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ELAC DFR52 Review
ELAC Debut Reference DFR52

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" Aramid fiber Woofer
  • 42-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 140watts
  • Weight:36.90 lbs / 16.77 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 40-9/16"x9-1/8"x11-1/8" / 1031.0 x 232.0 x 283.0mm
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ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Review
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
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ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker designed by Andrew Jones for ELAC. It features a 1" dome Tweeter, 1 x 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Aramid fiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-35k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 has an MSRP of 1400$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
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 Debut Ref DFR52  Lifestyle
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Lifestyle

ELAC's Debut Reference Series of Loudspeakers

DFR52 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
42-35k Hz 87 dB6Ω 2 x 5.25"
ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
Compare
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 DFR52 Speaker

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 has a Frequency response range of 42-35k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 140 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, DFR52 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with ELAC Debut Ref DFR52, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how DFR52's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Min
Average
Max
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Woofer
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52's Aramid fiber Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1500$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the ELAC Debut Ref DFR52's 42Hz:

  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ DFR52)
  • SVS Prime Tower with Low Frequency of 30 Hz (Compare w/ DFR52)
  • Klipsch RP-280F with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ DFR52)
  • Jamo C 97 II with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ DFR52)
  • Monitor Audio Bronze 500 with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ DFR52)

Impedance and Sensitivity

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 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 DFR52:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

DFR52 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Back View
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Back View

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 40-9/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-1/8inch (1031.0 x 232.0 x 283.0mm ).

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 DFR52 is approximately 656.6cm2 / 101.8inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of ELAC Debut Ref DFR52, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Real Life Body Size Comparison
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 placed next to a Media Stand
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 weighs 16.77kg / 36.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how DFR52's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $1500
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl finish. 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.

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52  - Side View
ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 - Side View

Speaker Feet

ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • 4 Outrigger feet (spikes installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

    Port Position

    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

    Available colors

    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 is available in White Baffle / Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle / Walnut Cabinet.

    Does the ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 come with a Grille?

    DFR52 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 DFR52 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52  with Grille
    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 with Grille

    What's in the Box of ELAC Debut Ref DFR52?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of DFR52:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Outrigger feet (spikes installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Dials
  • 8 Screws
  • Hex-key
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52.

    • 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 DFR52, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for ELAC Debut Ref DFR52

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 speaker:
    Official Brochure for ELAC Debut Ref DFR52

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for ELAC Debut Ref DFR52

    Warranty

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

    ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    ELAC Debut Ref DBR62
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 39-35k Hz
    B&W 603
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    ELAC Debut Ref DCR52
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 55-35k Hz
    Monitor Audio Bronze 500
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-30k Hz
    SVS Prime Tower
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 30-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-6000F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC Debut Reference DFR52
    What is the External Dimensions of ELAC Debut Reference DFR52
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of ELAC Debut Reference DFR52
    is the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 an easy to drive speaker?

    ELAC Debut Ref DFR52 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandELAC
    Full Model NameELAC Debut Reference DFR52
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Rangeup to 140 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response42-35k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionAramid fiber
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter Typedome
    Midrange Size5.25-inch
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1031.0mm ( 40-9/16-inch)
    Width232.0mm ( 9-1/8-inch)
    Depth283.0mm ( 11-1/8-inch)
    Height1031.0mm ( 40-9/16-inch)
    Weight16.77kg ( 36.90 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    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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