In this review, we will be comparing Debut ConneX DCB41 and Alpha AM3, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and PSB. 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 PSB Alpha AM3 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 PSB Alpha AM3 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 Alpha AM3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut DCB41 |
PSB Alpha AM3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Debut ConneX DCB41 features a 0.75" Fabric Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Alpha AM3 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Debut ConneX DCB41 has a frequency range of 66-25k Hz whereas Alpha AM3 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the Alpha AM3 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 PSB Alpha AM3's external dimensions. ELAC Debut DCB41 has external dimensions of 249 x 141 x 240mm ( 9.8125inch x 5.5625inch x 9.4375inch ) whereas PSB Alpha AM3 has external dimensions of 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm ( 8.6875 x 5.1875 x 8.125inch) .
ELAC Debut DCB41 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 9.2mm wider, 28.3mm taller and 33.6mm deeper than PSB Alpha AM3.
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 PSB Alpha AM3 is approximately 272.0cm2 / 42.2inch2. The Debut ConneX DCB41 requires 24% more surface area than the Alpha AM3 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 PSB Alpha AM3 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs. This makes the Alpha AM3 55% heavier than the Debut ConneX DCB41.
Here is a comparison of how Debut ConneX DCB41 and Alpha AM3'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 PSB Alpha AM3?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha AM3:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 2 Grilles AC power adapter (attached 45-inch DC cord) 4-feet AC power cord Remote control (PSR-1) 2 AAA batteries 8-feet Speaker cable 58-inch Stereo minijack cable 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Connection Diagram Warranty Card
Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
HDMI Input |
ARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA
vs
No
|
Pair your speakers with external subwoofer |
Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
66 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
220mm
vs
249mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
272cm2 (131x206mm)
vs
338cm2 (141x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
USB Port |
microUSB
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
General |
ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 |
PSB Alpha AM3 |
Brand |
ELAC |
PSB |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
66-25k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
96 kHZ |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.75" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
249.0mm (9.8") |
220.7mm (8.7") |
Width |
141.0mm (5.6") |
131.8mm (5.2") |
Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
206.4mm (8.1") |
Weight |
2.90kg (6.4lbs) |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black,Walnut,Royal Blue |
Matte Black, Matte White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
No |
3.5mm |
USB Port |
USB-B |
microUSB |
Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA |
No |
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 |