Bookshelf Speakers — ELAC Navis ARB51

The Navis ARB51 is a fully active bookshelf loudspeaker from ELAC, part of the brand's Navis series, built with substantial tri-amplified internal power. The Navis ARB51 brings ELAC's advanced active engineering to a compact stand-mount format with individually amplified driver sections.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is 44Hz to 28,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Internal amplification uses a tri-amp configuration totalling 160W plus 100W plus 40W across separately amplified driver sections - a sophisticated active approach eliminating passive crossover compromises. At 34.49 x 18.9 x 24cm and 8.1kg, the Navis ARB51 packs considerable amplification into a compact enclosure.

Sound and use context

Expect precise driver control reflecting the tri-amplified internal configuration - this individually amplified approach lets each driver section operate within its own optimal power and frequency window, eliminating passive crossover compromises entirely.

Pairing

As a fully active design, the Navis ARB51 requires no external power amplifier, connecting directly to a source component or preamplifier with line-level input.

Alternatives

ELAC's broader Navis series, including floorstanding models sharing the same tri-amplified philosophy, offers alternatives at different scales.