In this review, we will be comparing Debut ConneX DCB41 and A5+N, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Audioengine. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut DCB41 and Audioengine A5+N first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Debut DCB41 and Audioengine A5+N compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Debut ConneX DCB41 and A5+N are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut DCB41 |
Audioengine A5+N |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Debut ConneX DCB41 features a 0.75" Fabric Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the A5+N features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut ConneX DCB41 has a frequency range of 66-25k Hz whereas A5+N has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the A5+N can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Debut ConneX DCB41's min frequency of 66Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Debut DCB41's and Audioengine A5+N's external dimensions. ELAC Debut DCB41 has external dimensions of 249 x 141 x 240mm ( 9.8125inch x 5.5625inch x 9.4375inch ) whereas Audioengine A5+N has external dimensions of 276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6mm ( 10.875 x 7.1888 x 9.75inch) .
Audioengine A5+N is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41.6mm wider, 27.2mm taller and 7.6mm deeper than ELAC Debut DCB41.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Debut DCB41 is approximately 338.4cm2 / 52.5inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A5+N is approximately 452.1cm2 / 70.1inch2. The Debut ConneX DCB41 requires 25% less surface area than the A5+N which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The ELAC Debut DCB41 weighs 2.90kg / 6.4lbs and the Audioengine A5+N weighs 4.40kg / 9.7lbs. This makes the A5+N 52% heavier than the Debut ConneX DCB41.
Here is a comparison of how Debut ConneX DCB41 and A5+N's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut DCB41?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut ConneX DCB41:
Powered speakerPassive speaker2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cordRemote control2
What's in the Box of Audioengine A5+N?
Here are the items that come with the A5+N:
Powered left speakerPassive right speaker6-feet AC power cordRemote control (with installed CR2025 battery)12.5-feet Length of 16 gauge speaker wire6.5-feet Stereo mini-jack cable (3.5mm mini-jack on both ends)6-feet Stereo RCA cableCloth drawstring cable bag2 Cloth drawstring speaker bagsSetup guideAudioengine product brochure
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
249mm
vs
276mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
338cm2 (141x240mm)
vs
452cm2 (182x247mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 Digital Input |
Optical, HDMI
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
 HDMI Input |
ARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
 Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
66 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
469USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| USB Port |
Charge only
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
| General |
ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 |
Audioengine A5+N |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
66-25k Hz |
50-22k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
75-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
n/a |
| Max Sample Rate |
96 kHZ |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Kevlar |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
249.0mm (9.8") |
276.2mm (10.9") |
| Width |
141.0mm (5.6") |
182.6mm (7.2") |
| Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
247.6mm (9.7") |
| Weight |
2.90kg (6.4lbs) |
4.40kg (9.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black,Walnut,Royal Blue |
Black, Bamboo, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
No |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
USB-B |
Charge only |
| Phone Input |
No |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical, HDMI |
No |
| HDMI Input |
ARC |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |