In this review, we will be comparing Debut 3.0 DB53 and Debut 2.0 B5.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by ELAC
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Aramid fiber Woofer
- 42 to 38K Hz Frequency Response
- 86.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20 - 120watts
- Weight:6.06kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 312.0" x 6-13/16" x 10-1/2"( 312.0 x 174.0 x 267.0mm )
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer
- 46-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:120watts
- Weight:5.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 341.0" x 7.0" x 9.2"( 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 3.0 DB53 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
| 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 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 3.0 DB53 and Debut 2.0 B5.2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Debut 3.0 DB53 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aramid fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz. On the other hand, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 3.0 DB53 has a frequency range of 42 to 38K Hz whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Debut 3.0 DB53 can go slightly deeper then the Debut 2.0 B5.2's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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 3.0 DB53 and Debut 2.0 B5.2 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Debut 3.0 DB53 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the Debut 2.0 B5.2's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
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 3.0 DB53 features 5-Way Metal post type posts and Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a 5-Way Metal post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53's 5-Way post terminals
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's 5-Way Metal post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 3.0 DB53 has a rear firing port whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 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 3.0 DB53's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 has external dimensions of 312.0 x 174.0 x 267.0mm ( 12-1/4-inch x 6-13/16-inch x 10-1/2-inch) whereas ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 has external dimensions of 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm ( 13.4 x 7.0 x 9.2inch) .
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 is 6mm narrower and 29mm shorter than ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 but it is also 33mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 3.0 DB53 is approximately 464.6cm2 / 72.0inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2. The Debut 3.0 DB53 requires 10% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B5.2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 on a Media Console