In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and 703 S2, 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 VFS408.2-GB and B&W 703 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and B&W 703 S2 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 VFS408.2-GB and B&W 703 S2 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 VFS408.2-GB and 703 S2 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB |
B&W 703 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 7-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 7" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2550 Hz. On the other hand, the 703 S2 features a 1" Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Woofer .
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB has a frequency range of 28-50k Hz whereas 703 S2 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 703 S2'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 VFS408.2-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 VFS408.2-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 703 S2 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 VFS408.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88.5 dB and the 703 S2's is rated at 89 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 VFS408.2-GB can handle a max power of 220 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 703 S2 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-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
Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas 703 S2 has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 703 S2 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 VFS408.2-GB's and B&W 703 S2's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB has external dimensions of 1142 x 276 x 332 mm ( 44.96 x 10.87 x 13.07 inches) whereas B&W 703 S2 has external dimensions of 1025.0 x 200.0 x 321.0mm ( 40.4-inch x 12-11/16-inch x 12.6-inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 76mm wider, 117mm taller and 11mm deeper than B&W 703 S2.
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 VFS408.2-GB is approximately 916.3cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the B&W 703 S2 is approximately 642.0cm2 / 99.5inch2. The Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB requires 43% more surface area than the 703 S2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of B&W 703 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 703 S2:
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