In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by ELAC. Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Carina BS243.4 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and ELAC Carina BS243.4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and ELAC Carina BS243.4 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 ELAC Carina BS243.4 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is a 3-way design whereas the Carina BS243.4 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
ELAC Carina BS243.4 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 Carina BS243.4 features a 1" JET AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a frequency range of 32-50k Hz whereas Carina BS243.4 has a frequency range of 46-30k 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 Carina BS243.4's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 Carina BS243.4 which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 Carina BS243.4's is rated at 85 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Carina BS243.4, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Carina BS243.4 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 60 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-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
Both Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and Carina BS243.4 have bottom firing ports.
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 ELAC Carina BS243.4'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 ELAC Carina BS243.4 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 205.0 x 247.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 8-1/16 x 9-11/16inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB is 130mm shorter and 14mm less deeper than ELAC Carina BS243.4 but it is also 448mm 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 ELAC Carina BS243.4 is approximately 506.4cm2 / 78.5inch2. The Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB requires 200% more surface area than the Carina BS243.4 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of ELAC Carina BS243.4?
Here are the items that come with the Carina BS243.4:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 4 Jumper straps (pre-intalled) Operating Instructions