Best Bookshelf Speakers 2024 - Rolling Stone
Five Stars – What Hi-Fi? Magazine
Add High-Fidelity Audio Almost Anywhere
Delivering massive sound in a small package and offering an unprecedented number of connection options, ELAC's Debut ConneX DCB41 powered speakers make it easy to add high-fidelity audio just about anywhere you need it. The built in power amplifier offers 50-watts-per-channel of compelling sound, which is easily enough to fill a mid-size room with music.
A premium audio experience doesn't need to be complicated. These new powered bookshelf speakers combine the simplicity and versatility of a traditional soundbar with the performance of high quality bookshelf speakers.
"Shockingly Good," Raves Rolling Stone
"If you’re looking for some easy-to-setup, dependable bookshelf speakers that sound way better than their price point, look no further than these Debut ConneX speakers from ELAC," notes Rolling Stone, which honored the ConneX as the magazine's Best Bookshelf Speakers 2024. "The bass from the speakers' 4.5-inch woofers (one on each) is shockingly good, and balances very well with their 3/4-inch tweeters."
Five Stars – What Hi-Fi? Magazine
"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, it earns a rich recommendation from us," raves What Hi-Fi? Magazine, December 14, 2022, which honored the ConneX with its top rating of Five Stars.
"Little powered speakers are a dime-a-dozen. With the Debut ConneX DCB41, ELAC has made a truly useful and flexible modern mini speaker that doesn't scrimp on sound quality," reports Carlo Lo Raso, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, October 31, 2022.
A Much Better Alternative to a Soundbar
With the majority of modern televisions offering both streaming movie and music services, people are turning to their televisions more and more as their source for musical enjoyment. While soundbars offer great conveniences and improved audio over TV sound, they do not offer compelling stereo imaging or stereo separation found even in the most affordable stereo systems. The Debut ConneX powered speakers solve this issue and offer a great features set.
Equipped with a wide variety of inputs, Debut ConneX lends itself to a variety of applications. They are ideal for everything from a dorm room audio system, game room system, and an aspiring home DJ.
ConneX includes Elac’s proprietary XBass Enhancer, providing a better overall bass extension and output, and it can be turned off. if you like. For best 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 Support
Here's a great feature you seldom see with powered speakers. The ConneX speakers offer HDMI ARC support. Simply connect the HDMI ARC output from your compatible television and your TV’s remote control will now control the volume of the Debut ConneX speakers, greatly simplifying operation.
Ready for Your Turntable
If you're a vinyl junkie or are just getting into LPs, you will appreciate the fact that the Debut ConneX speakers have a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to directly connect your turntable without the need for an external phono stage. The connection supports turntables with an MM moving magnet phono cartridge, ensuring that almost any turntable can be plugged in and enjoyed. If you already have a dedicated phono preamp which you prefer to use, the built-in phono stage can be defeated with the flick of a switch. A ground screw is also included to combat turntable hum caused by a ground loop.
USB Input for Your Computer
Lots of us like to store or stream AV content from our computers, and the ConneX was designed with this kind of hook-up in mind. The USB connection on the Debut ConneX speakers delivers a digital connection to your PC so that all your music and movie content is not compromised. No drivers are necessary for both Windows and macOS, and the volume of the speakers can now be controlled with the PC. High-resolution content up to 96Khz 24-bit is supported.
Bluetooth Support with aptX
Bluetooth provides a very convenient way of enjoying musical content, and the sound quality is much improved from the early days of Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth receiver built into the speakers supports the aptX codec allowing for CD-quality audio streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers. In conjunction with High-resolution streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD, you can enjoy CD-quality music wirelessly.
Subwoofer Output
For even more musical might than the ConneX speakers already deliver, you can bring on the bass by adding your own subwoofer (optional, sold separately). A dedicated subwoofer output allows for connection to a powered subwoofer, delivering enhanced bass response for both movies and music.
Multiple Finish Options
The Debut ConneX speakers are available in Black Ash, Walnut, and Royal Blue finishes, allowing for easy blending into just about any environment.
