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  1. Home
  2. ELAC Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. ELAC Debut Reference DCR52
ELAC DCR52 Review
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 - Front View

Compare To

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 120 watts
  • 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
MSRP: $460 (list price)
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ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 Review
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Check price atAmazon›

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

ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker designed by Andrew Jones for ELAC. It was released in November 2019. 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. Debut Reference is the step-up flagship of ELAC's Debut family, with upgraded drivers and premium cabinets. 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 we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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 and Power Range of up to 120 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how DCR52's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Min
Average
Median
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
Median

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. Work out how loud the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

DCR52 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 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

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

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
Median
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 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 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 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 Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52
Compare
3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 48-35k Hz
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Compare
3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 42-35k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 55-35k Hz
DALI Oberon Vokal
Compare
2-way 89.5 dB 4 ohms 47-26k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC Debut Reference DCR52

What amplifier do you need for the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52?

ELAC rates the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 easy to drive?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 need a subwoofer?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 use?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 is a 2-way design using a 1" dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aramid fiber woofers.

Is the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 sealed or ported?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 be wall mounted?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 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 Ref DCR52 come with grilles?

Yes. The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 weighs 10.14kg / 22.3lbs each and measures 7-3/8 x 20-13/16 x 9-9/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 cost?

The ELAC Debut Ref DCR52 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $460 per pair.


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
Release DateNovember 2019
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)
Weight10.14 kg (22.3 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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