In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and LS50 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and KEF LS50 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 38-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 120watts
- Weight:9.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 412.0" x 10.9" x 13"( 412 x 276 x 332 mm )
KEF LS50 Meta Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-100watts
- Weight:7.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.875" x 11-1/16"( 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and KEF LS50 Meta 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 VBS404.2-GB |
KEF LS50 Meta |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 VBS404.2-GB and KEF LS50 Meta 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB |
KEF LS50 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 1 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the LS50 Meta features a 1" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB has a frequency range of 38-50k Hz whereas LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50 Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
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 VBS404.2-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 VBS404.2-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the LS50 Meta 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 VBS404.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the LS50 Meta's is rated at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50 Meta, 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 VBS404.2-GB can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-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
Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas LS50 Meta has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF LS50 Meta 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 VBS404.2-GB's and KEF LS50 Meta's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB has external dimensions of 412 x 276 x 332 mm ( 16.22 x 10.87 x 13.07 inches) whereas KEF LS50 Meta has external dimensions of 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-15/16 x 7.875 x 11-1/16inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 75mm wider, 109mm taller and 51mm deeper than KEF LS50 Meta.
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 VBS404.2-GB is approximately 916.3cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB requires 62% more surface area than the LS50 Meta which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.