Floorstanding loudspeakers — ELAC Debut Reference DFR52

The ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 is the floorstanding model of the Debut Reference range, a more upmarket version of the brand's Debut loudspeakers. Designer Andrew Jones developed the range to bring acoustic and visual changes to the Debut series. Each speaker is sold individually at USD 799. Two finishes are offered - a white baffle on an oak cabinet, or a black baffle on a walnut cabinet.

Key specs that matter

The DFR52 is a passive vented three-way tower that combines a 1 inch cloth dome tweeter and three 5.25 inch woofers with aramid fibre cones. ELAC rates the frequency response at 42 Hz to 35,000 Hz and the sensitivity at 87 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m, with a nominal impedance of 6 ohm. The crossover points sit at 90 Hz and 2,200 Hz, and the maximum power input is 140 W. The cabinet measures 185 mm wide, 1,016 mm tall and 242 mm deep, and one speaker is about 16.7 kg.

Engineering and use context

A wide-roll surround holds the cloth tweeter dome, which is mounted in a newly developed waveguide and sits behind an open-aperture grille, both chosen by ELAC for a linear high frequency response. The two lower units work as woofers below the first crossover point, while the third covers everything up to the tweeter. The CARB2 rated MDF enclosure is reinforced with a full perimeter brace joining the top and side panels, which ELAC applies to lessen vibration of the enclosure, while the MDF panels are thicker than in the standard Debut models. A new cast basket for the woofers adds stiffness, strengthening the front baffle and reducing chassis resonance. Venting is handled by three dual flared slot ports, a form the maker uses to deliver high output with minimal vent noise. Speaker cables attach to five-way metal posts. A magnetic fabric grille is included, so no mounting holes interrupt the two-tone front baffle when the grille is removed.

Pairing

Its easy impedance and above-average efficiency keep the DFR52 within reach of mainstream stereo amplifiers or home cinema receivers, whose usual output fits its power rating. The Debut Reference line also includes a matching centre channel and bookshelf models, allowing a front stage of the same finish and driver technology for home cinema use.

Alternatives

The ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 is the floorstander from the standard Debut 2.0 line, sharing the three-way layout with 86 dB sensitivity and a black ash vinyl cabinet.