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.
| Key Specs | Focal Kanta No.1 | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|---|
| Brand | Focal
France · founded 1979 | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.1" Hard-Dome | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Flax | 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-40k Hz | 44-35k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-150 watts | up to 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 13.05kg / 28.7lbs | 7.40kg / 16.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 24-28" x 9-1/4" x 15-7/16"
609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm | 14.8" x 7-3/4" x 10-9/16"
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Kanta No.1 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers.
Focal Kanta No.1ELAC 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 |
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.
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
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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Kanta No.1 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS, whereas Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Kanta No.1.
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
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
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 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.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Focal Kanta No.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 in scale.
Comparison image of Focal Kanta No.1 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 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.
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 Focal Kanta No.1 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 Focal Kanta No.1 weighs 13.05kg / 28.7lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs. This makes the Kanta No.1 76% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
Here is a comparison of how Kanta No.1 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 Focal Kanta No.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kanta No.1:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- Port plug
- 4 Slicone pads
- User Manual
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
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
375mm
vs
609mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
522cm2
vs
898cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
400USD
vs
7998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Kanta No.1 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| Brand |
Focal |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.9 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-40k Hz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400 Hz |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
609.6mm (24") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
228.6mm (9") |
195.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
393.0mm (15.5") |
268.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
13.05kg (28.7lbs) |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Ported |
| Finish |
Multi-ply/Polymer/Veneer |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
High-Gloss Carrara White, High-Gloss Black/Deep Black, Matte Walnut/Dark Grey,Matte Walnut/Ivory |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Focal Kanta No.1 costs roughly 20x 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 (46Hz vs 44Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (88dB vs 87dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | A | Focal Kanta No.1 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | Focal Kanta No.1 takes more power (150W vs 120W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is easier to place; Focal Kanta No.1 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| 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 $7,998, about 95% less; arguably a different class. |
A Focal Kanta No.1 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?
The usual trade-off: Focal Kanta No.1 measures better, ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 costs about about 20x the price% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. In a large or open-plan room, Focal Kanta No.1 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is the easier speaker to get right. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $7,598 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.