In this review, we will be comparing L100 and Debut 2.0 B5.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk L100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk L100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk L100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both L100 and Debut 2.0 B5.2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk L100 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
L100 features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2900Hz. On the other hand, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
L100 has a frequency range of 57-38k Hz whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L100's min frequency of 57Hz.
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
L100 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B5.2 which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 L100 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L100 sensitivity is rated at 85.5 dB and the Debut 2.0 B5.2's is rated at 86 dB.
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.
L100 can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the L100.
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
L100 features 5-Way Metal post type posts and Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a 5-Way Metal post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L100 has a rear firing port whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk L100 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 Polk L100's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's external dimensions. Polk L100 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 201.0 x 288.0mm ( 13-11/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-5/16inch) whereas ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 has external dimensions of 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm ( 13.4 x 7.0 x 9.2inch) .
Polk L100 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 7mm taller and 54mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk L100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 in scale.
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 Polk L100 is approximately 578.9cm2 / 89.7inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2. The L100 requires 37% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B5.2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 Polk L100 weighs 7.68kg / 16.9lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the L100 30% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how L100 and Debut 2.0 B5.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk L100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L100:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Cleaning cloth Owners Manual Online Registration
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 B5.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
Max Input Power |
160 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
341mm
vs
348mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
578cm2 (201x288mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Polk Audio Legend L100 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-160 watts |
120 watts |
Sensitivity |
85.5 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
3 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
57-38k Hz |
46-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Ring Radiator |
Soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2900Hz |
2200Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
348.0mm (13.7") |
341.0mm (13.4") |
Width |
201.0mm (7.9") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
Depth |
288.0mm (11.3") |
234.0mm (9.2") |
Weight |
7.68kg (16.9lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Brown Walnut, Black Ash |
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 |