In this review, we will be comparing Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB and Platinum 300 3G, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from ELAC and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB and Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB and Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G 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 VFS409.2-GB and Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is a 4-way design whereas the Platinum 300 3G is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB |
Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G |
|
Driver Setup
|
4-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 7-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 7" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 140 Hz, 360 Hz, 2700 Hz. On the other hand, the Platinum 300 3G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" RDT III Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 650 Hz - 3000 Hz.
Frequency Response
Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB has a frequency range of 28-50k Hz whereas Platinum 300 3G has a frequency range of 17-60k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Platinum 300 3G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 VFS409.2-GB
Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G
Impedance and Sensitivity
Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB and Platinum 300 3G have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Platinum 300 3G's is at 88dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G, 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 VFS409.2-GB and the Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-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 VFS409.2-GB can handle a max power of 400 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB has a max power handling value of 280 watts RMS , 120 watts less than the Platinum 300 3G.
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 VFS409.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas Platinum 300 3G has a rear firing ports. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G with its rear-firing port.
Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G 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 VFS409.2-GB's and Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G's external dimensions. Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB has external dimensions of 1307 x 276 x 332 mm ( 51.5 x 10.9 x 13 inches) whereas Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G has external dimensions of 1131.1 x 429.8 x 525 mm ( 44.5 x 16.9 x 20.6-inch) .
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB is 154mm narrower and 193mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G but it is also 176mm taller.
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 VFS409.2-GB is approximately 916.3cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3G is approximately 2257.5cm2 / 349.9inch2. The Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB requires 59% less surface area than the Platinum 300 3G which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.