In this review, we will be comparing VELA CC 401 and Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB, two Passive Center Channel speakers by ELAC Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC VELA CC 401 and Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC VELA CC 401 and Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB 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 CC 401 and Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that VELA CC 401 is a 2-way design whereas the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 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 2.0 VCC401.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2400 Hz.
Frequency Response
VELA CC 401 has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz whereas Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a frequency range of 32-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the VELA CC 401 can go slightly deeper then the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
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 CC 401 and Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB 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 2.0 VCC401.2-GB's is at 88.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC VELA CC 401, 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. 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 CC 401 can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas VELA CC 401 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
VELA CC 401 has a rear firing port whereas Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a bottom firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB'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
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 CC 401's and Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB'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 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has external dimensions of 191 x 653 x 233 mm ( 7.52 x 25.71 x 9.17 inches) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is 2mm shorter and 7mm less deeper than ELAC VELA CC 401 but it is also 3mm wider.
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 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is approximately 1521.5cm2 / 235.8inch2. The VELA CC 401 requires 3% more surface area than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB which gives it a small disadvantage 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 CC 401 weighs 19.14kg / 42.1lbs and the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB weighs 11.80kg / 26lbs. This makes the VELA CC 401 62% heavier than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB.
Here is a comparison of how VELA CC 401 and Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
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 speaker2 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions
Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Max Input Power |
160 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Height |
191mm
vs
193mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1521cm2 (653x233mm)
vs
1560cm2 (650x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
2299USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
40-120 watts |
Up to 160 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88.5 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
30-50k Hz |
32-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6" |
6" |
Woofer Composition |
aluminum/paper sandwich |
AS XR cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Tweeter Type |
JET 5 folded ribbon |
JET 6 AMT |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
193.0mm (7.6") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Width |
650.0mm (25.6") |
653.0mm (25.7") |
Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
233.0mm (9.2") |
Weight |
19.14kg (42.1lbs) |
11.80kg (26lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
|
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
|