In this review, we will be comparing RC-64 III and VELA CC 401, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RC-64 III and ELAC VELA CC 401 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RC-64 III Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1-3/4" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 57-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 99 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 200watts
- Weight:25.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 204.0" x 35-3/4" x 15-1/4"( 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm )
ELAC VELA CC 401 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " JET 5 folded ribbon Tweeter
- 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich Woofer
- 30-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:40-120watts
- Weight:19.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 193.0" x 25-9/16" x 9-7/16"( 193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RC-64 III and ELAC VELA CC 401 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* |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Klipsch RC-64 III and ELAC VELA CC 401 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 RC-64 III and VELA CC 401 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-3/4-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6-inch
|
RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the VELA CC 401 features a " JET 5 folded ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich Woofer .
Frequency Response
RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz whereas VELA CC 401 has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the VELA CC 401 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RC-64 III's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
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
RC-64 III is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the VELA CC 401 which has a nominal impedance of 4 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 CC 401 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RC-64 III sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the VELA CC 401's is rated at 88 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC VELA CC 401, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
RC-64 III can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas VELA CC 401 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the RC-64 III.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RC-64 III features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. VELA CC 401 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Klipsch RC-64 III's and ELAC VELA CC 401's external dimensions. Klipsch RC-64 III has external dimensions of 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm ( 8 x 35-3/4 x 15-1/4inch) whereas ELAC VELA CC 401 has external dimensions of 193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm ( 7-9/16 x 25-9/16 x 9-7/16inch) .
Klipsch RC-64 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 259mm wider, 11mm taller and 148mm deeper than ELAC VELA CC 401.
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 Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2 and base area of the ELAC VELA CC 401 is approximately 1560.0cm2 / 241.8inch2. The RC-64 III requires 126% more surface area than the VELA CC 401 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.