In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the VELA BS 403 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and ELAC VELA BS 403 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 30-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 170watts
- Weight:19.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 985.0" x 10.2" x 12"( 985 x 260 x 300 mm )
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 )
What size room are the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and ELAC VELA BS 403 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is a 3-way design whereas the VELA BS 403 is a 2-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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6-inch
|
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. 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
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and VELA BS 403 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the VELA BS 403's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can handle a max power of 170 watts RMS from the amp the whereas VELA BS 403 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 70 watts less than the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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
Both Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and VELA BS 403 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB's and ELAC VELA BS 403's external dimensions. Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has external dimensions of 985 x 260 x 300 mm ( 38.78 x 10.2 x 12 inches) 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 69mm wider, 624mm taller and 61mm 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is approximately 780.0cm2 / 120.9inch2 and base area of the ELAC VELA BS 403 is approximately 456.5cm2 / 70.8inch2. The Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB requires 71% 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 BS 403?
Here are the items that come with the VELA BS 403:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions