In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB, two Passive Center Channel speakers from ELAC and Elac.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 32-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 88.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 160watts
- Weight:11.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 191.0" x 25.7" x 9.2"( 191 x 653 x 233 mm )
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 34-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 160watts
- Weight:12.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 190.0" x 20" x 9.8"( 190 x 500 x 248 mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 VCC401.2-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 VCC401.2-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6-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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2400 Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB has a frequency range of 32-50k Hz whereas Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a frequency range of 34-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB can go slightly deeper then the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's min frequency of 34Hz.
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
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-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 and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88.5 dB and the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's is at 87.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
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 and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has the same power range of Up to 160 watts.
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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB'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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has external dimensions of 190 x 500 x 248 mm ( 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches) .
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is 153mm narrower and 1mm shorter than Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB but it is also 15mm deeper.
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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is approximately 1240.0cm2 / 192.2inch2. The Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB requires 23% more surface area than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 VCC401.2-GB weighs 11.80kg / 26lbs and the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs. This makes the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 2% heavier than the Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB'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
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
190mm
vs
191mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1240cm2
vs
1521cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Elac |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 160 watts |
Up to 160 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88.5 dB |
87.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
3.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
32-50k Hz |
34-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
AS XR cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
JET 6 AMT |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
191.0mm (7.5") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Width |
653.0mm (25.7") |
500.0mm (19.7") |
| Depth |
233.0mm (9.2") |
248.0mm (9.8") |
| Weight |
11.80kg (26lbs) |
12.00kg (26.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
|