In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and VELA BS 403, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by ELAC Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and ELAC VELA BS 403 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 )
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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
| 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 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.
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Drivers
Both Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and VELA BS 403 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
ELAC VELA BS 403 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 6-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 VELA BS 403 features a " handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter and 1 x 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and VELA BS 403 has exactly the same frequency range of 41-50k Hz.
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 and VELA BS 403 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 86 dB.
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 2.0 VBS403-GB and the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB 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.
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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB's and ELAC VELA BS 403'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 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 ) .
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 ELAC VELA BS 403 is approximately 456.5cm2 / 70.8inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB requires 0% more surface area than the VELA BS 403 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 2.0 VBS403-GB weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs and the ELAC VELA BS 403 weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and VELA BS 403'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 come with the VELA BS 403:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions