In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by ELAC. ELAC VELA CC 401 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the VELA BS 403 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC VELA CC 401 and ELAC VELA BS 403 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC VELA CC 401 | ELAC VELA BS 403 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | JET 5 folded ribbon | handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich | 6" Aluminum/Paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 30-50k Hz | 41-50k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 86 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 40-120 watts | 40-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 19.14kg / 42.1lbs | 7.10kg / 15.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7-9/16" x 25-9/16" x 9-7/16"
193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm | 14-3/16" x 7-1/2" x 9-3/8"
361.0 x 191.0 x 239.0mm |
|---|
VELA CC 401 and VELA BS 403 are members of ELAC's VELA series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the ELAC VELA CC 401 and ELAC VELA BS 403 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 CC 401 |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both VELA CC 401 and VELA BS 403 are 2-way speakers.
ELAC VELA CC 401ELAC VELA BS 403
Woofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6-inch
|
VELA CC 401 features a " JET 5 folded ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich Woofer. On the other hand, the VELA BS 403 features a " handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter and 1 x 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer.
Frequency Response
VELA CC 401 has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz whereas VELA BS 403 has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the VELA CC 401 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the VELA BS 403's min frequency of 41Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
VELA CC 401 and VELA BS 403 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. VELA CC 401 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the VELA BS 403's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the ELAC VELA CC 401 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC VELA BS 403, 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 CC 401 and the VELA CC 401 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
VELA CC 401 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas VELA BS 403 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the VELA CC 401.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
VELA BS 403 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. VELA CC 401 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC VELA BS 403's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
VELA CC 401 has a rear firing port whereas VELA BS 403 has a bottom firing ports. ELAC VELA BS 403's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to ELAC VELA CC 401 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 CC 401's and ELAC VELA BS 403's external dimensions. ELAC VELA CC 401 has external dimensions of 193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm (7-9/16 x 25-9/16 x 9-7/16inch) whereas 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).
ELAC VELA BS 403 is 459mm narrower and 1mm less deeper than ELAC VELA CC 401 but it is also 168mm 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 CC 401 is approximately 1560.0cm2 / 241.8inch2 and base area of the ELAC VELA BS 403 is approximately 456.5cm2 / 70.8inch2. The VELA CC 401 requires 242% more surface area than the VELA BS 403 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of ELAC VELA CC 401?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of VELA CC 401:
- 1 Center channel speaker
- 2 Jumper straps (pre-installed)
- Operating And Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of ELAC VELA BS 403?
Here are the items that come with the VELA BS 403:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)
- Operating And Safety Instructions