Elac Debut ConneX DCB61 Powered Speakers Review

AudioSolved.com

22 Jan 2026 — 5 min read

The Elac Debut ConneX DCB61 represents an ambitious entry into the rear ported, powered speaker market, combining HDMI ARC home theater functionality with audiophile-grade stereo performance, and class D 80W RMS per side amplification. These speakers aim to be a genuine all-in-one solution for modern living spaces, and in many ways, they succeed brilliantly.

Design and Build Quality

The DCB61 speakers maintain Elac's reputation for thoughtful industrial design. The cabinets feel substantial and well-damped, with clean lines that suit contemporary interiors. At the heart of each speaker sits a generous 6.5-inch mid-bass driver paired with a notably larger tweeter than you'd typically find in this category. The custom waveguide surrounding the tweeter is immediately apparent and speaks to Elac's commitment to controlled dispersion and imaging.

One distinctive feature is the proprietary 4-pin speaker cable that connects the active and passive speakers. At 5 meters in length, it provides excellent placement flexibility, and the build quality is exceptional. This isn't your standard speaker wire; it's a purpose-designed cable that ensures optimal signal transfer between the two cabinets.

Full Product Info Here

Connectivity: The Good and the Missing

The DCB61's connectivity suite is impressive in its breadth, though not without some curious omissions. The inclusion of HDMI ARC immediately signals that Elac envisions these as a centerpiece for TV audio, and the onboard Dolby Digital decoding means they can handle surround sound sources with ease, downmixing to stereo intelligently.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the bypassable phono preamp is a thoughtful inclusion. You can connect a turntable directly, and if you prefer to use your own external phono stage, you can bypass the internal one entirely. This flexibility is rare at this price point and shows Elac understands their audience.

However, there's a notable absence: no 3.5mm auxiliary input. In an era where many users still want to plug in portable devices, laptops, or older audio equipment via a simple aux cable, this omission feels like an oversight. While the analog RCA phono inputs are available (primarily intended for turntables), you could technically use them with an adapter for other sources. Still, most users will need to rely on Bluetooth or optical connections for devices like phones or laptops, which may frustrate some users.

The volume control's placement on the rear panel is another point of contention. While some may appreciate the clean front aesthetic this allows, daily usability suffers when you need to reach behind the speaker for adjustments. Fortunately, Elac provides both a remote control and the dedicated ConneX app to mitigate this inconvenience.

The ConneX App Experience

The Elac ConneX app is a genuine value-add rather than an afterthought. Beyond basic volume and input selection, it provides access to features like xbass, which adds low-frequency enhancement without muddiness. The app interface is intuitive, works with ios and Android, and having granular control over EQ and other parameters from your smartphone genuinely improves the ownership experience. Combined with the included remote control, you have multiple convenient ways to control the speakers once they're positioned.

Sound Quality

This is where the DCB61 truly shines. The larger 6.5-inch driver delivers bass extension and authority that puts many compact powered speakers to shame. These speakers dig deep enough that many listeners won't feel the need for a subwoofer, even in medium-sized rooms. The bass is tight, rounded and well-controlled, never boomy or overwhelming.

The enhanced tweeter and waveguide contribute to exceptional imaging and a wide, coherent soundstage. Vocals are rendered with clarity and presence, while the top end remains smooth and fatigue-free even during extended listening sessions. The overall tonal balance is slightly warm but never veiled, making them forgiving of lesser recordings while still revealing the nuance in high-quality material.

The Dolby Digital decoding proves effective for movies and TV, creating a convincing sense of space and making dialogue easy to follow. While they can't replicate a true surround system, the DCB61 speakers deliver a far more engaging cinematic experience than any soundbar in their price range.

Comparison with Q Acoustics M20

The Q Acoustics M20 and Elac DCB61 represent different philosophies in powered speaker design. The M20 is more compact and arguably more versatile for desktop or near-field use, with comprehensive streaming features including Chromecast and AirPlay 2. The M20 also includes that crucial 3.5mm input the Elac lacks, and its front-panel volume control is far more accessible.

However, the DCB61 pulls ahead in pure sonic performance. The larger driver and cabinet volume provide significantly more bass extension and dynamic capability. The soundstage is wider and deeper, and the overall presentation feels more ambitious and room-filling. The HDMI ARC input and Dolby Digital processing make the Elac far better suited as a primary TV speaker solution, whereas the M20 is more clearly positioned as a desktop or small-room music system.

If your priority is convenience, streaming features, and desktop use, the M20 has compelling advantages. But if sound quality, home theater integration, and vinyl playback matter most to you, the DCB61 is the more capable performer despite its ergonomic quirks.

Verdict

The Elac Debut ConneX DCB61 powered speakers are an excellent choice for listeners who want serious sound quality combined with modern connectivity. The lack of a 3.5mm input and rear-mounted volume control are frustrating design decisions, but the ConneX app and remote control do soften these compromises.

What you get in return is genuinely impressive audio performance, meaningful bass extension, beautiful imaging, and the flexibility to serve as both a high-quality stereo system and a surprisingly capable TV speaker solution. The bypassable phono stage and quality interconnect cable demonstrate attention to detail that audiophiles will appreciate.

For those seeking a do-it-all speaker system that doesn't sacrifice sound quality for convenience features, the DCB61 deserves serious consideration. Just keep that remote control handy.

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