ELAC Just Dropped the One-Box Audio System You’ve Been Waiting For

Remember ELAC’s compact DCB41 active speakers? They were the darlings of the desktop audio world.

Well, they just grew up.

ELAC has unleashed the Debut ConneX DCB61, a bigger, bolder, and more powerful version designed to be the only audio system you need for your music, movies, and gaming. And it’s packed with so many features, it might just make you sell your old amplifier.

The “All-in-One” Killer?

This isn’t just a pair of powered speakers; it’s a complete entertainment hub. The spec sheet reads like an audiophile’s wish list:

• HDMI eARC: Plug it directly into your TV. Your TV remote controls the volume. Instant, massive soundbar killer.
• Built-in Phono Preamp: Yes, you can plug your turntable directly into the speakers.
• High-Res USB Audio: Connect your PC or Mac for 96/64 bit high-fidelity sound.
• Quad-Amplifier Power: This is the crazy part. The DCB61 has four built-in amplifiers (one for each driver), pushing a seriously muscular 80 watts per speaker.
• All The Connections: It also has an optical input, Bluetooth, and a dedicated subwoofer output for when you want to truly shake the room.

The sound comes from ELAC’s signature soft-dome tweeter set into a waveguide, paired with a new, beefy 6.5-inch midrange/woofer. With a rear-facing bass port, the company is promising “rich and dynamic sound” that can handle anything you throw at it.

Check Out: Can the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 Really Beat Speakers Twice the Price?

And the best part? It’s all controlled by a dedicated app or a classic remote.

The Price for Ditching Your Amp

Available in four finishes (Black, White, Walnut, and a striking Olive), the ELAC Debut ConneX DCB61 is priced to make a serious dent in the market.

The official price? $899 USD

For a complete system that just needs a source, ELAC is clearly challenging everything else in the sub-$1000 category.

ELAC DCB61 vs. ELAC DCB41 (The “Bigger Brother”)

This is a straightforward “good vs. great” upgrade. The DCB61 is not just a replacement; it’s in a completely different power class.

• The Obvious: Size and The DCB61 is a much larger speaker with a 6.5-inch woofer, while the DCB41 has a small 4.5-inch woofer. This is a massive difference. The DCB61 will produce significantly more sound, fill a much larger room, and deliver deeper, punchier bass that you can feel.
• The Power DCB61 has 80 watts per speaker. The DCB41 has a total of 50 watts (25W per driver). The DCB61 is vastly more powerful.
• Smarter, The DCB61 adds key upgrades that the DCB41 lacks:
  • App Control: You can use the ELAC app to fine-tune the EQ and (most importantly) adjust the sound for speaker placement (e.g., in a corner, on a desk).
  • Dolby Digital: It can decode Dolby Digital, making it a much better choice for movies.
  • eARC: It has the upgraded HDMI eARC, while the DCB41 just has ARC.

Bottom Line: The DCB41 is an award-winning desktop or small-room speaker. The DCB61 is a true living room or serious hi-fi system designed to compete with traditional amplifiers and passive speakers.

ELAC DCB61 ($899) vs. KEF LSX II LT ($999)

This is the real battle, and the choice is crystal clear. It all comes down to how you listen to music.

At a Glance: The Main Difference

• KEF LSX II LT is a “Streaming-First” System: It has Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast. It’s built for high-resolution wireless streaming. It has NO analog inputs.
• ELAC DCB61 is a “Connectivity-First” System: It has NO Wi-Fi streaming. Instead, it has a built-in Phono Preamp for a turntable and a standard analog RCA input.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Feature	ELAC Debut ConneX DCB61	KEF LSX II LT
Price	~$899	~$999
Sound Focus	Big, Dynamic, Room-Filling Bass	Pinpoint Imaging, Midrange Clarity
Woofer Size	6.5-inch Polyglass Woofer	4.5-inch Uni-Q Driver Array
Wi-Fi Streaming?	No (Bluetooth only)	Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, UPnP)
Turntable Ready?	Yes (Built-in Phono Preamp)	No (Digital Inputs Only)
HDMI	Yes (eARC)	Yes (ARC)
Best For…	The “All-in-One” hub for a TV, PC, and Turntable.	The “Digital-Only” user who streams everything wirelessly.

Which One Sounds Better?

This is subjective, but here is the consensus:

• The KEF LSX II LT is praised for its “magic” Uni-Q driver. It delivers an incredibly detailed, clear, and cohesive sound with fantastic vocal clarity and stereo imaging. Its known weakness is a lack of “outright scale” and deep bass. It’s “taut” and “controlled,” but it won’t shake the room.
• The ELAC DCB61 is built to do exactly what the KEF can’t. That massive 6.5-inch woofer is designed to move air. It will sound much bigger, more dynamic, and provide the deep, punchy bass that is missing from the KEF. It’s the clear winner for movies, rock, hip-hop, and for filling a larger room.