In this review, we will be comparing Debut 3.0 DB53 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and Klipsch R-51M 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 )
Klipsch R-51M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:Up to 85watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and Klipsch R-51M 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 |
Klipsch R-51M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 Klipsch R-51M 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 R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
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 R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 3.0 DB53 has a frequency range of 42 to 38K Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Debut 3.0 DB53 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-51M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 3.0 DB53 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53, 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.
Debut 3.0 DB53 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 35 watts less than the Debut 3.0 DB53.
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 Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts and R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Debut 3.0 DB53 and R-51M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Klipsch R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 is 4mm narrower and 26mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 52mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 and Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Debut 3.0 DB53 requires 21% more surface area than the R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console