In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and DCR52, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Sony SS-CS8 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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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Drivers
Both SS-CS8 and DCR52 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer . On the other hand, the DCR52 features a 1" cloth dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas DCR52 has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
SS-CS8 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the DCR52 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the DCR52's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
SS-CS8 can handle a max power of 145 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DCR52 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the SS-CS8.
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
SS-CS8 features 5-Way post type posts and DCR52 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SS-CS8 has a rear firing port whereas DCR52 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Sony SS-CS8 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 Sony SS-CS8's and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) whereas ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 has external dimensions of 188.0 x 529.0 x 243.0mm ( 7-3/8 x 20-13/16 x 9-9/16inch) .
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 99mm wider, 42mm taller and 23mm deeper than Sony SS-CS8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony SS-CS8 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 in scale.
Comparison image of Sony SS-CS8 and ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Sony SS-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 is approximately 1285.5cm2 / 199.3inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 26% less surface area than the DCR52 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 weighs 10.14kg / 22.3lbs. This makes the DCR52 103% heavier than the SS-CS8.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 and DCR52's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut Ref DCR52?
Here are the items that come with the DCR52:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOperating Instructions
 Max Input Power |
145 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
146mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
946cm2 (430x220mm)
vs
1285cm2 (529x243mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
169USD
vs
460USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 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 |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 |
| Brand |
Sony |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
up to 120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
55-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
aramid fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
188.0mm (7.4") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
243.0mm (9.6") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
10.14kg (22.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
White Baffle / Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
3 Years |