In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 34-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 160watts
- Weight:12.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 190.0" x 20" x 9.8"( 190 x 500 x 248 mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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:
| Listening Environment* |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
| 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 2.0 VBS403-GB is a 2-way design whereas the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 2.0 VBS403-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
2 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 2.0 VBS403-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a frequency range of 34-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB'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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 2.0 VBS403-GB and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's is at 87.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB, 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 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.
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 60 watts less than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB'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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has external dimensions of 190 x 500 x 248 mm ( 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is 309mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB but it is also 172mm 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 Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is approximately 1240.0cm2 / 192.2inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB requires 63% less surface area than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.