In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and R5 Meta, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from ELAC and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and KEF R5 Meta 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 )
KEF R5 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Vented dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:24.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1074.0" x 10-3/4" x 13-1/2"( 1074.0 x 274.0 x 343.0mm )
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB and KEF R5 Meta 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 |
KEF R5 Meta |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* 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 KEF R5 Meta 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 VFS407.2-GB and R5 Meta are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB |
KEF R5 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 R5 Meta features a 1" Aluminum with MAT absorber Vented dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz whereas R5 Meta has a frequency range of 52-28k 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 R5 Meta's min frequency of 52Hz.
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 and R5 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the R5 Meta's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R5 Meta, 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 VFS407.2-GB and the Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
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 R5 Meta.
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 R5 Meta 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 KEF R5 Meta 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 KEF R5 Meta'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 KEF R5 Meta has external dimensions of 1074.0 x 274.0 x 343.0mm ( 42-1/4-inch x 10-3/4-inch x 13-1/2-inch) .
KEF R5 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 45mm wider, 74mm taller and 77mm deeper than Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB.
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 KEF R5 Meta is approximately 939.8cm2 / 145.7inch2. The Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB requires 35% less surface area than the R5 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF R5 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the R5 Meta:
R5 Meta Microfiber grille Plinth and spike accessories Port bungs User manual and warranty information