In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by ELAC. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB are members of ELAC's Vela 2.0 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
ELAC Vela 2.0 Series History
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 2.0 VBS403-GB and Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a 2-way design whereas the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is a 4-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
4-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
2 x 7-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 2.0 VFS409.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 7" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 140 Hz, 360 Hz, 2700 Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB has a frequency range of 28-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB's is at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 280 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 180 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB has external dimensions of 1307 x 276 x 332 mm ( 51.5 x 10.9 x 13 inches) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 85mm wider, 945mm taller and 92mm deeper than Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB.
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 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is approximately 916.3cm2 / 142.0inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB requires 50% less surface area than the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.