ELAC has just introduced a larger version of its well-loved Debut ConneX DCB41 desktop wireless speakers. Designed for real-world budgets at $899/pair, the new Debut ConneX DCB61 wireless speakers bring more power along with a larger 6.5-inch woofer, offering legit performance without the high-end price tag. Whether you’re outfitting a college dorm, a home office, or just need solid desktop sound without diving into audiophile excess, the DCB61s are an easy win.
The ELAC Debut ConneX DCB61 is a true powered stereo system, consisting of one active speaker and one passive speaker connected via an included Mini-DIN 4-pin cable. The powered speaker houses the amplification for both channels, eliminating the need for an external amp, stereo receiver, or home theater setup.
All source connections — including analog, digital, USB, and Bluetooth — are handled by the primary speaker, which also houses the Bluetooth antenna. You can assign either speaker as the left or right channel depending on your setup. It’s a clean, efficient design that keeps the clutter down while delivering real stereo separation and serious performance.
Features
Woofer: The DCB61 features a long-excursion 6 1/2″ woofer designed to deliver strong output and extended bass, with a little help from ELAC’s built-in XBass enhancer. Around back, a rear-mounted “S”-shaped port helps reinforce low-end performance without adding unwanted turbulence, giving the DCB61 deeper bass response than you’d expect from a speaker this size.
Tweeter: The DCB61 features a custom-designed waveguide that optimizes dispersion and directivity, resulting in a more focused and balanced high-frequency response. It helps deliver clear, detailed treble whether you’re sitting front and center or off to the side.
HDMI eARC/CEC Support: With HDMI ARC and CEC support, the DCB61 lets you listen to your TV’s audio while using your TV remote to control the speaker volume — no juggling remotes required. Prefer a dedicated remote? ELAC includes one in the box for direct control.
Vinyl Record Playback Support: The Debut ConneX speakers have a built-in switchable phono preamp (supports moving magnet cartridges). This means you can connect both traditional turntables and turntables that have a built-in phono preamp.
USB Input: Connect the DCB61 to your PC or Mac via USB for easy playback of your music files — no drivers needed. You can control the speaker volume directly from your computer, and enjoy high-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/96kHz for a cleaner, more detailed listening experience.
Pro Tip: The Debut ConneX features a USB Type-B port for connecting directly to your PC or Mac.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth receiver supports aptX and LC3, 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 lets you easily add an external powered subwoofer—ideal for anyone who wants extra bass punch while gaming or watching movies.
Elac ConneX App: Available for both iOS and Android, this app allows users to adjust EQ settings, optimize speaker placement, set the Auto-On feature, manage volume, and more from a compatible smartphone or tablet.
Dolby Digital Decoding: The DCB61 includes built-in Dolby Digital decoding. However, since this is a two-channel system (or 2.1 channel if a subwoofer is added) the audio is downmixed to accommodate the DCB61’s speaker configuration.
Comparison
| Debut ConneX DCB61 (2025) | Debut ConneX DCB41 (2022) | |
| Product Type | Powered Speaker System | Powered Speaker System |
| Price | $899 | $599 |
| Cabinet | 12mm reinforced MDF | 12mm reinforced MDF |
| Amplifier Type | Not indicated, but most likely Class D | Class D |
| Amplifier Power | 2 x 80 Watts RMS 2 x 160 Watts Peak | 50 Watts x 2 (no standardized reference provided) |
| Tweeter | 3/4-inch Soft Dome (each speaker) | 3/4-inch Soft Dome (each speaker) |
| Woofer | 6 1/2” Long excursion (each speaker) | 4-1/2-inch Polypropylene (each speaker) |
| Frequency Response (-3dB) | 48 Hz – 22 kHz(-3dB) 41 Hz – 24 kHz (-6dB) | 66Hz—25,000Hz (Anechoic) 50Hz—25,000Hz (In-Room) |
| Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level) | Not Indicated | 102dB @ 1m |
| Inputs | 1 x HDMI (ARC/eARC) 1 x Line/Phono (switchable) 1 x USB Audio (96/24) 1 x Optical Bluetooth – LC3 and AptX | 1 x HDMI (ARC) 1 x Line/Phono (switchable) 1 x USB Audio (96/24) 1 x Optical Bluetooth – AptX |
| Outputs | 1 x Mini-DIN 4-Pin (From powered to passive speaker) 1 x Subwoofer Output (from Powered Speaker) | 1 x speaker wire (from powered to passive speaker) 1 x Subwoofer Output (from Powered Speaker) |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes (Infrared) | Yes (Infrared) |
| Finishes | Black Ash, Walnut | Black Ash, Walnut, and Royal Blue |
| Grills | Removable | Removable |
| Dimensions (WDH for each speaker) | 205 x 243 x 330mm 8.07 x 9.75 x 13-inches | 139.7 x 244.5 x 203.2mm 5-1/2 x 9-5/8 x 8-inches |
| Weight | 24 lbs / 10.9 kg | Powered Speaker: 7.6 lbs/3.45 kg Passive Speaker: 6.3 lbs/2.86 kg |
The Bottom Line
ELAC has long earned its reputation for delivering high value in the speaker world, and the Debut ConneX DCB61 powered speaker system keeps that tradition alive. Building on the solid foundation of the DCB41, the DCB61 ups the ante with a larger woofer for deeper bass and adds built-in Dolby Digital decoding—though it still outputs a two-channel mix.
It also retains practical features from its predecessor, like the switchable phono preamp and HDMI connectivity, now upgraded from ARC to eARC for improved audio bandwidth and compatibility.
That said, the DCB61 (and its predecessor, the DCB41) share a similar exterior vibe with some of Audioengine’s powered speakers, like the recent HD4 Next Gen. But ELAC backs that familiar look with significantly more power—and a price that’s higher, but still well within reason.
The DCB61 might not steal the spotlight at High End Munich 2025, but it’s a welcome reminder that quality audio doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. It’s great to see ELAC bringing affordable, well-built speakers to the table—proof that you don’t need to break the bank for a solid listening experience.
Price & Availability
The ELAC Debut ConneX DCB61 wireless speakers are available for $899/pair at Crutchfield. Or get the smaller DCB41 for $599/pair at Crutchfield.
Related Reading
- ELAC’s Affordable Debut 3.0 Speaker Lineup Features Some Significant Changes
- ELAC Announces VELA 2.0 Speaker Line Featuring JET 6 Tweeters and Aluminum Sandwich Woofers
- ELAC Announces Solano 2.0 Speaker Lineup Designed for Both Music and Cinema Applications
- ELAC’s BS 312.2 Bookshelf Loudspeakers Feature a JET 6 AMT Tweeter
