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.
| Key Specs | Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB | KEF LS50 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | — | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | JET 6 AMT | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6" AS XR cone | 5.25" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 38-50k Hz | 79-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 85 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | Up to 120 watts | 40-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.70kg / 21.3lbs | 7.82kg / 17.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 16.2" x 10.9" x 13"
412 x 276 x 332 mm | 11-15/16" 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GBKEF LS50 Meta
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| 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.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas LS50 Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB
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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB needs about 62% more floor or shelf area. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is 51mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is 109mm 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 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.
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 VBS404.2-GB weighs 9.70kg / 21.3lbs and the KEF LS50 Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB 24% heavier than the LS50 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and LS50 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB
What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50 Meta:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Foam port plugs
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.5 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Height |
303mm
vs
412mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2
vs
916cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1600USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB |
KEF LS50 Meta |
| Brand |
ELAC |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 120 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-50k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400 Hz |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
412.0mm (16.2") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
276.0mm (10.9") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
9.70kg (21.3lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Polymer |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut High Gloss |
Carbon Black,Titanium Grey,Royal Blue,Mineral White |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
25-30" |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |
A generation apart: Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is the newer design, against a 2020 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB digs deeper - 38Hz against 79Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is more sensitive (87dB vs 85dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | KEF LS50 Meta is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (120W vs 100W). |
| Size | depends | KEF LS50 Meta is easier to place; Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. KEF LS50 Meta sits in a wider range (10 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | KEF LS50 Meta is cheaper - $1,600 against $2,499, about 36% less. |
A Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB B KEF LS50 Meta
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 56% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - KEF LS50 Meta looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 79Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper KEF LS50 Meta much easier to justify. Match it to your room: we rate Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and KEF LS50 Meta for near-field listening and a small room.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.