In this review, we will be comparing Debut ConneX DCB41 and Ai41, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Fluance. 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 Fluance Ai41 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 Fluance Ai41 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Debut ConneX DCB41 and Ai41 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut DCB41 |
Fluance Ai41 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-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 Ai41 features a 1" Silk Neodymium Ferrofluid Cooled Soft Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven, Glass Fiber Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut ConneX DCB41 has a frequency range of 66-25k Hz whereas Ai41 has a frequency range of 35-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Ai41 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 Fluance Ai41's external dimensions. ELAC Debut DCB41 has external dimensions of 249 x 141 x 240mm ( 9.8125inch x 5.5625inch x 9.4375inch ) whereas Fluance Ai41 has external dimensions of 27.7 x 16.5 x 19.3 cm ( 10.9 x 6.5 x 7.6 inches) .
ELAC Debut DCB41 is 24mm narrower and 28mm shorter than Fluance Ai41 but it is also 47mm deeper.
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 Fluance Ai41 is approximately 318.0cm2 / 49.3inch2. The Debut ConneX DCB41 requires 6% more surface area than the Ai41 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Fluance Ai41 weighs 3.37kg / 7.4lbs. This makes the Ai41 16% heavier than the Debut ConneX DCB41.
Here is a comparison of how Debut ConneX DCB41 and Ai41'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 Fluance Ai41?
Here are the items that come with the Ai41:
Ai41 Powered Bookshelf Speakers (pair)Remote Control1x CR2032 Battery6ft Power Cable8ft 18 Gauge Speaker WireQuick Start GuideFluance CatalogLifetime Customer Support2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
249mm
vs
277mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
HDMI Input |
ARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
66 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
318cm2 (165x193mm)
vs
338cm2 (141x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
General |
ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 |
Fluance Ai41 |
Brand |
ELAC |
Fluance |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
66-25k Hz |
35-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
90-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
16-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
96 kHZ |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Woven, Glass Fiber Composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Butyl Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
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") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
Width |
141.0mm (5.6") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
Weight |
2.90kg (6.4lbs) |
3.37kg (7.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF wood |
Available Colors |
Black,Walnut,Royal Blue |
Black Ash,Lucky Bamboo,White Walnut, Natural Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
No |
RCA |
USB Port |
USB-B |
No |
Phone Input |
No |
No |
Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA |
Wired |
Digital Input |
Optical, HDMI |
Optical |
HDMI Input |
ARC |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
|
Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
|