In this review, we will be comparing DBR62 and Uni-Fi UB5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 | ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Soft-Dome | 1" Soft-dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 4" |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Aramid fiber | 5.25" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-35k Hz | 46-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 85 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 120 watts | 40-140 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.23kg / 18.1lbs | 7.48kg / 16.5lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 12.7" x 7.8" x 10.7"
324.0 x 200.0 x 273.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 Uni-Fi UB5 |
| 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that DBR62 is a 2-way design whereas the Uni-Fi UB5 is a 3-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 Ref DBR62ELAC Uni-Fi UB5
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 Ref DBR62 |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
DBR62 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer. On the other hand, the Uni-Fi UB5 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 270Hz and 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
DBR62 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz whereas Uni-Fi UB5 has a frequency range of 46-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the DBR62 can go slightly deeper then the Uni-Fi UB5's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi UB5 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Uni-Fi UB5 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. DBR62 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Uni-Fi UB5's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi UB5, 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.
Uni-Fi UB5 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS, whereas DBR62 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Uni-Fi UB5.
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 Post type posts and Uni-Fi UB5 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62's 5-way post terminals
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
DBR62 has a front firing port whereas Uni-Fi UB5 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Debut Ref DBR62's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 with its rear-firing 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 Ref DBR62's and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5'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 Uni-Fi UB5 has external dimensions of 324.0 x 200.0 x 273.0mm (12.7 x 7.8 x 10.7inch).
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 10mm wider, 38mm taller and 4mm deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi UB5.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 Uni-Fi UB5 is approximately 546.0cm2 / 84.6inch2. The DBR62 requires 7% more surface area than the Uni-Fi UB5 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 Uni-Fi UB5 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 Uni-Fi UB5 weighs 7.48kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the DBR62 10% heavier than the Uni-Fi UB5.
Here is a comparison of how DBR62 and Uni-Fi UB5'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 Uni-Fi UB5?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi UB5:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 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 |
 Height |
324mm
vs
362mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
546cm2
vs
581cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 120 watts |
40-140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-35k Hz |
46-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aramid fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
270Hz and 2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
362.0mm (14.3") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
273.0mm (10.7") |
| Weight |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
7.48kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| 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" |
24-31" |
| 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 |
Both are ELAC, from different ranges - so the house sound is shared and the differences are mostly in scale, engineering and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (44Hz vs 46Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (86dB vs 85dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | A | ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 is the easier load at 6 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (120W vs 140W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 sits in a wider range (7 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 is cheaper - $499 against $700, about 29% less. |
A ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 B ELAC Uni-Fi UB5
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?
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 40% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 appeals to you. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $201 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.