SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. ELAC Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Review
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber Woofer
  • 55-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 120 watts
  • Weight: 18.50 lbs / 8.41 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-1/8"x21-5/16"x9-3/8" / 181.0 x 542.0 x 239.0mm
MSRP: $270 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Review
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Check price atAmazon›

Made by ELAC · Germany · since 1926 · sold through dealers

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker designed by Andrew Jones for ELAC. It was released in 2018. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55-35k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has an MSRP of 270$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

ELAC later replaced Debut 2.0 C5.2 with Debut 3.0 DC53. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DC53
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2  Lifestyle
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Lifestyle

ELAC's Debut 2.0 Series of Loudspeakers

Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a member of ELAC's Debut 2.0 series of Passive speakers. Debut 2.0 is ELAC's acclaimed budget range, Andrew Jones-designed speakers offering standout performance for the money. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 9 ELAC Debut 2.0 models compared »

ELAC Debut 2.0 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
44-35k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
Compare
46-35k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"
ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2
Compare
39-35k Hz 87 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2
Compare
42-35k Hz 86 dB6Ω 2 x 5.25"
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
55-35k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2
Compare
55-35k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut 2.0 OW4.2
Compare
70-35k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 4"
ELAC Debut IC-D61-W
Compare
45-20k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut IC-DT61-W
Compare
45-20k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut 2.0 Series Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Speaker

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a Frequency response range of 55-35k Hz and Power Range of up to 120 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Debut 2.0 C5.2's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–120 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Debut 2.0 C5.2 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Back View
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Back View

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-1/8 x 21-5/16 x 9-3/8inch (181.0 x 542.0 x 239.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is approximately 1295.4cm2 / 200.8inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Real Life Body Size Comparison
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 weighs 8.41kg / 18.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 C5.2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Min
Average
Max

How does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 compare to the ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2?

One of the natural alternative to the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is the Debut 2.0 C6.2 which is located one step higher in ELAC's Passive Center Channel selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 and ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 vs Debut 2.0 C6.2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is available in Black.

Does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 come with a Grille?

Debut 2.0 C5.2 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Debut 2.0 C5.2 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 C5.2:
  • Center channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Operating Instructions

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 speaker:
Official Brochure for ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 55-35k Hz
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52
Compare
3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 48-35k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2
Compare
3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 39-35k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 46-35k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2
Compare
3-way 86 dB 6 ohms 42-35k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2

What amplifier do you need for the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2?

ELAC rates the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 for up to 120 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 easy to drive?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 need a subwoofer?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 reaches down to 55Hz (full range 55-35k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 use?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid-fiber woofers.

Is the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 sealed or ported?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Can the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 be wall mounted?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 come with grilles?

Yes. The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 weighs 8.41kg / 18.5lbs each and measures 7-1/8 x 21-5/16 x 9-3/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 cost?

The ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $270 per pair.


ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandELAC
Full Model NameELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Rangeup to 120 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response55-35k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionaramid-fiber
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Port Positionfront

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionfront
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height181.0mm ( 7-1/8-inch)
Width542.0mm ( 21-5/16-inch)
Depth239.0mm ( 9-3/8-inch)
Height181.0mm ( 7-1/8-inch)
Weight8.41 kg (18.5 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

Monitor Audio's In-Wall Subwoofers Show What Hiding Bass Really Costs
TAD's New Class D Amplifier Weighs 29 kg. Only One of the 72 We List Is Heavier.
The Marantz MCR 60n Has a CD Player, a Phono Stage and HDMI eARC. Nothing Else We List Has All Three.
Kanto Replaced the TUK With Two Speakers. Neither Has the Phono Stage.
A Triode Switch Used to Start at 3,495 Dollars. The Cayin Jazz 70 Is 1,399.
A 1,499 Dollar 300B Amplifier, and What Ten Watts Can Actually Drive


Latest Passive Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5403C
Klipsch RP-5403C
2-way Center Channel | 96 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5203C
Klipsch RP-5203C
2-way Center Channel | 94 dB | 8 ohms
Triangle Solstice C3
Triangle Solstice C3
2-way Center Channel | 92 dB | 8 ohms
Revel Performa4 C245
Revel Performa4 C245
2-way Center Channel | 86 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK CINEMA
DALI SONIK CINEMA
2-way Center Channel | 89.5 dB | 6 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
2-way Center Channel | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Focal Omada Center
Focal Omada Center
2-way Center Channel | 91.5 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
2-way Center Channel | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale EVO5.C
Wharfedale EVO5.C
2-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 4 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision