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ELAC IW-DC51-W Review
ELAC IW-DC51-W

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer
  • 45-20kHz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 30-120watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6.2500"x16.5000"x3.3750" / 159.0 x 420.0 x 86.0mm
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ELAC IW-DC51-W Review
ELAC IW-DC51-W ELAC IW-DC51-W
See at AMAZON

ELAC IW-DC51-W is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by ELAC. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-20kHz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. ELAC IW-DC51-W has an MSRP of 660$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC IW-DC51-W 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.)


**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 IW-DC51-W Speaker

ELAC IW-DC51-W has a Frequency response range of 45-20kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, IW-DC51-W delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with ELAC IW-DC51-W, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how IW-DC51-W's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
ELAC IW-DC51-W
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
ELAC IW-DC51-W
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

ELAC IW-DC51-W's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
ELAC IW-DC51-W
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the ELAC IW-DC51-W 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 IW-DC51-W 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 IW-DC51-W:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

IW-DC51-W features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

ELAC IW-DC51-W External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC IW-DC51-W has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6.2500-inch x 16.5000-inch x 3.3750-inch (159.0 x 420.0 x 86.0mm ).

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 IW-DC51-W is approximately 361.2cm2 / 56.0inch2.

Cabinet type and Materials

ELAC IW-DC51-W has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of ELAC IW-DC51-W?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of IW-DC51-W:
  • In-wall center-channel speaker
  • Grille
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ELAC IW-DC51-W.

    • 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.

    Warranty

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

    ELAC IW-DC51-W Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
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    Focal 100 IW LCR5
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    JBL Stage 280W
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    Klipsch R-5800-W II
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    Polk Audio RC85i
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    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 50-20kHz
    Klipsch R-5502-W II
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    2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
    Klipsch R-5650-S II
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    2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 60-23kHz
    JBL Studio 2 55IW
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    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 40-20kHz
    Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC IW-DC51-W
    What is the External Dimensions of ELAC IW-DC51-W
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of ELAC IW-DC51-W
    is the ELAC IW-DC51-W an easy to drive speaker?

    ELAC IW-DC51-W Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandELAC
    Full Model NameELAC IW-DC51-W
    Speaker Type2-way In-wall
    Power Range30-120 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response45-20kHz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionWoven Aramid-Fiber
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
    Aimable TweeterNo
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeSpring post
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height159.0mm ( 6.2500-inch)
    Width420.0mm ( 16.5000-inch)
    Depth86.0mm ( 3.3750-inch)
    Height159.0mm ( 6.2500-inch)
    Weightkg ( lbs)
    EnclosureIn-wall
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty3 Years
    Labor Warranty3 Years
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