In this review, we will be comparing Kanta No.1 and Debut 2.0 B6.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Kanta No.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Focal Kanta No.1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Flax Woofer
- 46-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:13.05kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 609.6" x 9-1/4" x 15-7/16"( 609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm )
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer
- 44-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Weight:7.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 375.0" x 7-3/4" x 11-5/16"( 375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm )
What size room are the Focal Kanta No.1 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* |
Focal Kanta No.1 |
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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Kanta No.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Kanta No.1 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Kanta No.1 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Kanta No.1 features a 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. 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
Kanta No.1 has a frequency range of 46-40k Hz whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Debut 2.0 B6.2 can go slightly deeper then the Kanta No.1'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
Kanta No.1 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B6.2 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Kanta No.1 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Debut 2.0 B6.2's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Focal Kanta No.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, 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.
Kanta No.1 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Kanta No.1.
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
Kanta No.1 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.
Focal Kanta No.1's Binding post terminals
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Kanta No.1 has a rear firing port whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Focal Kanta No.1 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 Focal Kanta No.1's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's external dimensions. Focal Kanta No.1 has external dimensions of 609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm ( 24-28inch x 9-1/4inch x 15-7/16inch ) 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) .
Focal Kanta No.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 33.6mm wider, 234.6mm taller and 125mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2.
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 Focal Kanta No.1 is approximately 898.4cm2 / 139.3inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2. The Kanta No.1 requires 72% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B6.2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.