In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and 703 S3, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from ELAC and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and B&W 703 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 30-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 170watts
- Weight:19.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1000.0" x 9" x 10.5"( 1000 x 229 x 266 mm )
B&W 703 S3 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 6" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer
- 6" Midrange
- 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:28.81kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1117.0" x 7.6" x 13.9"( 1117.0 x 192.0 x 353.0mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and B&W 703 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB |
B&W 703 S3 |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
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 VFS407.2-GB and B&W 703 S3 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 VFS407.2-GB and 703 S3 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB |
B&W 703 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-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 703 S3 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz whereas 703 S3 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 703 S3'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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-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 VFS407.2-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 703 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 VFS407.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the 703 S3's is rated at 90 dB.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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 VFS407.2-GB can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB has a max power handling value of 170 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the 703 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 VFS407.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas 703 S3 has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 703 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 VFS407.2-GB's and B&W 703 S3's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB has external dimensions of 1000 x 229 x 266 mm ( 40 x 9 x 10.47 inches) whereas B&W 703 S3 has external dimensions of 1117.0 x 192.0 x 353.0mm ( 44-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.9-inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB is 117mm shorter and 87mm less deeper than B&W 703 S3 but it is also 37mm 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 VFS407.2-GB is approximately 609.1cm2 / 94.4inch2 and base area of the B&W 703 S3 is approximately 677.8cm2 / 105.1inch2. The Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB requires 10% less surface area than the 703 S3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of B&W 703 S3?
Here are the items that come with the 703 S3:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrillePlinth (base)2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Two-piece foam port plug4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nuts4 Screws4 Washers4 Lock washersHex-keyManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Minimum Impedance 
Low Frequency Response 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Max Input Power 
Nominal Impedance 
Price per pair*