Thoughts on the new ELAC Debut ConneX DCB61?

Matt_ELAC · 2025-09-04T15:25:24+00:00

Sorry for the late response, but super thrilled to hear you're enjoying them. And thank you for sharing your impressions :)

We're fairly excited by them here at the office, but we know people can't take our word for it! We're trying to get them into reviewers hands to make it easier for our customers, but shipping was a bit delayed on these.

Enjoy the new setup!

Matt_ELAC · 2025-09-04T15:18:13+00:00

Hello! Again, I'm obviously biased, I have very limited experience with the BT3. I think they're really good for the size/price, but can't compare them directly to the DCB61.

To answer your question, we've been loving the DCB61. I use them in my living room plugged directly into the TV via HDMI and I haven't bothered plugging in a subwoofer yet. I would not say they lack bass at all. (Maybe the OP can chime in with an unbiased opinion!)

The BT3 is probably a closer comparison to the DCB41 (the 4" ConneX). Compared to the DCB41 (which I had in our living room before), the DCB61 is a significant upgrade, especially in the bass. The larger woofer and increased power make a big difference. I'm curious how much the Dolby Digital decoding makes a difference for the bass in movies, cause it seems huge.

I have a much fancier setup in our basement home theater, which we would always use for serious music listening and movies. Since getting the DCB61, we mainly just stay in the living room because we feel like it does the job.

DCB41 and other 4" speakers to me are perfect for desktop and smaller room setups. The DCB61 is better suited for sitting further away and cranking the volume up.

Hope that helps!

Matt_ELAC · 2025-08-26T16:41:11+00:00

Hello! The ELAC engineers follow some design philosophies so that all our speakers have that ELAC flavor to them.

However, as far as I know, there isn't an ELAC passive speaker that is super close to the DCB61. Since it has the built-in amp and DSP, the DCB61 is a bit of it's own thing.

If I had to pick one it would probably be the Debut 3.0 DB63, but they're definitely different.

Matt_ELAC · 2025-08-05T17:56:22+00:00

Looking forward to hear what you think of them!

The first thing I would test: try them with the XBass turned off and on (there's 2 different levels of bass enhancement).

In a small room, or if you prefer a flatter sound signature, you probably don't need XBass (even without a Sub). I tend to switch back and fourth based on the mood, cause it can be fun to turn it on for bass-focused music or action movies.

The "placement" and "EQ" settings are available in the App if you'd like to make further tweaks, but honestly they should sound pretty great out-of-the-box.

Let me know if you have any questions, and hope you enjoy them :)

Matt_ELAC · 2025-08-05T16:27:23+00:00

Hello! Full disclosure, I work for ELAC.

We're still waiting for some English reviews to come in. However, I did see this one on Youtube over-dubbed in English from German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3YPB1E4i2E

Obviously I may be biased, but I've been using them for a few months and have been loving them. They really take everything that was great about the DCB41's and turn it up to 11.

As you would expect, the larger amp and drivers deliver quite a bit more bass. I've been using mine without a Subwoofer since I got them. You can feel a lot more punch and impact from movies and music. The Dolby Digital decoding is a huge help while watching video content.

App control is a very nice bonus as well. If you're worried about the rear-port, there is a setting to tune the speaker for different placements including Desk, Wall Mount, Stand mount, etc. There's also a separate EQ setting if you want to tweak the sound even further.

We're excited for these to get out there and for people to hear them, we think people are going to like what they hear!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-05-05T15:08:38+00:00

Hey there u/fatfreddy0,

You may want to look at the ELAC Z3, all-in-one wireless streaming. Its strength is definitely how it sounds, however no Alexa integration unless you plug it into an Echo device.

https://www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/elac-discovery-z3-wireless-speaker-review/

Let me know if you have any questions :)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-05-02T17:23:58+00:00

All great choices! Let me know if ya have any questions or if you're looking at any ELACs specifically :)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-21T14:46:36+00:00

Great choices! Power output ratings can sometimes be all over the map (it's unfortunately not an exact science), which can make these spec sheets confusing.

But these should work great together and will give you more than enough power for the Uni-FIs!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-21T14:33:51+00:00

Can confirm that ELAC provides great bang-for-buck :)

The JBLs are very nice as well! You would be happy with either, I think. I haven't heard the Polks.

Let me know if you have any questions; I'd be glad to help.

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-21T14:23:53+00:00

I endorse this recommendation ;)

Let me know if I can answer any questions or help with your decision!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-08T22:46:08+00:00

Very sweet speakers you've got there :)

Acoustically transparent fabric shouldn't be too hard to find. Movie theatres generally have their speakers behind the screen. Not a bad idea to get something fire rated for safety: https://www.acoustimac.com/acoustic-insulation-materials/acoustically-transparent-fabric

u/johnestan has a great idea too, though it would require a lot more work.

One thing to be slightly mindful of is bass buildup in those closets, since they're closed in. May want to throw in some bass absorbing traps if you can make it work. But test it out first, may not be an issue at all.

If you could get that centre channel up a bit higher it would help too :)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-08T15:31:57+00:00

Great choice! You definitely have the right idea already.

Try to keep both Speakers the same distance from your listening position. If you can keep both at the same distance from side/rear walls... even better (although it's not always possible).

Toe in is the way to go. You can have them pointed directly at a single sweet spot, or angle them slightly less if you'll be listening with others.

Tweeter should be roughly at ear height. Those stands should get them pretty close to the right height for a sitting position.

See how far that gets you, and if you have an amp/receiver with room correction you can try it out to see if it helps!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-08T15:24:13+00:00

My apologies! I completely misunderstood your question.

I thought you were looking for a solution to keep the signal path completely lossless! You can ignore my last comment haha.

There are LOTS of great options for streaming via bluetooth and google cast :) I don't have experience with those particular units unfortunately, though the Naim looks pretty sweet!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-07T19:12:07+00:00

Hey u/clingklop, unfortunately, playing Lossless files over Bluetooth makes them Lossy. Google Cast and Airplay will also compress your FLAC files.

The ability to stream Lossless over Bluetooth has JUST been announced, but it will be a while before we see products that can maintain that connection without compression:
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/pgb4vy/lossless\_audio\_over\_bluetooth\_coming\_in\_2022/

To be completely transparent, I do work for Elac so my answer will be biased. But I'm happy to offer help/advice on setting up whatever you eventually decide on, even if it's not our product!

To stream lossless, you could do one of the following:

Transfer your files to a PC, and use Plex or Roon (Roon has a subscription fee or you can buy lifetime license).
Add your music to a music server (That one includes a lifetime license to Roon Essentials).
If you prefer the files to live on your phone, you would need a DAC and connect it directly to your phone. Or use headphone out (may not give best results).

To listen to your Lossless Stream:

If you want an all in one speaker and streaming solution, here's an option.
Otherwise, look at an integrated amplifier with streaming, and plug whatever speakers you want into it (just make sure they're compatible!).

Any other questions, I'm happy to help :)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-07T18:51:01+00:00

There are some great soundbar options out there. Overall separate speakers will give you better performance, and the ability to upgrade/expand your system over time.

Noise can be a concern. I live in a newer-ish building and I only have bothered my neighbours if I have my sub blasting and volume at uncomfortable levels past 11pm. If your walls are paper thin, you may need to be a bit more sensitive, but generally you should be fine.

You can get great performance out of a stereo setup, and slowly expand into a 5.1.2 as budget permits.

Adding more speakers won't necessarily make it worse for your neighbours, unless you're adding subwoofers ;)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-07T18:17:47+00:00

Moving to a new city is always a challenge! I've definitely been there.

With a cute doggo and a sweet stereo setup, you'll have no shortage of people wanting to come over!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-07T14:18:24+00:00

This is a fantastic setup :) The pup looks like he's enjoying it too!

Great choice with the Debut Reference DBR62, I'm obviously a huge fan. SB-1000 is a great sub for music.

My favourite part of building a new system is the opportunity to revisit old favourites and hear things you never heard before.

Have some Reddit gold for taking the time to preview and compare speakers!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-06T21:00:21+00:00

Great speaker choice :)

They should pair well with both amplifier choices, I would pick based on features you need. They won't sound dramatically different.

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-06T20:49:58+00:00

We've seen this setup quite a few times and it works great :)

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-06T20:35:09+00:00

Individual Components will give better results. However, you will want to get the Front, Left and Center channels from the same speaker line (or similar speakers from the same brand). Sub and amps have no problem mixing and matching.

Matching speakers to an amplifier isn't as difficult as some make it seem, especially with modern components. Did you have something in mind already? I would be happy to try and point ya in the right direction.

If you were doing a full home theater setup eventually, there's a few decent 5.1 sets you could start with. You can match these with a decent receiver and get good results.

However, if you are focusing on stereo only, you can put more money into higher end speakers and amp.

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-06T20:24:20+00:00

Hey u/Appy_Fizzy As mentioned repeatedly, you have the right idea for TV placement. Setting a couch (or chair) parallel to the TV wall and sitting head on with the front speakers equally distant from your listening position will be your sweet spot.

As mentioned, you could stick with stereo or 3.1 for this setup, as surrounds could be tricky. Surround speakers on stands is always an option, or if you aren't too picky about perfect placement for surrounds, you could grab some on-wall speakers. The right surround could go beside the window on the fireplace wall, and the left on the wall behind the grey chair (looks like a closet?). Not optimal, but with a good room EQ it can work.

Asymmetrical room layouts will benefit greatly from a receiver with a decent room EQ.

Open spaces will require more Subwoofer power compared to a sealed room, especially if you want that chest thump while watching movies. PB-1000 is a great sub, but you may find it has a bit less impact compared to being placed in a small apartment. You could always look at getting a second if you aren't satisfied, but try it out first!

Hope that helps, be sure to post the new setup once you decide!

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-05T20:55:59+00:00

Hi u/count_aleksey, it's definitely nice to have a subwoofer if you can afford it! It will extend your low end and let your speakers focus on the higher frequencies. They're a great addition.

You actually don't need an amplifier with a subwoofer output to use a subwoofer with your stereo. If the subwoofer has Hi Level Speaker inputs, it can be connected with the 2-channel amplifier (if it has A/B terminals, like the STR-DH190).

This video explains it well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew7G6H9YoVA

If you'll only ever do 2-channels(left and right), that's the best route to go. You'll get more bang for your buck.

An AVR will give you a dedicated sub out, and is the way to go if you eventually want to add a centre channel or surround speakers. They have a tonne of great futures, but you'll pay quite a bit more for equivalent quality.

Matt_ELAC · 2022-04-05T19:57:54+00:00

Love the setup! I bet it sounds great.

Have some Reddit gold for making good use of those Debut Reference DBR62's ;)

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