Elac Navis 5 1/4" Powered Bookshelf Speakers, Pair (ARB51GW)

Navis ARB-51 powered speakers do not have a volume control. If connected directly to a fixed output source, the volume will be at maximum level and may damage the speakers and your hearing. Only use these speakers with variable output sources and/or a preamplifier.

Ideal amplification

In audio-design lingo, these speakers are "three-way" — each features a separate woofer, midrange, and tweeter. To make sure each driver does its job with maximum efficiency and precision, ELAC gave them individual amplifiers, each with their own power supply. There's 160 watts for each woofer, 100 watts for the midrange driver, and 40 for the tweeter.

Wired and wireless connectivity

Ever the innovators, ELAC created their own wireless protocol called AirX that helps solve a specific bothersome issue: The ELAC Discovery Connect (not included) provides a robust streaming platform for Spotify® Connect, Bluetooth®, Apple® AirPlay® and Roon, so you can eliminate one more wire from your system.

For making wired connections, each speaker has a single unbalanced RCA input and a single balanced XLR input.

Customizable EQ

The final piece of the puzzle when trying to get the best sound out of any pair of speakers is finding out how they sound in your unique listening space. The ARB-51s provide separate EQ switches on the back of each speaker for adjusting high, mid, and low frequency response.

Each also has a switchable high-pass filter that can be set "flat" to get the most out of the speakers alone, or switched to cut off at 60 Hz or 80 Hz for easy integration with a subwoofer. A subwoofer can be added to your system via your preamplifier's subwoofer output.

Take a stand (or two!)

When you're trying to get optimal sound out of a great speaker like this one, you owe it to yourself to place it on a quality speaker stand. Stands make it easier to put your speakers at ear level, adjust their directional output, and they eliminate bad vibrations and reflections from furniture and walls that can impact sound quality in a negative way.