In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and HTM71 S3, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and B&W HTM71 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and B&W HTM71 S3 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 VCC401.2-GB and B&W HTM71 S3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and HTM71 S3 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
B&W HTM71 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
4 x 5-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the HTM71 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 4 x 5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a frequency range of 32-50k Hz whereas HTM71 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM71 S3's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-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 VCC401.2-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the HTM71 S3 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 VCC401.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88.5 dB and the HTM71 S3's is rated at 89 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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 VCC401.2-GB can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a max power handling value of 160 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the HTM71 S3.
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 VCC401.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas HTM71 S3 has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W HTM71 S3 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 VCC401.2-GB's and B&W HTM71 S3's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has external dimensions of 191 x 653 x 233 mm ( 7.52 x 25.71 x 9.17 inches) whereas B&W HTM71 S3 has external dimensions of 235.0 x 629.0 x 356.0mm ( 9-1/4inch x 24-3/4inch x 14inch ) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is 44mm shorter and 123mm less deeper than B&W HTM71 S3 but it is also 24mm wider.
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 VCC401.2-GB is approximately 1521.5cm2 / 235.8inch2 and base area of the B&W HTM71 S3 is approximately 2239.2cm2 / 347.1inch2. The Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB requires 32% less surface area than the HTM71 S3 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 VCC401.2-GB weighs 11.80kg / 26lbs and the B&W HTM71 S3 weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs. This makes the HTM71 S3 48% heavier than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and HTM71 S3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
What's in the Box of B&W HTM71 S3?
Here are the items that come with the HTM71 S3:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleTwo-piece foam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationOnline Registration Card
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
191mm
vs
235mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1521cm2 (653x233mm)
vs
2239cm2 (629x356mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2299USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
160 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 160 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88.5 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
32-50k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Aerofoil Profile |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
191.0mm (7.5") |
235.0mm (9.3") |
| Width |
653.0mm (25.7") |
629.0mm (24.8") |
| Depth |
233.0mm (9.2") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
11.80kg (26lbs) |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |