
Jamo S 809 is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 42Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Jamo S 809 is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
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.