In this review, we will be comparing Denton 85 and Debut 2.0 B6.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and ELAC. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Denton 85 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Denton 85 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale Denton 85 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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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Drivers
Both Denton 85 and Debut 2.0 B6.2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Denton 85 features a 1" woven textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz. 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
Denton 85 has a frequency range of 45-20k 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 slightly deeper then the Denton 85's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
Denton 85 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Denton 85 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Denton 85 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Debut 2.0 B6.2's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Denton 85 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. 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.
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
Denton 85 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Denton 85 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 Wharfedale Denton 85 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 Wharfedale Denton 85's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2's external dimensions. Wharfedale Denton 85 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 240.0 x 304.0mm ( 13-7/16v x 9-7/16 x 11-15/16inch) 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 45mm narrower and 36mm less deeper than Wharfedale Denton 85 but it is also 33mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale Denton 85 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Wharfedale Denton 85 is approximately 729.6cm2 / 113.1inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 is approximately 522.6cm2 / 81.0inch2. The Denton 85 requires 40% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B6.2 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 Wharfedale Denton 85 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 weighs 7.40kg / 16.3lbs. This makes the Denton 85 22% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B6.2.
Here is a comparison of how Denton 85 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 Wharfedale Denton 85?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Denton 85:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual
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 loudspeakers2 GrillesOperating Instructions
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
342mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
522cm2 (195x268mm)
vs
729cm2 (240x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
400USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-120 watts |
up to 120 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
45-20k Hz |
44-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
3100Hz |
2200Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
342.0mm (13.5") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
Width |
240.0mm (9.4") |
195.0mm (7.7") |
Depth |
304.0mm (12") |
268.0mm (10.6") |
Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
7.40kg (16.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Ported |
Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Mahogany, Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |