In this review, we will be comparing VELA BS 403 and Carina BS243.4, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by ELAC Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC VELA BS 403 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC VELA BS 403 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC VELA BS 403 and ELAC Carina BS243.4 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both VELA BS 403 and Carina BS243.4 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
ELAC Carina BS243.4 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
VELA BS 403 features a " handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter and 1 x 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Carina BS243.4 features a 1" JET AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
VELA BS 403 has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas Carina BS243.4 has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the VELA BS 403 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Carina BS243.4's min frequency of 46Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
VELA BS 403 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Carina BS243.4 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the VELA BS 403 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. VELA BS 403 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Carina BS243.4's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC VELA BS 403 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Carina BS243.4, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both VELA BS 403 and Carina BS243.4 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both VELA BS 403 and Carina BS243.4 have bottom firing ports.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC VELA BS 403's and ELAC Carina BS243.4's external dimensions. ELAC VELA BS 403 has external dimensions of 361.0 x 191.0 x 239.0mm ( 24-28inch x 7-1/2inch x 9-3/8inch ) whereas ELAC Carina BS243.4 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 205.0 x 247.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 8-1/16 x 9-11/16inch) .
ELAC VELA BS 403 is 14mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than ELAC Carina BS243.4 but it is also 40mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC VELA BS 403 is approximately 456.5cm2 / 70.8inch2 and base area of the ELAC Carina BS243.4 is approximately 506.4cm2 / 78.5inch2. The VELA BS 403 requires 10% less surface area than the Carina BS243.4 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The ELAC VELA BS 403 weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the ELAC Carina BS243.4 weighs 6.70kg / 14.7lbs. This makes the VELA BS 403 6% heavier than the Carina BS243.4.
Here is a comparison of how VELA BS 403 and Carina BS243.4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC VELA BS 403?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of VELA BS 403:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of ELAC Carina BS243.4?
Here are the items that come with the Carina BS243.4:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 4 Jumper straps (pre-intalled) Operating Instructions
Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
456cm2 (191x239mm)
vs
506cm2 (205x247mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
321mm
vs
361mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
2899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
ELAC Carina BS243.4 |
Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
40-100 watts |
30-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
41-50k Hz |
46-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Aluminum/Paper |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter |
JET AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
361.0mm (14.2") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
Depth |
239.0mm (9.4") |
247.0mm (9.7") |
Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Aluminum |
MDF/Polymer |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Satin Black,Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
Grille |
No |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |