In this review, we will be comparing R200 and DBR62, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 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 R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R200 and DBR62 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk R200 |
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
R200 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the DBR62 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
R200 has a frequency range of 51-38k Hz whereas DBR62 has a frequency range of 44-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the DBR62 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R200's min frequency of 51Hz.
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
R200 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the DBR62 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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.
R200 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DBR62 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the R200.
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
R200 features 5-way post type posts and DBR62 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
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R200 has a rear firing port whereas DBR62 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut Ref DBR62's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk R200 with its rear-firing port.
Polk R200 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 R200's and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62's external dimensions. Polk R200 has external dimensions of 359.0 x 193.0 x 355.0mm ( 14-1/8 x 7-9/16 x 13-15/16inch) whereas 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) .
Polk R200 is 17mm narrower and 3mm shorter than ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 but it is also 78mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 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 Polk R200 is approximately 685.2cm2 / 106.2inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 is approximately 581.7cm2 / 90.2inch2. The R200 requires 18% more surface area than the DBR62 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:
Size Comparison image of Polk R200 and ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 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 Polk R200 weighs 8.69kg / 19.1lbs and the ELAC Debut Ref DBR62 weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs. This makes the R200 6% heavier than the DBR62.
Here is a comparison of how R200 and DBR62'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 R200?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R200:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners ManualOnline Registration
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut Ref DBR62?
Here are the items that come with the DBR62:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
359mm
vs
362mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
581cm2 (210x277mm)
vs
685cm2 (193x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
700USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio Reserve R200 |
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
51-38k Hz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
Aramid fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
359.0mm (14.1") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
355.0mm (14") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
8.69kg (19.1lbs) |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, White |
White Baffle / Oak Cabinet, Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
| 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 |