In this review, we will be comparing DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Soft-Dome | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Aramid fiber | 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-35k Hz | 44-35k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 120 watts | up to 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.23kg / 18.1lbs | 7.40kg / 16.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14-1/4" x 8-1/4" x 10-7/8"
362.0 x 210.0 x 277.0mm | 14.8" x 7-3/4" x 10-9/16"
375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Ref DBR62 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers.
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
TweeterWoofer
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 Ref DBR62 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
DBR62 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer. On the other hand, the Debut 2.0 B6.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 has exactly the same frequency range of 44-35k Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf 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
DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DBR62 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Debut 2.0 B6.2's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut Ref DBR62, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 have the same power range of up to 120 watts.
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
DBR62 features 5-Way post type posts and Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62's 5-way post terminals
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 Ref DBR62's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's external dimensions. ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 has external dimensions of 362.0 x 210.0 x 277.0mm (14-1/4 x 8-1/4 x 10-7/8inch) whereas ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm (14.7 x 7.6 x 10.5inch).
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is 15mm narrower and 9mm less deeper than ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 but it is also 13mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Ref DBR62 is approximately 581.7cm2 / 90.2inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2. The DBR62 requires 11% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B6.2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is 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 Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 on a Media Console
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 Ref DBR62 weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs. This makes the DBR62 11% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
Here is a comparison of how DBR62 and Debut 2.0 B6.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DBR62:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 B6.2:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
 Height |
362mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Base Surface Area |
522cm2
vs
581cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
400USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-35k Hz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aramid fiber |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
362.0mm (14.3") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
195.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
268.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Ported |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
White Baffle / Oak Cabinet, Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
These sit in different price classes - ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 costs roughly 1.8x what ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (44Hz vs 44Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (86dB vs 87dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (120W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 sits in a wider range (11 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is cheaper - $400 against $700, about 43% less; arguably a different class. |
A ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 B ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
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?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $300 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
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.