In this review, we will be comparing VELA BS 403 and HDI-1600, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC VELA BS 403 and JBL HDI-1600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
ELAC VELA BS 403 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter
- 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer
- 41-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:40-100watts
- Weight:7.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 361.0" x 7-1/2" x 9-3/8"( 361.0 x 191.0 x 239.0mm )
JBL HDI-1600 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
- 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 40-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:9.98kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 383.0" x 9-1/8" x 11-3/8"( 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm )
What size room are the ELAC VELA BS 403 and JBL HDI-1600 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:
| Listening Environment* |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC VELA BS 403 and JBL HDI-1600 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both VELA BS 403 and HDI-1600 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 HDI-1600 features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
VELA BS 403 has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas HDI-1600 has a frequency range of 40-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the HDI-1600 can go slightly deeper then the VELA BS 403's min frequency of 41Hz.
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 and HDI-1600 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. VELA BS 403 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the HDI-1600's is at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the ELAC VELA BS 403 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-1600, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the VELA BS 403 and the VELA BS 403 can provide this impedance level.
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.
VELA BS 403 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas VELA BS 403 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the HDI-1600.
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 HDI-1600 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
ELAC VELA BS 403's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
JBL HDI-1600's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
VELA BS 403 has a bottom firing port whereas HDI-1600 has a rear firing ports. ELAC VELA BS 403's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to JBL HDI-1600 with its rear-firing port.
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 JBL HDI-1600'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 JBL HDI-1600 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-3/8inch) .
JBL HDI-1600 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41mm wider, 22mm taller and 50mm deeper than ELAC VELA BS 403.
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 JBL HDI-1600 is approximately 670.5cm2 / 103.9inch2. The VELA BS 403 requires 32% less surface area than the HDI-1600 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 JBL HDI-1600 weighs 9.98kg / 22lbs. This makes the HDI-1600 41% heavier than the VELA BS 403.
Here is a comparison of how VELA BS 403 and HDI-1600'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 JBL HDI-1600?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-1600:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
Owner's Manual
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
361mm
vs
383mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
456cm2
vs
670cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
41 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1980USD
vs
2899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
40-100 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-50k Hz |
40-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum/Paper |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter |
Horn-Loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
361.0mm (14.2") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
239.0mm (9.4") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
9.98kg (22lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Walnut,Black,Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
No |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |