Debut ConneX DCB41 Powered Speakers

Everything needed for Hi-Fi Audio in a tiny footprint.

The ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 Powered Monitor Speakers

The Debut ConneX DCB41 powered bookshelf speakers define how simple it can be to deliver a premium audio experience for both, movies and music. Featuring a wide variety of inputs (HDMI ARC, Analog/Phono, Optical, USB and Bluetooth), and matched with optimally designed drivers and amplifiers, the DCB41 delivers a truly exceptional audio experience.

Flexible Connection Options

Connect to just about anything with a wide number of input options including: HDMI ARC, USB Audio (PC/Mac), Bluetooth (aptX), Digital/Optical, and Analog/Phono.

Built-In, High-Quality Amplifiers

The Debut Connex speakers feature two 50-Watt Class D amplifiers built directly into the speaker.

These amplifiers have been acoustically matched to the ConneX drivers and are designed to run cool and efficient.

Enhanced Bass Response

ConneX includes Elac’s proprietary XBass Enhancer, providing a better overall bass extension and output (can be turned off).

For better lower frequency extension and to minimize ventilation noise, the bass reflex port on the DCB41 is directed to the rear, in an “S” configuration.

HDMI ARC

Connect the HDMI ARC output from your compatible television and your TV’s remote control will control the volume of the Debut Connex speakers.

USB Connection - High-Res 96Khz 24-bit

Connect a USB cable from your Windows or Mac computer to the USB input on the DCB41, and you can enjoy high-resolution audio playback up to 96kHz 24-bit. The speakers’ volume can be controlled by the computer’s volume control.

Bluetooth with aptX

Playback your favorite music or podcast from your phone, tablet or computer using Bluetooth. To ensure the best possible quality the DCB41’s feature aptX technology delivering true CD quality audio from compatible phones.

Built-In Phono Preamp

The switchable built-in phono pre-amp allows you to connect just about any turntable directly to the speakers using standard RCA cables. A ground screw is also included. Turn off if you prefer not to use.

Product Specifications
Speaker Type
Bass Reflex / Powered
Amplifier Power
50 Watts x2
Tweeter
3/4″ Soft Dome
Woofer
4-1/2″ Polypropylene
Frequency Response
66Hz—25,000Hz (Anechoic)
50Hz—25,000Hz (In-Room)
Maximum System Output
102dB @ 1m
Inputs
HDMI (ARC)
USB (96kHz 24-Bit)
Analog Line/Phono (Switchable)
Optical
Bluetooth (AptX)
Outputs
Subwoofer and Speaker
Remote Control
Yes (Infrared)
Included Accessories
Remote Control
Batteries
HDMI Cable
Speaker Wire
Power Cord
Rubber Feet
Grilles
Firmware Upgradeable
Yes (USB)
Voltage
120-240 Volts
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5-1/2″ x 9-5/8″ x 8″ (Each Speaker)
Weight
Powered Speaker: 7.6 lbs
Passive Speaker: 6.3 lbs

Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 review

A neat, affordable and talented entry into the speaker systems market 

Are you looking for a neat, good-sounding but affordable hi-fi system? If so, Elac’s Debut ConneX DCB41 might just be perfect for you. It is a powered set-up where one speaker contains all the electronics, including the 2 x 50 watts of amplification, while the other is a conventional passive design. 

Build & features

The two speakers are linked with a standard, supplied speaker cable. Unlike with pricer alternatives such as Triangle’s AIO Twin or the KEF LSX II, there aren’t any network streaming smarts included here, so you need to supply the source. This can be an aptX Bluetooth signal from your phone, or anything digital that directly connects through the USB (Type B), optical or HDMI inputs. That addition of HDMI ARC is a smart touch and opens up the ConneX to be used with TVs.

Analogue users haven’t been ignored either. There’s a single set of stereo RCAs that can be switched between being a line-level or a moving magnet phono input. In an ideal world, we would have liked a coax (digital) and maybe another analogue line-level input, but it is fair to say that Elac has covered most bases well.

We have a few complaints, though. The volume knob, which toggles through the inputs when pressed, is awkwardly positioned on the back panel. You could just use the supplied remote of course, but that’s not always conveniently to hand. Elsewhere, it would be nice to have some indication of volume level. At the moment there isn’t anything, which could lead to unpleasant surprises when swapping sources.

The Debut Connex DCB41 doesn’t take up much space. The individual units stand around a hand-span high, fitting into most places with ease. Build quality is pleasing, good and solid. These speakers would be right at home on a desktop, but can also work in a decently-sized room provided you don’t require party levels.

As befits a product of this type, the ConneX speakers don’t prove overly fussy about placement, though they do work best when given a little space to breathe and situated on a solid, low resonance support. Proper speaker stands would be ideal, of course, but we understand that such supports aren’t a practical solution for some.

Sound

These Elac are equipped with a small 10cm mid/bass unit and a 19mm soft dome tweeter. The low frequencies are tuned by a rear-firing slot reflex port, and stay pretty controlled even when placed relatively close to a rear wall and, just as commendably, when we boost the bass by using the XBass setting from the remote. This setting adds a welcome dose of weight to the sound, but can easily sound a little too obvious, so we end up leaving it off.

If you want to hear this system at its best use the digital inputs. Used this way it is a clear, balanced and insightful performer. There’s a good level of detail here and the ability to organise that information into a cohesive and musical whole. As we listen to a range of music from Sorrows Away by folk group The Unthanks to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, it becomes clear that this is a surprisingly capable performer. 

The overall presentation is controlled and even-handed in the manner of Elac’s award-winning Debut 2.0 series of passive speakers. It isn’t the most thrilling of presentations – Triangle’s more expensive AIO Twin is a more energetic performer – but the understated way this system goes about its job is eminently likeable. This is a product that fades into the background, leaving the music to take the limelight.

This can only be done if there are no obvious areas of weakness, and that’s the case here. Nothing jars or distracts from the music being played. The Elacs’ presentation is nicely judged in the sense that it’s a little rounded to keep the system unfussy about recording quality, but not so much that better signals suffer. We happily switch between Bluetooth and the other digital inputs without issue, despite it being clear that the wireless link is the most limited sonically. 

Try the line-level analogue input and there is a small loss in transparency and openness, but the Elacs’ strengths are preserved. It remains informative and enjoyable. It is only when we come to the phono stage that we’re left a little disappointed. This phono stage is fine for occasional use, but sounds a little too opaque and lacking in dynamic expression to keep our interest for long. If vinyl replay is a priority, we would suggest budgeting for an outboard phono stage such as the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

Verdict

We’re big fans of systems such as this. They’re neat, well-featured and the best of the breed represents excellent value. Given the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41’s aggressive pricing (£529 / $595 / AU$900), it earns a rich recommendation from us.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 4
• Features 4