In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and Klipsch RP-600M 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 VBS404.2-GB and Klipsch RP-600M 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 VBS404.2-GB and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB has a frequency range of 38-50k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k 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 RP-600M's min frequency of 45Hz.
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 RP-600M 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 RP-600M's is rated at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB, 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 RP-600M 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 RP-600M 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 Klipsch RP-600M with its rear-firing port.
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped 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 Klipsch RP-600M'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 Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 74mm wider, 13mm taller and 31mm deeper than Klipsch RP-600M.
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 Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB requires 51% more surface area than the RP-600M 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 Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB 33% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB and RP-600M'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 Klipsch RP-600M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
399mm
vs
412mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
608cm2 (202x301mm)
vs
916cm2 (276x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
369USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 120 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
38-50k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400 Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
412.0mm (16.2") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
276.0mm (10.9") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
9.70kg (21.3lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut High Gloss |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |