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ELAC DCR52 Review
ELAC Debut Reference DCR52

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" aramid fiber Woofer
  • 55-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 120watts
  • Weight:22.30 lbs / 10.14 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-3/8"x20-13/16"x9-9/16" / 188.0 x 529.0 x 243.0mm
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ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Review
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
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ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker designed by Andrew Jones for ELAC. 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" 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 Ref DCR52 has an MSRP of 460$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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's Debut Reference Series of Loudspeakers

DCR52 is a member of ELAC's Debut Reference series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

ELAC Debut Reference Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
ELAC Debut Ref DBR62
Compare
44-35k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Compare
42-35k Hz 87 dB6Ω 2 x 5.25"
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
55-35k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Speaker

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 has a Frequency response range of 55-35k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 120 watts. Here we have a comparison of how DCR52's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Max
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Woofer
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's aramid fiber Woofer


ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Tweeter
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's cloth dome Tweeter

Impedance and Sensitivity

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

DCR52 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Back View
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Back View

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-3/8 x 20-13/16 x 9-9/16inch (188.0 x 529.0 x 243.0mm ).

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 Ref DCR52 is approximately 1285.5cm2 / 199.3inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of ELAC Debut Ref DCR52, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Real Life Body Size Comparison
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 weighs 10.14kg / 22.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how DCR52's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 is available in White Baffle / Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet.

Does the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 come with a Grille?

DCR52 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 DCR52 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

ELAC Debut Ref DCR52  with Grille
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 with Grille

What's in the Box of ELAC Debut Ref DCR52?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of DCR52:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Operating Instructions
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52.

    • 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 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 Reference DCR52, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for ELAC Debut Ref DCR52

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 speaker:
    Official Brochure for ELAC Debut Ref DCR52

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for ELAC Debut Ref DCR52

    Warranty

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

    ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52
    Compare
    3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 48-35k Hz
    ELAC Debut Ref DBR62
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52
    Compare
    3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 47-35k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 55-35k Hz
    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 42-35k Hz
    Polk ES30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    DALI Oberon Vokal
    Compare
    2-way 89.5 dB 4 ohms 47-26k Hz
    Polk R400
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC Debut Reference DCR52
    What is the External Dimensions of ELAC Debut Reference DCR52
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of ELAC Debut Reference DCR52
    is the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 an easy to drive speaker?

    ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandELAC
    Full Model NameELAC Debut Reference DCR52
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Rangeup to 120 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response55-35k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer Compositionaramid fiber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter Typedome
    Port Positionfront

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionfront
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height188.0mm ( 7-3/8-inch)
    Width529.0mm ( 20-13/16-inch)
    Depth243.0mm ( 9-9/16-inch)
    Height188.0mm ( 7-3/8-inch)
    Weight10.14kg ( 22.30 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsWhite Baffle / Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty3 Years
    Labor Warranty3 Years
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