89%
ELAC DB52
DB62
DF62
DF52
DC62
DC52
DA42
DOW42
S10.2
IC-D61-W
IC-DT61-W
IW-D61-W
IW-DC51
Dealers selling ELAC near you
A compact monitor that punches above its size with an even-handed, incisive midrange and impressive transient control, the DB52 also projects a wide, immersive soundstage and benefits from a 35kHz treble extension plus a front-ported design for easier placement. Reviewers at What Hi‑Fi? and The Absolute Sound note its solidity and musical composure, delivering rare performance for the price.
Pros
- Even-handed, highly detailed midrange with strong transient control that handles dense mixes with composure.
- Wide, immersive soundstage and coherent imaging that create convincing space for music and home cinema.
- Rigid, braced MDF cabinet and front-firing port improve perceived build quality and make placement less fussy while aiding bass control.
&
Cons
- Upper frequencies can sound a touch bright or grainy on some recordings.
- Strong competition in the value small‑monitor segment means listeners should audition against rivals.
Sound Quality
89/100
Bass
88/100
5.25" woofer with dual flared front ports yields bass that reaches ~46Hz and is tuned by a reflex port. Reviewers note the front-firing port eases placement and the result is authoritative and well-controlled for this driver size, so score sits in the 'excellent for size' band (ported +1 applied).
Mid
90/100
A revised 13cm aramid-fiber mid/bass cone and crossover at 2.2kHz deliver even-handed, balanced midrange with good composure and clarity. Reviewers highlight tonal accuracy and ability to handle aggressive recordings, though not as sweet as some competitors.
Treble
89/100
New wide-surround 1" cloth dome tweeter extends to 35kHz and provides added sparkle and openness without reported harshness. Reviewers credit improved dispersion and top-end extension versus prior model.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Described as producing a wide, solid soundstage with good focus and composure; imaging benefits from the improved driver integration. Reviewers found it capable of creating a convincing sense of space for the class.
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewers praise dynamic expression and timing, noting the speakers handle dense mixes and changes of musical momentum with precision and cohesion. They report the B5.2s convey punch and transient control atypical for the price band.
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Build Quality
88/100
More rigid, braced MDF cabinet and redesigned drivers produce a solid-feeling enclosure with reduced resonances. Reviewers admire the crisp lines and perceived solidity, indicating good execution for the segment.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied: single-pair 5-way binding posts and front-firing ports. No bi-wire, DSP, or special connectivity — score reflects passive-category bounds.
Value for Money
92/100
Reviewers call these 'arguably the most capable budget standmounters' and note they pull ahead of rivals for insight and composure. Strong performance across criteria vs expected price (price not provided) supports a high value rating.
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