ELAC may have lost Andrew Jones to the folks over at MoFi Electronics, but the German loudspeaker manufacturer is maintaining its focus on high performance loudspeakers that are affordable. It’s the right strategy and products like the Elac Debut ConneX™ are going to find a lot of interested consumers if the sound quality has not taken a step backward from the current crop.
Elac’s newly announced Debut ConneX™ is the latest in their powered speaker line-up and we can already picture this powered Bluetooth loudspeaker in a myriad of locations; office, college dorm, bedroom, and even the cottage.
The company has also wisely chosen to include an internal switchable phono preamp and that’s going to appeal to the Andover Audio, U-Turn Audio, and Pro-Ject Debut crowd who don’t want the added expense of an external phono stage for their turntable. Simplifying things and reducing cable clutter is a huge win with most people.
Elac Debut ConneX Overview
The Elac Debut ConneX™ system (model DCB41) consists of one powered speaker and one passive speaker that are linked together. You can select either speaker for use as the left or right channel.
The powered (primary) speaker houses the amplifiers for both speakers. There is no need to connect the speakers to an additional amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver. The primary speaker includes all the physical source connections as well as Bluetooth antenna. The audio signals needed for the passive (secondary) speaker are transferred from the primary speaker via traditional speaker terminals and wire.
HDMI-ARC/CEC Support: HDMI-ARC allows you to listen to TV sound by providing access to the HDMI-CEC feature on your TV. This enables you to use your TV’s remote to control the volume of the Debut ConneX speakers. Elac also provides a dedicated remote control for the Debut ConneX if you prefer.
Vinyl Support: The Debut ConneX speakers have a built-in switchable phono preamp. This means you can connect both traditional turntables and turntables with their own built-in phono preamp. MM carts need only apply in this scenario.
USB Input: This allows connection to a PC for listening to music files (No drivers necessary). When connected to a PC or Mac you can use them to control speaker volume. High-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/96kHz is part of the package.
Tip: The USB port on the Debut ConneX™ is a type “B” connection.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth receiver supports aptX allowing for “CD-quality” audio streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers. Using Bluetooth, you can stream from compatible platforms like Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, and Amazon Music HD.
Subwoofer Output: A dedicated subwoofer output allows connection to an external powered subwoofer which will be a personal preference for those gaming or watching movies through the system.
Specifications
- Model Number: DCB41
- Speaker Type: (1) Powered Speaker, (1) Passive Speaker, Bass Reflex (rear port).
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Amplifier Power: 50 Watts x 2 (no standardized reference provided)
- Tweeter: 3/4-inch Soft Dome (each speaker)
- Woofer: 4-1/2-inch Polypropylene (each speaker)
- Frequency Response
- 66Hz—25,000Hz (Anechoic)
- 50Hz—25,000Hz (In-Room)
- Maximum System Output (SPL): 102dB @ 1m
- Dimensions (WHD for Each Speaker): 5-1/2 x 9-5/8 x 8-inches
- Weight:
- Powered Speaker: 7.6 lbs
- Passive Speaker: 6.3 lbs
- Finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, and Royal Blue
Connections
- HDMI (ARC/CEC)
- USB (24-bit/96kHz)
- Analog Line/Phono (Switchable)
- Digital Optical
- Bluetooth (aptX)
- Subwoofer Line/Preamp output
- Passive Speaker terminals
Included Accessories
- Remote Control
- Batteries
- HDMI Cable
- Speaker Wire
- Power Cord
- Rubber Feet
- Speaker Grilles
Availability & Pricing
The ELAC Debut ConneX™ powered speakers (model DCB41) are available for $599.98/pair at elac.com and through authorized Elac distributors/dealers.
Stefan B
September 17, 2022 at 8:03 am
Designed by ELAC. Assembled in China. So where is it actually MADE? Let me guess.
Then most important of all..What does it SOUND like?
Ian White
September 17, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Stefan,
What is the point of your anger in regard to where it is made? We know where it is made. In the same place where 100 other brands are making products. Should they be making them in America, Canada, Germany, France, UK? Absolutely.
Are you willing to pay 30% more for them?
Ian White
Shelly H
September 19, 2022 at 4:32 am
Isn’t Elac a Danish company. (You said Germ
Brian Mitchell
September 19, 2022 at 8:26 am
“ELAC began on September 1, 1926 in Kiel, Germany, when Electroacustic GmbH was founded…” from ELAC’s About page.
Gus
September 18, 2022 at 7:56 pm
This is what I want. I’ve been waiting for the new svs pro prime wireless powered speakers to release but can’t find any news on that. $200 less also. If I don’t hear anything soon I may go with these.