FINALLY! A More Affordable Speaker with HDMI ARC! - ELAC ConneX DCB41 Review

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[@troystevens9506]

Excellent review as always Joe. Your disclosure before the video adds to your credibility. You are by leaps and bounds one of the best reviewers on KZbin. Thank you.

[@joentell]

I appreciate you saying that! 🙏 I almost don't understand how someone can't just be honest about something, it's built into my core I guess. I was offered to co-design a speaker before and the person asked if that would be crossing the line. I told them I would review it like I would any other speaker and if it sucked, I would just say so! On a personal level, I figure it's better to know your own weaknesses rather than have someone else point them out for you. 😊

[@troystevens9506]

@@joentell after doing this for awhile now, all viewers should be able to see your honesty in your reviews. You have no issue with pointing out the good and the bad of a product. I personally have made several purchases after watching your reviews. You shouldn't have to do the disclosure by now, but if you don't, a hater or two....or three are bound to pop up. Regardless, Joe thank you for what you do. I appreciate it if no one else does.

[@joentell]

@@troystevens9506 the disclosure is actually a legal requirement set by the FTC. There are reviewers in our space who refuse to do it, but that's on them.

[@missing1102]

I really appreciate the way you handled the sponsorship part of your video. You acknowledge it as part of your process and you balance it out with your commitment to your audience.

[@joentell]

I really appreciate you saying that! I understand that some people might be skeptical about any type of relationship between manufacturers and reviewers. I think it's best to leave it up to the viewer to decide if they're comfortable with that. For me, it's just easier to be transparent. I'm human, and I tend to become friends with people/companies I work with. I let companies, know that my integrity and the trust of my viewers is of utmost importance. If they're not ok with that, they should not have me review their stuff! :-) Luckily, most of these companies are super cool, and they know I don't mean harm if I'm critical of their stuff. I want them to make better stuff for consumers, and that will lead to more sales for them in the long run. If something is terrible, I suggest to them to stop producing the product for their sake and the consumer's sake. They don't always listen, but sometimes they do. I have personal preferences, like the love of bass ;-), that are subjective. I let the audience know, though. It's all about being open. It's not that hard. I'm surprised when other reviewers seem to have a difficult time with it. It's actually easier to me.

[@ealanosborne]

Aw man, you beat me to it! 😂 My ConneX review is coming out this Friday! We agree on almost all aspects, though. Figured as much. Thanks for the review! 🤘

[@joentell]

Yeah, I didn't rush it. These powered speakers have so many features, I want to be able to put the speaker through its paces and try it in different rooms before I make a judgement.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Like the black background with lighting emphasis on your face and the speaker. You are consistently working on your craft1🔥❤🔥❤

[@joentell]

Thank you! The lighting is a bit harsh, but it was a quick setup, so I was willing to take that trade-off. 😁

[@adamjj85]

Spot on review Joe. I love to see something at this form factor. But I agree with your points that it is disappointing they are not bi-amped with active crossovers. I also agree that at $400 or $500 these would be more interesting. But at $600, I would expect more features like bi-amping, app control, HPF for sub out, etc.

[@rand9994]

Glad to see Arc becoming more prevalent. Hopefully it will start to show up in more 2 channel amplifiers.

[@joentell]

I'm with you on that!

[@bpalpha]

There are an awful lot of "professional" powered monitors at this price point. Sweetwater, Guitar Center, BH Photo/Vid all sell a sweeping line of powered monitors that compete at the $600 level. These look really nice, but there's too much competition at this price to make these a stand out selection. Thanks for the review Joe.

[@joentell]

Yeah, tough to compete for the desktop/studio space at this price point when something like the Kali Audio LP-6 v2 and In-5's exist. The ability to use HDMI ARC in addition to the other connections is its USP unique selling proposition.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

None of them have HDMI input, though. That’s what separates this from those.

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Joe. I agree with you on these and I would consider these for a desktop/near field setting if my budget was bigger. I have to say your latency was spot on. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Badazz review ! My dude be on it getting me EXCITED isn't easy to do but Elac gets it HDMI !!! To me this is huge ! Thanks J-N-T ! 1 question for bluetooth when you connect from a phone can you use the elac remote to forward/Back the B.T. music tracks instead of using your phone? cool feature when i have friends over 😆

[@joentell]

Thank you sir! 🙏

[@earlfenwick]

I've got The Fives and I'm usually pretty happy with them. Occasionally I'm even amazed, but I'm ready for one of these companies to quit goofing around and just put a solid six or eight incher in there and call it a day. A Yamaha hs8 with mojo would work just fine.

[@TylerStout]

I agree that it needs some work but is a solid showing. I feel like if it has a subwoofer out that it doesn't need to produce deep bass because there is easy fix that anyone can do. However not having an auto sensing crossover is a pretty big miss for the subwoofer pre-out as that's something I think is understandable on a $300-400 powered speaker but as soon as it gets more advanced I think it should have one. I feel like tone control should have been there, doesn't need to be fancy just +2 to -5 for bass, mids and treble on the remote. I feel like there's no deal breakers per say but a lot of little cons/quirks that add up to make it not worth it's cost. I still think getting a cheap 5.2 AVR and something like Neumi BS5 would be a better alternative that you can build up from.

[@thestig301]

Kudos for the editing and of course the review and Video Quality🔥. Interested to see whats your point (SQ and better overall based on your preference) between these Elac ConnneX and Monolith MM-5R, they are similarly priced the same. Yeah the only thing about MM-5R is it doesnt have HDMI lol.

[@joentell]

Thanks. I think I reviewed those Monolith MM5-R's. I prefer the ELAC to those. They had good bass but had amplifier hiss. If I remember correctly, the response was less neutral as well.

[@nottoolive]

Woah did you add latency in that part when you talked about Bluetooth? That was neat

[@PrezidentHughes]

Not having 80Hz high pass is a missed opportunity, especially considering they made HDMI available. Does anyone know if TV's built-in virtual surround can be transmitted via HDMI?

[@rjmoyer2]

Hopefully ELAC come out with a larger version with a 6.5” woofer. Sounds like a subwoofer is mandatory and not optional here.

[@s1x_o]

now would be noce to see comparison to Argon audio wireless speakers in same price category

[@Skip11AM]

Great and honest review. Any recommendation for better desktop speakers that can also switch off the amplifier or have minimal hiss?

[@joentell]

Check my latest video! 😉

[@JamesBrown-jy5sy]

The large midrange dip would be a deal breaker for me if I were shopping for a pair of these speakers. The fact you provide measurements in your videos is a real plus for me over other so-called "reviewers" like the Cheapaudioman. Subjective reviews(like the Cheapaudioman's) are all over KZbin and are WORTHLESS IMO without some measurements. Great job again Joe N Tell!

[@michals234]

Hi thanks for great review i really enjoy it. Can you tell how they are compare to Q acoustic m20? Whitch one would you choose? Thank you

[@17ronin]

Hi Joe. How would you decide between the ELAC Connex DCB41 and the newer Triangle BR02 connect (back-ported HDMI ARC version of the BR03/02 you've reviewed previously)? I prefer non-bassy, clear vocal sounds at lower volumes, as the speakers would primarily be used for short distance TV watching (2m) in an apartment building. My current Logitech Z2200s (sub set to min) have been fulfilling their desktop, then TV role for almost 20 years and I am used to the phase-plugged woofer look, but it's time for a sound and feature upgrade. The 1k soundbars I've heard so far don't even come close for my taste, so I'm looking at a solid ~500€ active stereo set with an option to potentially expand with a sub in the future 🤷‍♂

[@eelkoweeda6453]

you showed the latensy effect, nice!

[@joentell]

That was an accident. LOL

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

I'm in the market for speakers and Joe, you're gonna be my wingman lol If anyone can suggest anything I'm just looking something very affordable (under 250) with okay quality. Gamer that wants to enjoy movies or switch from headphones to speakers at the push of a button. Gets tiring wearing headphones for an hour!

[@BehzadJ]

Please compare these with a pair of HomePods stereo and spatial audio

[@BehzadJ]

Now that the updated Apple TV 4K support hdmi arc and Dolby atmos, seems a reasonable completion between them. They will be good for both Audio music and movies I guess

[@kiranreddykasa]

Are there any connectivity issues with MacBook usb? Multiple users have reported that usb connectivity is not working with MacBook M series

[@RicardoRojasPena]

Can I connect a Chromecast directly into this speaker so I can stream music from different platform specially KZbin Music?

[@northeastcorals]

I'd be really interested to see someone do a home cinema set up with actives.

[@joentell]

I think it's a good idea.

[@nicolass2262]

Thank you for such an amazing review, and also for explaining how XBASS works I had to watch a couple times your vid to get use to the light code.

[@mistermushroom652]

How do you know which input your switching to when using the volume knob?

[@mistermushroom652]

Could you explain what chuffing is?

[@sampsalol]

I'm looking for cheap speakers for my TV with clear dialogue and NO HISS. Any suggestions? Ability for volume adjustment with the original TV remote would be a plus.

[@joentell]

I use mine for that specific purpose

[@zacht4517]

Wondering but isn't this just at the current price point of the fives by Klipsch?

[@joentell]

The Fives are currently on sale, but I'm not sure how long that will last

[@Mr21scott]

I owned these for all of 5 days before they stopped working (HDMI only worked when it felt like it, requiring power off/on to get them to work). They sounded OK but not great. I returned them.

[@joentell]

Which TV did you have it connected to? Just in case it's a common issue. I didn't have that issue.

[@Mr21scott]

@@joentell LG OLED 2020. Set to PCM; CEC turned on; etc. etc. And don't even think of switching from HDMI2 to 3 or vice versa, that seemed to confuse it even more. Why can't companies just test these things before they release them? And there's no excuse for not explaining how XBass is supposed to work (I noticed no difference).

[@wesleyp8566]

Damn, that’s disappointing

[@jamesbarrick3403]

At this price tier I'm all over the Klipsch fives without hesitation. Better engineering and performance and way better package with that real wood veneer.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Amplifier off= dead silent. That is a very cool feature 😎. Joe always wants more bass🤣😅

[@impuls60]

Trash amp inside, hiss is an issue of the past on decent class D solutions today. SNR wont be great with audible hiss.

[@joentell]

You may be jumping to conclusions on the "trash amp" comment. I didn't say it had a lot of hiss. It turns off so quickly, it's hard to notice. I also had my ear right up against the speaker. I would have to measure it or listen to it next to a known quiet amp like the one on my Kali Audio LP6-v2.

[@TylerStout]

The day we see Joe say there's too much bass from a speaker will feel weird because he's always like I need more haha 😂

[@joentell]

@@TylerStout lol. There's definitely such a thing as too much bass, even if it's clean, smooth bass. It can overpower higher frequencies. Most speakers aren't close to that threshold. You need subs to reach that level.

[@el_tate]

What active speaker that size with more bass do you know?

[@joshcelestenelson4431]

Is it just me or does the frequency response with the bass boost off look like it would integrate with a subwoofer

[@ryanlee9076]

Hi, thanks for the review. I bought it after watching your review but there is a problem of delay. When I connect it to destop with Bluetooth, there isn't any delay but when it connects it with USB cable to destop, there is about 1 seconds delay which is really annoying to me. When I pause and play any KZbin video and any movie, there is no sound of the very 1st second. I inquired it to Elac by Email but for a week, there isn't any reply which is another disappointing.. It is clearly sounds good compared to the price providing various connectivities but whenever it goes into sleep mode when I connect it by USB, it is real problem... Do you also have this issue?

[@joentell]

I use these regularly, but with HDMI. No sync issue. I don't recall an issue via USB though.

[@RickRalstonAsumendi]

These are disappointing to be honest. When I saw "affordable" I was expecting lower than $600. These can't compete with Klipsch The Fives which are now the same price and as low as $380 refurbished. No DSP to tailor the response is unacceptable at this price in 2022. The "subwoofer" out also can't be used to improve the max spl of the system without a proper HPF either.

[@joentell]

I get where you're coming from hence why I said I wished they were priced even more aggressively. It might not be fair to compare these to refurbished speakers though, but I've seen The Fives on sale for around $500.

[@RickRalstonAsumendi]

@@joentell probably not fair to Elac to compare to refurbished, but it's fair to the consumer if they have the option. Anyway, the main point is The Fives offer a better feature set for the same current MSRP.

[@joentell]

@@RickRalstonAsumendi at their current sale price of $459, I would agree that The Fives offer a more compelling value proposition. amzn.to/3M3ozJb

[@aceberganabolic]

no bluetooth ?

[@justinbeamon6624]

I wonder how it compares to the SVS Prime Wireless system, seems like a direct competitor.

[@joentell]

I would love to find out.

[@TheReverendSlim]

SVS is about to launch the Prime Wireless Pro (eventually), which would be more of a direct competitor. The existing Prime Wireless doesn't have HDMI. They're supposed to send me a set due to some long-standing issues I've had with the Prime Wireless, but I'm not holding my breath. They're still calling the ones they're showing publicly "prototypes".

[@davidhunternyc1]

I'm stilling trying to wrap my head around what a "HDMI arc" is? I have Bluesound Pulse 2i's. I connect the speakers via optical out to my TV. Why is a HDMI arc desirable?

[@joentell]

ARC allows the TV remote to control the volume of the speaker. In some cases it can turn stuff on/off also.

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@joentell I have two Pulse 2i’s. One is connected to my TV via optical cable. The other is connected to the first via WiFi. I control the volume with my TV remote. What’s the advantage of having a HDMI Arc in this case? Thanks.

[@Enemji]

But is it better bass than the Pioneer SP-BS22?

[@joentell]

It's tough to say going off memory. I would have to look at graphs. The Pioneer is a significantly larger cabinet though, so I would assume that would naturally have deeper bass, but the Xbass at the max setting might compensate for that difference.

[@carolineleonard8214]

Please will you provide the measurements in metric Millimetres for those of us living in the rest of the world?

[@joentell]

Just do a conversion using Google. That's what I do when it's the other way around

[@haynbong]

Mahalo Joe 😎🤙

[@BriBCG]

Anyone else notice he put the bit about bluetooth being out of sync out of sync...

[@joentell]

That was a happy accident. I can't take credit for it. LOL! Someone else mentioned it and I had to re-watch it.

[@scruffy8861]

How do they sound different compared to Klipsch The Fives?

[@joentell]

Very different. Take a look at my review of The Fives and compare the frequency response graphs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCqhKGCadCfh7s

[@scruffy8861]

@@joentell I've not heard either but in researching price i saw the Klipsch for $459.99 or $140 less than the ELAC. I'm shopping for a friend so it may come down to the lower cost and his budget.

[@joentell]

@@scruffy8861 Klipsch have more deep bass extension and real wood veneer.

[@scruffy8861]

@@joentell I think we know where this is going.👍

[@joentell]

@@scruffy8861 Aesthetics and bass are important to me personally. Some people might value other aspects more. I try to give people the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves.

[@gga6279]

Could someone help me? These elacs/fives/triangle (aio twin/br02 active/br03 active). Just in terms of sound quality. Nothing more. 🙏🙏

[@joentell]

It depends on what you consider good sound. I like bass extension and an overall neutral response. I've never heard those active Triangles, but I did review the Triangle LN01A and I didn't love it, but maybe the others are better. In the video I mentioned that the Klipsch have more deep bass extension. These may have a brighter top-end response relative to the bass, which is crazy to say considering Klipsch is kind of known for that.

[@gga6279]

@@joentell Thank you very much for your reply! Probably, I will manage to demo both the Fives and those 3 Triangles in a couple of days! I will come back with my impressions!

[@olivrrrr]

Is this worth the upgrade from NEUMI BS5P?

[@joentell]

Mainly if you want to use ARC, otherwise, I would save up for an SVS 3000 Micro, a UMIK-1 and a miniDSP 2x4HD. With those things, you could calibrate your system to sound AWESOME!

[@olivrrrr]

@@joentell I returned them because they were distorting and crackling at certain high frequencies. Ended up getting Adam T5V instead. You should review some studio monitors!

[@joentell]

@@olivrrrr I have reviewed some. Have you seen my latest video about Top 5 speakers for the desktop? The top 3 were studio monitors.

[@olivrrrr]

@@joentell will check it out!

[@tech4life884]

$599 isnt affordable. Especially when the klipsch Fives are always on sale on Amazon for less than $459 and the Klipsch Fives have HDMI ARC also. The klipsch Fives more than likely sound better as well. Cheaper and better sounds more affordable than these Elac speakers.

[@joentell]

Affordability is subjective, isn't it? It doesn't necessarily mean inexpensive or cheap. It means it's something someone with a median income could possibly afford. With so many people walking around with $1000+ smartphones, I think it's safe to say it's possible to afford this. Whether it's a good value and something someone will WANT To afford, is a whole different topic. I don't think even ELAC would argue with me in saying that a smartphone has a lot more features, but they're not in the smartphone business, and I don't specialize in reviewing smartphones. :-) I think The Fives are currently it's #1 contender, and I've posted in another comment that it's a tough sell considering The Fives are currently on sale at $459 compared to its original $799 MSRP. I mentioned it in my video also.

[@northeastcorals]

@@joentell Yeh saying something is "affordable" does not mean you're saying it's THE best value item on the market & I think it's fair to say most people on a 1st world country average wage can afford $600 for a pair of speakers.

[@joentell]

@@northeastcorals I get it though. When I first started I would've thought anything over $100 for speakers was expensive. 😁 The $499 I spent on the ELAC UB5's was a splurge. It's not lost on me that this is expensive for some folks, old me included.

[@northeastcorals]

​@@joentell I absolutely agree, just sayin folks shouldn't get bent out of shape if you say somethings "affordable" when it can realistically be in an average full time wage earners budget as I don't think you can't really base it on anything more inclusive as that. But there will always be somebody who complains regardless so it doesn't really matter 😅

[@audiosmackdown]

I would say ELAC is not going to be happy with you on this review. Positive review, but comparatively, they don't shine that much

[@joentell]

They respect my integrity and I would be surprised to see any areas where they would disagree with my assessment. My review methods haven't changed. I've been critical of their past speakers also as I have with every speaker I review. No speaker is perfect. I don't know why you think they wouldn't be happy with me specifically. They made the product and I'm sure they understood the tradeoffs they had to make prior.

[@lukeno4143]

The cheapest soundbars have HDMI arc.

[@iamyila]

HDMI ARC is pointless for Audio.

[@benjamin1254]

What’s your argument? HDMI arc is a messy protocol. It’s a bit glitchy from time to time.

[@joentell]

Unfortunately, it's necessary when you want to use these on a new TV. They often don't have analog or digital/optical output options anymore.

[@iamyila]

@@joentell Seems ridiculous, so you have to use the DAC in the speaker. Also just the cable is massive overkill for audio and a waste

[@joentell]

@@iamyila I didn't make it up. I prefer analog outputs on a TV but a lot of the new ones just simply don't have it. I also like headphone jacks on my phone...

[@iamyila]

@@joentell I don't care about headphone Jacks, since there's no extra stage of DAC. But if i was a hifi home cinema guy, I'd want to control my DAC point, therefore I wouldn't want to send digitial audio to a speaker with some WACK DAC ;)

[@eddietours3728]

first 🤣