ELAC DCR52 Center Channel Speaker Operational Guide

ELAC DCR52 Center Channel Speaker

Specifications

• ENCLOSURE TYPE: 2-Way Bass Reflex
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 55Hz – 35000hz
• NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8 Ohms
• SENSITIVITY: 87db @ 2.83v/1m
• CROSSOVER FREQUENCY : 2200Hz
• MAX POWER INPUT: 120 Watts
• TWEETER: 1″ Cloth Dome
• WOOFER: 2 x 5.25 Inch Aramid Fiber
• CABINET: CARB2 Rated MDF
• CABINET FINISH: White Baffle, Oak Cabinet or Black Baffle, Walnut Cabinet
• PORT: 3 x Dual Flared
• BINDING POSTS: 5-Way Metal
• DIMENSIONS (W X H X D ): 20.74” x 9.52” x 7.28”
• WEIGHT (LB. / KG): 26 / 10.1

Introduction

The ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 Displays the Engineering and Style of Andrew Jones. The ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 is a center-channel speaker designed to reproduce conversation, effects, nuances, and voices with engaging realism and immediacy. It was specifically made to go with Debut Reference tower and bookshelf speakers to create a high-value, high-performance surround system. Jones and crew made sure Debut Reference DCR52 stood up to its name because the original Debut Series didn’t feature a center-channel model.

Safety Instructions

1. General information

   • Please read and follow these safety instructions.
   • Keep them safe for future reference.
   • Observe all warnings on the speaker and in the manual. Please check the speaker for damage before use. The speaker must be in perfect working condition. Damaged parts may lead to personal injury.

2. Use only as directed

   • Connect the speaker(s) according to the instructions in the manual.
   • Many ELAC speakers are equipped with spikes and/or anti-slip feet. They are explicitly provided for leveling the speaker. For leveling on an uneven floor, unscrew the spikes or anti-slip feet by 2-3 turns of thread. The speaker should always be in perfect vertical alignment: the stability of the speaker must not be compromised by using spikes or anti-slip feet as the speaker may tip-over.

3. Location

   • Install the speakers on a level surface only

   • When choosing the location of these speakers do not place them in locations that are:

   • In direct sunlight

   • Very humid

   • Prone to vibrations

   • Exceptionally hot or cold

   • Near CRT Televisions (the speakers are not magnetically shielded and may cause color issues with a CRT based TV)

   • Close to magnetic cards (Since the speakers are not magnetically shielded placing magnetic cards such as credit cards or commuter cards may cause them to fail).
     WARNING! Please ensure the product is perfectly stable to avoid injury from tip-over. Please note, that stability can be increased by using spikes on carpeted surfaces. However, the mounting of spikes must be carried out carefully due to their very sharp ends which may cause injuries. The stability on slippery floors can be increased by using Velcro fastening tape or double- sided adhesive tape. Do not install the speaker near any heat sources such as radiators, heating valves, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat, or in areas where there is a risk of explosion.

   • Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

   • Do not install the speaker in a closed rack or in a closed cupboard.

   • Do not put burning candles on or near the speaker.

   • Do not install the speaker near transformers because electromagnetic stray fields can cause hum noise on woofers.

   • In combination with certain materials / lacquers / material surfaces, anti-slip feet or spike washers may cause colored imprints on the surfaces.

4. Overload Extreme overload of the device due to very high volume may cause damage to individual components. Because of the possible danger, you should never leave loudspeakers under extreme overload conditions unattended.

5. Service
   DANGER! Do not open the cabinet because the components and conductors may carry current! Servicing to be carried out by qualified service personnel only.  Servicing is required when the loudspeaker has been damaged in any way, such as damage to the power supply cord or the plug, or when liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen onto the loudspeaker, the speaker has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the loudspeaker. Servicing should be carried out by qualified service personnel only.

6. Cleaning
   NOTE: Clean only with soft, smooth cloth or with dust brush. Do not use scouring agents, alcohol, benzene, furniture polish or other agents for cleaning! Modern furniture is often coated with multiple varnishes and plastics which can be treated with chemical agents. Some of these agents contain substances which degrade or soften the rubber feet. Therefore we advise that you place an anti-slip mat underneath the loudspeaker(s).

7. Volume
   CAUTION! Continuous high volume may cause severe damage to your hearing. Please listen responsibly.

8. Disposal The packaging is made from recyclable materials. Dispose of this in an environmentally friendly manner. At end of life do not dispose of the speaker(s) with standard household waste. The speaker must be recycled in accordance with local legislation. Ask your local government for further information on recycling as the device contains valuable raw materials. Disable the speaker(s) before disposal.

Philosophy

Thank you for purchasing this ELAC product.

Since the time we started (1926), ELAC has always striven to achieve the very best.

Your new ELAC speakers are built to the highest standards using high-quality components that are carefully constructed to deliver the best-in-class sound quality. They are developed by a passionate group of individuals whose soul purpose is to bring a new dimension of sound quality into your home. Enjoy!

Before Use

Avoid damage to the speakers and other components:

• Carefully unbox the speakers carefully to avoid physically damaging your speakers.
• Use appropriate gauge wires (minimum of 16 gauge wire for runs up to 25 feet).
• Make sure wire polarity is connected correctly. Most speaker cables are coded for ease of use. Make sure positive (red) connection on the amplifier terminal is connected to the positive (red) on your speakers. Follow the same instructions for the negative side. Strip off approximately 1/2”of the insulation from the ends of the speaker cable, twist the bare strands and insert into the binding post.
• Ensure your equipment is turned off before connecting speakers.
• Check to ensure positive and negative wires are not touching each other once they’re connected to the speaker terminals.

Outrigger Feet & Spike Installation (DFR52 Only)

Using the included out trigger feet provide a wider support base for speaker cabinet. The included spikes improve stability on uneven surfaces and thickly carpeted floors. Please, use caution when dealing with spikes as they are sharp.

IMPORTANT! In order to prevent scratching or damage the cabinet, turn the speaker upside down onto a soft surface while you attach the outrigger feet and spikes. We highly recommend a second person help with this process.

1. Attach the outrigger feet with provided machine screws (see fig. A).
2. Screw in the spikes as shown in FIG.B. The speaker can now be turn back over. Please, be careful when handling the speaker with the spikes installed. If you have hard wood tile floors, please use the provided floor discs (fig. B).
3. Using the supplied allen wrench adjust the height of the spikes until the speaker sits level and all four spikes are touching the floor (fig. C).
4. Once the speaker is level, use the supplied covers to lock the spikes into place (fig. D).

Installing and Removing the Grills

The mesh grills of your Debut Reference speakers are designed to be removable if desired. To remove it, hold the top or bottom edges of the grill and pull gently. To replace the grill, align the edges of the grills with the edges of the cabinet. The grill will be positioned and hold in place by the magnets incorporated in the grill.

Speaker Placement

Achieve maximum performance and optimal sound quality from your ELAC Reference speakers with proper speaker placement and set-up. While not all rooms are the same, use the following guidelines to configure the speakers for your particular room. There are no “exact” rules or boundaries in setting up your speakers but the following suggestions will help optimize your desired results. Remember the best sound set-up is what sounds best for you so don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments to the placement and directivity of the speakers.

Place the speakers approximately one to two feet away (fig. 1) from boundaries such as wall(s) and especially corners. Close proximity to a side or rear wall will enhance bass performance (output), but being too close (particularly to a corner) may result in bass that is unnatural. If a corner location is unavoidable, try to position the loudspeaker so that the distance to the rear wall is not equal to the distance to the side wall.

Stereo Setup

• For the best results and the most realistic stereo image and lifelike sound, place the speakers so that an equilateral triangle (fig. 2) is created between the speakers and your favorite listening position. This set up creates the optimum imaging performance.
• If you find that your DBR52 left and right speakers are too far apart, angle (toe in) them towards the listening position to gain a more focused central image.

Surround Sound Setup

Whether you use the DBR62 bookshelf or the DFR52 floorstanding speakers for a 5.1-channel surround set-up, avoid placing the surround speakers forward of your listening position. The surround speakers should be spread apart wider than the front speakers. In addition, elevate the speakers to the same height or slightly higher as the front speakers for the most enveloping sound field. Like the front speakers, you may need to experiment with the positioning by pointing the rear surround speakers towards the listening area.

Center Speaker Setup

The ELAC DCR52 center channel speaker is designed to produce dialog sounds and should be positioned above or below (fig. 3) your television. Align it with the center of the television. As much as possible, try to keep the DCR52 close to the same level (height) as your front speakers for a more even sound stage. Keeping the same height for the center channel can be very challenging so it might be necessary to tilt the center speaker up (if too low) or down (if too high), to aim it towards the listening area.

Optimal results for the center are obtained by setting the receiver/processor center channel size to small. If you have a choice, set the crossover frequency to 80Hz.

ELAC Americas Inc.

North America Limited Liability Warranty

Passive Speakers (No Built-in Amplifier)

ELAC Americas Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that this product be free from defects and or workmanship for a period of 3 (Three) years from the original date of purchase. During this time period, repair or replacement of parts will be free of charge to the original owner (See below limitations). Shipping to and return from the repair center will be the responsibility of the original purchaser.

Limitations

• Warranty begins on the date of original purchase from an authorized ELAC Americas Inc. dealer.
• Product is warranted only if used in home applications within the max power rating specified in this manual. Commercial use of this product is not warranted.
• Product that has been modified or altered in anyway will not be warranted.
• Product that has been abused or subjected to faulty equipment will not be warranted.
• Products with defaced or removed serial numbers will not be warranted.

If service is required

In the event that service is required, please contact ELAC America at 888-541-0996 or at customerservice@elac.us to arrange for service or replacement. You will be responsible to provide proof of purchase (Copy or original sales receipt). Shipping to and from our repair center will be the responsibility of the original purchaser.

Warranty Outside of North America

This warranty applies to products purchased in the United States and Canada. For warranty claims outside of North America please contact the local dealer/distributor in the country of purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use my center speaker to mount my TV?****

By connecting your TV to an audio system or soundbar in TV center speaker mode or S-Center speaker mode, you may use it as your center speaker. Using your TV as your center speaker allows conversations to sound genuine because you can hear them from the screen and its surroundings.

Can I use a speaker from a bookshelf as the center?****

Yes, if you don’t have a dedicated center, using a bookshelf speaker of the same kind is OK. In fact, this technique is used by Dolby Labs and several audio professionals to create audio.

What is the purpose of a center speaker?****

The center channel speaker in a home theatre system is crucial since it reproduces about 70% of the dialogue from films and television shows. Without one, you’re missing out on crucial information from what you’re watching.

Any speaker may serve as the center speaker, right?****

Any speaker (aside from a subwoofer) can be used as your center channel, but ideally you should choose one with a horizontal cabinet design as opposed to a vertical or square one.

Are center speakers suitable for playing music?****

If you are only setting up your system for music, a center channel speaker is usually not necessary. The majority of music is composed with stereo in mind. After being blended into both speakers, the main audio tracks, including vocals, normally play in either the right or left speaker.

What is the frequency response?****

55Hz – 35000hz

What is the impedance?****

The impedance is 8 ohms.

Are the Center speakers loud enough?****

No, when tuned properly, the middle shouldn’t be louder than the fronts. Because of the setup’s numbers, the center is not louder (or not as loud). You can make use of these adjustments to account for differences in speaker model loudness.

Are sound bars preferable to center speakers?****

In the end, it would be a mistake to use a soundbar as a center channel speaker. If you want to invest in a home audio system, decide between a soundbar (and subwoofer) or a set of surround sound speakers. The former is less expensive; however the latter frequently offers greater sound quality.

Are larger center speakers preferable?****

Frequently, the central speaker should be positioned directly beneath the TV. This should be at or close to ear level in order to most faithfully reproduce the sound coming from the TV. The second-best position, if you can’t put it there, is directly above the TV.

Should the front speakers and center speaker match?****

Because it should still match the tonality of the front left and right speakers, it is strongly advised to get the center speaker from the same manufacturer as the left and right speakers.

What dB level should the center speaker have?****

Anything greater than this could irritate your ears or cause them harm if you are too close to the speakers. The most accurate way to gauge how loud your speakers are is with an SPL meter.

How should I pick the center speaker?****

Always seek out center channel speakers with a “three-way design” with vertically aligned tweeter and midrange.

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