In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and 706 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and B&W 706 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 7" AS XR cone Woofer
- 41-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 100watts
- Weight:7.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 362.0" x 7.5" x 9.4"( 362 × 191 × 240 mm )
B&W 706 S2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Continuum Woofer
- 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:8.05kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 340.0" x 7.8" x 11."( 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and B&W 706 S2 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 2.0 VBS403-GB |
B&W 706 S2 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 2.0 VBS403-GB and B&W 706 S2 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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Drivers
Both Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and 706 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
B&W 706 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 1 x 7" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 706 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 2.0 VBS403-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 706 S2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 2.0 VBS403-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the 706 S2's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 706 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB, 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.
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the 706 S2.
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 2.0 VBS403-GB has a bottom firing port whereas 706 S2 has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 706 S2 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 2.0 VBS403-GB's and B&W 706 S2's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has external dimensions of 362 × 191 × 240 mm ( 14.25 x 7.52 x 9.4 inches) whereas B&W 706 S2 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 13.5-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.-inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is 9mm narrower and 61mm less deeper than B&W 706 S2 but it is also 22mm 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 2.0 VBS403-GB is approximately 458.4cm2 / 71.1inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB requires 24% less surface area than the 706 S2 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 2.0 VBS403-GB weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs. This makes the 706 S2 13% heavier than the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and 706 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 706 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information