In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from ELAC and Elac. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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:
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 Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 7-inch
|
2 x 6-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 Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB has a frequency range of 28-50k Hz whereas Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB can go slightly deeper then the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB's min frequency of 30Hz.
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
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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 and Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 88.5 dB and the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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 VFS408.2-GB and the Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-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 VFS408.2-GB can handle a max power of 220 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has a max power handling value of 170 watts RMS, 50 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
Both Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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 VFS408.2-GB's and Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB'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 Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has external dimensions of 985 x 260 x 300 mm ( 38.78 x 10.2 x 12 inches) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 157mm taller and 32mm deeper than Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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 VFS408.2-GB is approximately 916.3cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is approximately 780.0cm2 / 120.9inch2. The Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB requires 17% more surface area than the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-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 VFS408.2-GB weighs 27.10kg / 59.6lbs and the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB weighs 19.00kg / 41.8lbs. This makes the Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB 43% heavier than the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB and Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floorstanding class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB
 Max Input Power |
220 watts
vs
170 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.5 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Height |
985mm
vs
1142mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
780cm2 (260x300mm)
vs
916cm2 (276x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
3999USD
vs
6999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB |
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Elac |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 220 watts |
Up to 170 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88.5 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-50k Hz |
30-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
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 2550 Hz |
2400 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1142.0mm (45") |
985.0mm (38.8") |
| Width |
276.0mm (10.9") |
260.0mm (10.2") |
| Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
300.0mm (11.8") |
| Weight |
27.10kg (59.6lbs) |
19.00kg (41.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut High Gloss |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
|