ELAC ARB51 Navis vs. Elac SUB1010

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
MSRP
$2000 $150
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
13.25” × 12.19” × 12.19”
337mm × 310mm × 310mm
Power Type
Powered Powered
Frequency Response
44-28,000 Hz 37-200 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of ELAC's audio offerings, the ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers are a tour de force, delivering a refined and robust standalone listening experience with their built-in amplification and BASH tracking. They exemplify audiophile-grade performance in a compact form. Conversely, the Elac SUB1010 is a dedicated bass powerhouse, with its 120W and 10-inch driver ensuring that low-end frequencies are felt as much as heard. Integrating the SUB1010 with the ARB51 results in a full-spectrum soundstage, offering a more immersive experience that highlights the Navis' clarity with the subwoofer's depth.

Speaker Comparison

In the quest for the perfect audio setup, audiophiles often find themselves in the dichotomy of choosing between bookshelf speakers that offer clarity and detail, and subwoofers that provide the deep, resonating bass necessary for a truly immersive experience. Today, we'll be comparing two exceptional offerings from the renowned ELAC series: the ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the ELAC SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer. Both of these devices cater to different auditory sensibilities but are designed to complement each other and create a harmonious audio environment.

Sound Clarity vs. Deep Bass

The ELAC ARB51 is a master of detail, clarity, and a wide soundstage – characteristics that are typically expected from high-quality bookshelf speakers. The ARB51 houses a custom-designed midrange/tweeter concentric driver paired with a woofer, powered by a dedicated 300-watt BASH amplifier, which ensures that each element of the sound spectrum is articulated with precision and depth. On the other hand, the ELAC SUB1010 is designed to delve into the low-frequency realm, filling in the rumbles and thumps with its 10-inch high-excursion doped paper cone powered by a 120-watt BASH amplifier. The SUB1010 ensures that your listening experience is all-encompassing, providing the much-needed bass that even the best bookshelf speakers might not fully reproduce on their own.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Design and Build Quality

The ARB51 speakers boast a trapezoidal cabinet design which is not just visually striking but also acoustically purposeful, minimizing standing waves inside the cabinet. The build quality is robust, featuring brushed aluminum and meticulously chosen components, reflecting ELAC’s attention to detail. The SUB1010 sports a more conventional cube-like design, with a black ash vinyl finish that allows it to blend into various settings discreetly. Despite its more straightforward appearance, the SUB1010 is solidly built, designed to withstand the vibrations and forces that come with driving bass-heavy content.

Integration and Versatility

Integration is where the ARB51 shines. With its range of inputs, including RCA, XLR, and wireless capabilities, it's ready to be the heart of a high-resolution audio system, functioning seamlessly with various source components. The beauty of the ARB51 lies in its self-contained design, negating the need for an external amplifier. On the flip side, the SUB1010, while it may lack the connectivity options of its bookshelf counterpart, offers simplicity in its integration. With a single LFE input, it's built to complement any system that requires more profound bass notes, pairing well with speakers that excel in the mid and high frequencies, like the ARB51.

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 arrow (at Amazon.com)

It's important to note that the ARB51 and SUB1010 are not competitors but rather two sides of the same coin. When used together, the ARB51s can be relied upon for their precision and detail, while the SUB1010 can take on the arduous task of delivering powerful and undistorted bass. This synergy allows listeners to enjoy music and soundtracks in their full glory, without either component stepping on the other's toes.

However, one must consider the disparate price points when comparing these two. The ARB51, with its advanced technology and design, is notably higher in cost than the SUB1010. This is not surprising, given the ARB51's all-in-one solution for the discerning listener who values simplicity with no compromise on performance. The SUB1010, conversely, is an accessible entry point into the world of deep bass, offering solid performance without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, both the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the ELAC SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer have their unique places in an audio enthusiast's setup. While the ARB51 caters to those seeking pristine sound in a compact and elegant package, the SUB1010 is the go-to for shaking up the room with its authoritative bass. Ultimately, both will serve you well, depending on your personal preference for sound balance and your system's needs. Pairing them could be the nirvana of sound that audiophiles spend lifetimes chasing.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.