In this review, we will be comparing Prime Bookshelf and Debut 2.0 B5.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Prime Bookshelf and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf 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.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Prime Bookshelf and Debut 2.0 B5.2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Prime Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz. 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
Prime Bookshelf has a frequency range of 48-25k 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 slightly deeper then the Prime Bookshelf's min frequency of 48Hz.
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
Prime Bookshelf is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B5.2 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Prime Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Debut 2.0 B5.2's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Prime Bookshelf a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, 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.
Prime Bookshelf can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Prime Bookshelf.
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
Prime Bookshelf 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
Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's external dimensions. SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ( 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch) 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) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is 23.2mm narrower and 27.6mm less deeper than SVS Prime Bookshelf but it is also 3.2mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2. The Prime Bookshelf requires 26% 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the Prime Bookshelf 19% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers Owners Manual SVS brochure Online Product Registration Card
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 |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Height |
337mm
vs
341mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
531cm2 (203x261mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Brand |
SVS |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-150 watts |
120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
46-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Polypropylene |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2300Hz |
2200Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
337.8mm (13.3") |
341.0mm (13.4") |
Width |
203.2mm (8") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
Depth |
261.6mm (10.3") |
234.0mm (9.2") |
Weight |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
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 |