Little powered speakers are a dime-a-dozen. With the Debut ConneX DCB41, ELAC has made a truly useful and flexible modern mini speaker that doesn’t scrimp on sound quality.

Of course, you’d expect a powered speaker system this small and this affordable to have limitations in dynamics, maximum SPL, and bass extension. But what struck me during my listening is how well Elac’s Debut ConneX DCB41 system manages these limitations. While I noticed some congestion and dynamic compression during my listening, I never heard an ugly sound from the DCB41. I always found it enjoyable and engaging. While I was working on this review, Doug Schneider told me that Oleg Bogdanov was very proud of the DCB41’s design. Quite rightly so.

So basically a big thumbs up for Elac’s DCB41. No they’re not perfect, no they’re not giant killers, sweeping all before them. Yes they’re a really good listen. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.

If you’re looking for a compact, good sounding but affordable hi-fi system, Elac’s Debut ConneX DCB41 might be perfect for you

The Elac manages to combine a great spec with a level of performance, aesthetic and overall user friendliness that can't be easily matched by any other device I can think of near the price. It is utterly brilliant.