In this review, we will be comparing Debut ConneX DCB41 and R-51PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. 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 Klipsch R-51PM 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 Klipsch R-51PM 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 R-51PM are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut DCB41 |
Klipsch R-51PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Debut ConneX DCB41 features a 0.75" Fabric Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut ConneX DCB41 has a frequency range of 66-25k Hz whereas R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 66Hz, the Debut ConneX DCB41 can go slightly deeper then the R-51PM's min frequency of 68Hz.
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 Klipsch R-51PM's external dimensions. ELAC Debut DCB41 has external dimensions of 249 x 141 x 240mm ( 9.8125inch x 5.5625inch x 9.4375inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm ( 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch) .
Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38.4mm wider, 81.2mm taller and 20.3mm 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 Klipsch R-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2. The Debut ConneX DCB41 requires 28% less surface area than the R-51PM 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 Klipsch R-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs. This makes the R-51PM 66% heavier than the Debut ConneX DCB41.
Here is a comparison of how Debut ConneX DCB41 and R-51PM'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 Klipsch R-51PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-51PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)2 Grilles68-inch AC power cordRemote control2
 Low Frequency Response |
66 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
249mm
vs
330mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
338cm2 (141x240mm)
vs
467cm2 (179x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 HDMI Input |
ARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| USB Port |
USB-B
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 |
 Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
| General |
ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 |
Klipsch Reference R-51PM |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
66-25k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
120-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
240-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
96 kHZ |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1.0" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1663Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
249.0mm (9.8") |
330.2mm (13") |
| Width |
141.0mm (5.6") |
179.4mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
260.3mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
2.90kg (6.4lbs) |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black,Walnut,Royal Blue |
n/a |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
No |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
USB-B |
USB-B |
| Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
| 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 |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |