In this review, we will be comparing TSi100 and Debut 2.0 B6.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Polk TSi100 | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|---|
| Brand | Polk Audio
United States · founded 1972 | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Dome | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Organic Fiber | 6.5" Woven Aramid-Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 61-24k Hz | 44-35k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 89 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-100 watts | up to 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.53kg / 10lbs | 7.40kg / 16.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.0" x 7.0" x 10.1"
279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm | 14.8" x 7-3/4" x 10-9/16"
375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Polk TSi100 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* |
Polk TSi100 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 TSi100 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers.
Polk TSi100ELAC 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 |
Polk TSi100 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
TSi100 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. 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
TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k 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 significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the TSi100's min frequency of 61Hz.
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
TSi100 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. TSi100 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Debut 2.0 B6.2's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk TSi100 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.
Debut 2.0 B6.2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas TSi100 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
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
TSi100 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.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's external dimensions. Polk TSi100 has external dimensions of 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm (11.0 x 7.0 x 10.1inch) 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).
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 17.2mm wider, 95.6mm taller and 9mm deeper than Polk TSi100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk TSi100 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 is approximately 460.5cm2 / 71.4inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2. The TSi100 requires 12% less surface area than the Debut 2.0 B6.2 which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 weighs 4.53kg / 10lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 B6.2 63% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how TSi100 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 Polk TSi100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of TSi100:
- 2 Black bookshelf speakers
- Detachable cloth grille (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Owner's Manual
- Wall-Mount template
- Online registration sheet
- Polk Audio product brochure
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
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
279mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
460cm2
vs
522cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| General |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-100 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
61-24k Hz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Organic Fiber |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
279.4mm (11") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
195.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
259.0mm (10.2") |
268.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Ported |
| Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
16-30" |
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 - ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 costs roughly 2.7x what Polk TSi100 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 | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 digs deeper - 44Hz against 61Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Polk TSi100 is more sensitive (89dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | Polk TSi100 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | Polk TSi100 is easier to place; ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 | A | Polk TSi100 is cheaper - $149 against $400, about 63% less; arguably a different class. |
A Polk TSi100 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?
Polk TSi100 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 61Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Polk TSi100 much easier to justify. Match it to your room: we rate Polk TSi100 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 for a mid-size room and a large room.
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.