ELAC Navis ARB-51 Review: A Guide to High-Fidelity Active Bookshelf Speakers

ELAC has carved a niche as a trusted name in the industry in terms of high-performance audio equipment. The ELAC Navis ARB-51 active bookshelf speakers are no exception, blending cutting-edge technology with a sleek design to deliver superior sound quality. These speakers are a testament to ELAC’s commitment to innovation, providing audiophiles with a solution that bridges the gap between studio-level performance and home audio convenience.

In this detailed review, we’ll examine the features, performance, design, and more to help you determine if the ELAC Navis ARB-51 is the right fit for your audio setup.

Overview of ELAC Navis ARB-51

The ELAC Navis ARB-51 is a premium active speaker system combining convenience and uncompromised sound quality. As an active bookshelf speaker, it comes equipped with an amplification system, eliminating the need for an external amplifier. With its tri-amplified design (dedicated amplifiers for the tweeter, midrange, and woofer), the Navis ARB-51 ensures precise audio reproduction across all frequencies.

Whether you’re a casual listener or a hardcore audiophile, these speakers are designed to provide a seamless listening experience. They’re ideal for home studios, living rooms, and small professional setups.

Key Features

Tri-Amplified System

The standout feature of the ELAC Navis ARB-51 is its tri-amplified design. Unlike traditional speakers that rely on a single amplifier, the Navis ARB-51 uses three individual amplifiers for its tweeter, midrange, and woofer. This setup ensures that each driver operates with optimal power and precision, minimizing distortion and maximizing clarity.

Custom-Designed Drivers

The drivers in the Navis ARB-51 are a testament to ELAC’s engineering expertise. The 1-inch soft dome tweeter delivers sparkling highs without harshness, making cymbals and high-pitched instruments sound natural. The 4-inch aluminum midrange driver handles vocals and instruments with finesse, providing a lifelike sound reproduction. Finally, the 5.25-inch aluminum woofer ensures deep, tight bass, perfect for genres like electronic or hip-hop.

Flexible Connectivity

Whether you prefer traditional wired connections or modern wireless solutions, the Navis ARB-51 has you covered. RCA and XLR inputs cater to various audio sources, from turntables to studio mixers. For those seeking wireless convenience, the optional ELAC AirX2 hub allows for high-resolution streaming, ensuring wireless convenience doesn’t compromise audio quality.

Analog Purity

While many active speakers rely on DSP to shape their sound, the Navis ARB-51 takes a purist approach by eschewing digital processing. This analog-first design ensures a more natural and organic sound, appealing to audiophiles who value authenticity.

Aesthetic Appeal

Available in black, white, and wood veneer finishes, the Navis ARB-51 complements any interior. Its minimalist yet sophisticated design ensures it looks as good as it sounds, seamlessly blending into modern and traditional spaces.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the ELAC Navis ARB-51 strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic is designed to fit effortlessly into various spaces, whether a contemporary living room or a professional studio. Available in finishes like high-gloss black, gloss white, and wood veneer, the Navis ARB-51 is as much a visual statement as it is an auditory one.

Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, ELAC has spared no expense. The cabinets are constructed from high-density MDF, a material known for its superior acoustic properties. MDF minimizes unwanted vibrations and resonance, ensuring the enclosure keeps the sound pure and uncolored. This attention to detail is evident in the precision of the craftsmanship, from the smooth edges to the meticulously applied finishes.

Compact Yet Powerful

Despite their relatively compact size, these bookshelf speakers pack a punch. Each speaker is designed to deliver maximum output without taking up much space, making them ideal for both small apartments and larger rooms.

Magnetically Attached Grille

The speakers come with a magnetically attached grille, offering flexibility in appearance. Whether you prefer the sleek, modern look of exposed drivers or the classic appeal of a covered grille, the Navis ARB-51 caters to your aesthetic preferences.

Thoughtful Placement Considerations

Placement is key to getting the most out of these speakers. The rear bass port requires at least 12 inches of clearance from the wall for optimal low-frequency performance. Additionally, the speakers should be positioned at ear level to appreciate their impressive sound imaging and soundstage capabilities fully.

Sound Performance

Sound performance is where the ELAC Navis ARB-51 truly shines. These speakers deliver a deep and captivating audio experience that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With their tri-amplified system, every frequency range—from crisp highs to deep bass—receives dedicated amplification, ensuring clarity and precision.

Highs

The 1-inch soft dome tweeter produces sparkling highs that are smooth and non-fatiguing. This makes the Navis ARB-51 perfect for extended listening sessions. High-frequency instruments, like violins and cymbals, are rendered with lifelike accuracy, allowing you to hear subtle details that might go unnoticed by other speakers.

Mids

Thanks to the 4-inch aluminum midrange driver, vocals and midrange instruments such as guitars and pianos come alive. The mids are warm and natural, with a tonal balance that makes distinguishing between layers in complex musical arrangements easy. The midrange reproduction feels authentic and engaging, whether listening to a soulful ballad or an orchestral piece.

Lows

The 5.25-inch aluminum woofer ensures that bass notes are tight, punchy, and well-controlled. Unlike speakers that exaggerate the low end, the Navis ARB-51 provides bass that complements the overall sound signature without overpowering the mids and highs. This balanced approach makes these speakers versatile across genres, from bass-heavy electronic tracks to acoustic performances.

Soundstage and Imaging

One of the Navis ARB-51’s most impressive aspects is its ability to create a vast, three-dimensional soundstage. Instruments and vocals are precisely placed within the stereo field, making it easy to visualize the performance as if you were in the recording studio. This level of imaging is rarely found in speakers at this price point, further solidifying the Navis ARB-51’s reputation as a top-tier option.

Connectivity Options

The ELAC Navis ARB-51 offers versatile connectivity options for traditional and modern audio setups. Whether you’re a purist who prefers analog connections or a tech-savvy listener who enjoys the convenience of wireless streaming, these speakers have you covered.

Wired Inputs

The Navis ARB-51 has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) inputs. The RCA input connects to standard audio sources like CD players, turntables (with a phono preamp), and DACs. The XLR input, on the other hand, is a professional-grade option that minimizes noise and interference, making it ideal for studio setups or high-end home audio systems.

Wireless Streaming (Optional)

For those who want to cut the cord, the ELAC AirX2 hub offers a wireless solution. This optional accessory lets you stream high-quality audio directly to the speakers without sacrificing sound fidelity. The hub supports multiple sources and integrates seamlessly with the Navis ARB-51, making it an excellent addition to modern listening needs.

Flexibility in Setup

The variety of connectivity options makes these speakers incredibly versatile. Whether you integrate them into a home theater system, pair them with a dedicated music streamer, or use them as standalone speakers for your laptop or phone, the Navis ARB-51 easily adapts to your requirements.

Future-Proof Design

In an era of rapidly evolving audio technology, the Navis ARB-51’s connectivity options ensure that your investment remains relevant. While some competing models lock you into specific ecosystems, ELAC’s approach allows for broad compatibility, ensuring you can use these speakers with a wide range of devices for years.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating the ELAC Navis ARB-51, it’s essential to compare it with other active bookshelf speakers. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives:

KEF LS50 Wireless II

Advantages: The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a feature-rich speaker with advanced app integration. It offers seamless access to streaming services like Spotify and Tidal, supports multi-room audio, and has a slightly more futuristic design.
Disadvantages: Despite its advanced features, the LS50 Wireless II has a significantly higher price tag. Additionally, its DSP-based sound signature may not appeal to purists who prefer the analog approach of the Navis ARB-51.

Dynaudio Xeo 20

Advantages: The Dynaudio Xeo 20 is another strong contender in the active speaker market, known for its wireless functionality and user-friendly interface. It’s great for listeners who prioritize convenience.
Disadvantages: While the Xeo 20 excels in ease of use, its soundstage and imaging fall short compared to the Navis ARB-51. ELAC’s speakers’ analog purity also gives them an edge regarding tonal accuracy.

Focal Shape 50

Advantages: The Focal Shape 50 is a studio-oriented speaker with exceptional clarity and detail, making it a favorite among professionals for nearfield listening.
Disadvantages: Although it performs well in a studio environment, the Shape 50 needs more versatility and connectivity options than the Navis ARB-51, limiting its appeal for casual home users.

Why Choose the ELAC Navis ARB-51?

The Navis ARB-51 perfectly balances professional-grade performance and home audio convenience. While competitors may excel in specific areas, the Navis ARB-51 offers an all-encompassing solution that prioritizes sound quality, design, and versatility.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the ELAC Navis ARB-51 with its key competitors: KEF LS50 Wireless II, Dynaudio Xeo 20, and Focal Shape 50.

Feature	ELAC Navis ARB-51	KEF LS50 Wireless II	Dynaudio Xeo 20	Focal Shape 50
Design	3-way with 1″ soft-dome tweeter, 4″ aluminum midrange, 5.25″ aluminum woofer	2-way with 1″ aluminum hard-dome tweeter, 5.25″ aluminum woofer	2-way with 1.1″ soft-dome tweeter, 5.5″ MSP woofer	2-way with 1″ aluminum-magnesium inverted dome tweeter, 5″ flax sandwich cone woofer
Amplification	Tri-amplified: 300W total (Class A/B for tweeter and midrange, Class D for woofer)	Bi-amplified: 380W total (Class D)	Bi-amplified: 130W total (Class D)	Bi-amplified: 85W total (Class AB)
Frequency Response	44 Hz – 28 kHz	45 Hz – 28 kHz	40 Hz – 21 kHz	45 Hz – 35 kHz
Connectivity	RCA, XLR; optional wireless via ELAC AirX2 hub	RCA, XLR, Optical, Coaxial, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	RCA, Optical, Bluetooth	RCA, XLR
Dimensions (H x W x D)	13.8″ x 7.6″ x 11.3″	11″ x 7.9″ x 12.7″	11.5″ x 7.1″ x 10.4″	12.3″ x 7.4″ x 9.5″
Weight	17.8 lbs.	22 lbs.	9.9 lbs.	12.1 lbs. cxzv
Price	$2,000 per pair	$2,500 per pair	$2,200 per pair	$1,400 per pair

Key Takeaways:

ELAC Navis ARB-51: Offers a 3-way design with dedicated amplification for each driver, focusing on analog purity. Connectivity includes RCA and XLR inputs, with optional wireless streaming via the ELAC AirX2 hub.
KEF LS50 Wireless II: This product features a two-way design with extensive connectivity options, including HDMI eARC and wireless capabilities like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It also supports app-based control for added convenience.
Dynaudio Xeo 20: This product provides a two-way design with built-in amplification and wireless connectivity, appealing to users seeking simplicity and ease of use.
Focal Shape 50: Designed primarily for studio use, this 2-way speaker offers precise sound reproduction, focusing on nearfield listening environments.

Pros and Cons

When evaluating the ELAC Navis ARB-51, it’s essential to consider its strengths and potential drawbacks. This balanced perspective can help you determine if these speakers are the right choice for your audio needs.

Pros

Exceptional Sound Clarity and Balance

The tri-amplified design ensures each frequency range is reproduced with precision. Highs are crisp, mids are lush, and bass is tight, making these speakers suitable for various genres.

Built-In Amplification

With its built-in amplifiers, the Navis ARB-51 eliminates the need for external amplification. This simplifies setup and ensures the amplifiers are perfectly matched to the drivers for optimal performance.

Analog Purity

Unlike many competitors that rely on DSP, the Navis ARB-51 focuses on a pure analog approach. This results in a more natural and authentic listening experience that audiophiles will appreciate.

Elegant Design

Available in multiple finishes, these speakers blend seamlessly into any decor. Their sleek, modern look makes them as visually appealing as they are functional.

Versatile Connectivity Options

Including RCA and XLR inputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. The optional ELAC AirX2 hub also provides wireless streaming capabilities, adding flexibility.

Durable Construction

Built with high-quality MDF and featuring a sturdy design, these speakers are designed to last while minimizing unwanted resonance.

Cons

Limited Wireless Functionality Without Hub

Wireless streaming requires the optional ELAC AirX2 hub, which adds to the overall cost.

Premium Price Tag

While the Navis ARB-51 delivers outstanding performance, its price may be prohibitive for some buyers, especially those new to high-end audio.

Placement Sensitivity

To achieve optimal sound quality, these speakers require careful placement, including sufficient distance from walls and proper height alignment with the listener’s ears.

No Integrated Streaming Apps

Unlike some competitors, the Navis ARB-51 lacks integrated streaming apps or innovative features and focuses instead on traditional audio quality.

Who Should Buy the ELAC Navis ARB-51?

The ELAC Navis ARB-51 is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Still, it caters to diverse users, particularly those who value sound quality, build precision, and design aesthetics. Let’s break down the ideal audience for these speakers:

Audiophiles

If you live and breathe high-fidelity audio, the Navis ARB-51 is tailor-made for you. The analog purity, tri-amplified design, and detailed sound reproduction ensure an authentic listening experience that satisfies even the most discerning ears.

Home Audio Enthusiasts

For individuals looking to upgrade their home audio system, the Navis ARB-51 offers a complete package. Its elegant design enhances any living space, and the versatile connectivity options make it easy to pair with existing equipment.

Studio Owners and Professionals

The precise imaging and balanced frequency response make these speakers an excellent choice for small professional studios. Whether mixing tracks or evaluating recordings, the Navis ARB-51 delivers reliable performance.

Minimalists

With built-in amplification and a compact form factor, these speakers are perfect for those who want high-quality sound without the clutter of separate amplifiers and cables.

Music Lovers Who Appreciate Aesthetics

The high-gloss finishes and minimalist design appeal to those who value aesthetics as much as performance. These speakers state whether you choose gloss black, white, or wood veneer.

Who Should Consider Other Options?

If you’re on a tight budget or prioritize wireless features and app integration, other speakers like the KEF LS50 Wireless II might be better. Additionally, users with space constraints or placement challenges may find the Navis ARB-51’s sensitivity to positioning less convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the ELAC Navis ARB-51 speakers support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi natively?

No, the Navis ARB-51 does not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities. However, you can use the optional ELAC AirX2 hub to enable high-resolution wireless streaming.

Can these speakers be used for home theater setups?

While primarily designed for stereo music playback, the Navis ARB-51 can be integrated into a home theater system. However, you may need additional equipment for multi-channel setups.

Are the amplifiers in the Navis ARB-51 Class D or Class A/B?

The Navis ARB-51 features custom-designed Class A/B amplifiers for the midrange and tweeter and a Class D amplifier for the woofer. This combination ensures efficient power usage without compromising sound quality.

What is the recommended placement for these speakers?

For optimal performance, position the speakers at ear level, about 6-10 feet apart, and ensure they are at least 12 inches away from walls to allow the rear bass port to function effectively.

Can I connect these speakers directly to a turntable?

Yes, but only if your turntable has a built-in preamp or you use an external phono preamp. Otherwise, the signal from the turntable will not be strong enough for the speakers.

Conclusion

The ELAC Navis ARB-51 is an impressive active speaker system with exceptional sound quality, elegant design, and versatile connectivity. While it comes with a premium price tag, the investment is well worth it for those who value high-fidelity audio and analog purity.

Whether you’re an audiophile, a home audio enthusiast, or a studio professional, the Navis ARB-51 checks all the right boxes. Its advanced features, meticulous craftsmanship, and stunning aesthetics make it a standout choice in the competitive landscape of active bookshelf speakers.

If you’re looking for a speaker system that offers both performance and style, the ELAC Navis ARB-51 deserves serious consideration. It’s more than just a speaker—it’s an experience.