In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by ELAC. ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the DCR52 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer
- 44-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Weight:8.23kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 362.0" x 8-1/4" x 10-7/8"( 362.0 x 210.0 x 277.0mm )
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" aramid fiber Woofer
- 55-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Weight:10.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 188.0" x 20-13/16" x 9-9/16"( 188.0 x 529.0 x 243.0mm )
DBR62 and DCR52 are members of ELAC's Debut Reference series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
ELAC Debut Reference Series History
What size room are the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 |
| 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 Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 DBR62 and DCR52 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 |
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
DBR62 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the DCR52 features a 1" cloth dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
DBR62 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz whereas DCR52 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the DBR62 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the DCR52's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
DBR62 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the DCR52 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. DBR62 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the DCR52's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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. 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.
DBR62 and DCR52 has the same power range of up to 120 watts.
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
DBR62 features 5-Way post type posts and DCR52 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 Ref DCR52's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both DBR62 and DCR52 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
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 Ref DBR62's and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52'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 Ref DCR52 has external dimensions of 188.0 x 529.0 x 243.0mm ( 7-3/8 x 20-13/16 x 9-9/16inch) .
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 is 174mm shorter and 34mm less deeper than ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 but it is also 319mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 is approximately 1285.5cm2 / 199.3inch2. The DBR62 requires 55% less surface area than the DCR52 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Ref DCR52?
Here are the items that come with the DCR52:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOperating Instructions
Woofer Size 
Base Surface Area 
Sensitivity 
Nominal Impedance 
Height 
Price per pair*