In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and R200 50th Anniversary Edition, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Polk R200 50th AE first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and Polk R200 50th AE 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 Polk R200 50th AE 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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
Polk R200 50th AE |
|
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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition features a 1" ring radiator Pinnacle with an integrated waveguide Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz whereas R200 50th Anniversary Edition has a frequency range of 51-38k 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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition's min frequency of 51Hz.
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
R200 50th Anniversary Edition
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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
R200 50th Anniversary Edition
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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the R200 50th Anniversary Edition.
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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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 Polk R200 50th AE 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 Polk R200 50th AE'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 Polk R200 50th AE has external dimensions of 358.0 x 193.0 x 355.0mm ( 24-28inch x 7-9/16inch x 13-15/16inch ) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is 2mm narrower and 115mm less deeper than Polk R200 50th AE but it is also 4mm 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 Polk R200 50th AE is approximately 685.2cm2 / 106.2inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB requires 33% less surface area than the R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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 Polk R200 50th AE weighs 8.80kg / 19.4lbs. This makes the R200 50th Anniversary Edition 24% heavier than the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB and R200 50th Anniversary Edition's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk R200 50th AE?
Here are the items that come with the R200 50th Anniversary Edition:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners ManualOnline RegistrationCertificate Of Aunthenticity
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
38k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
458cm2 (191x240mm)
vs
685cm2 (193x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.8 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Height |
358mm
vs
362mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1249USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB |
Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 100 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-50k Hz |
51-38k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
362.0mm (14.3") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
| Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
7.10kg (15.6lbs) |
8.80kg (19.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |