In this review, we will be comparing Debut ConneX DCB41 and HD3, 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 HD3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC Debut DCB41 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer
- 66-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHZ Max Sample Rate
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Weight:2.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 249.0" x 5.5625" x 9.4375"( 249 x 141 x 240mm )
Audioengine HD3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS( 60-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:1.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 231.8" x 4.25" x 7.25"( 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Debut DCB41 and Audioengine HD3 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 HD3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut DCB41 |
Audioengine HD3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 2.75-inch
|
Debut ConneX DCB41 features a 0.75" Fabric Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the HD3 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut ConneX DCB41 has a frequency range of 66-25k Hz whereas HD3 has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the HD3 can go slightly deeper then 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 HD3'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 HD3 has external dimensions of 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm ( 9.125 x 4.25 x 7.25inch) .
ELAC Debut DCB41 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 33mm wider, 17.2mm taller and 62.2mm deeper than Audioengine HD3.
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 HD3 is approximately 192.0cm2 / 29.8inch2. The Debut ConneX DCB41 requires 76% more surface area than the HD3 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.