In this review, we will be comparing R-34C 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 R-34C and ELAC VELA CC 401 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-34C 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 R-34C and VELA CC 401 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
2 x 6-inch
|
R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG 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
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k 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 R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
R-34C 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. R-34C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the VELA CC 401's is rated at 88 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C 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.
R-34C can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the VELA CC 401.
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
R-34C features Binding post type posts and VELA CC 401 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C's Binding post terminals
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 R-34C's and ELAC VELA CC 401's external dimensions. Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) 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 R-34C is 67mm shorter and 81mm less deeper than ELAC VELA CC 401 but it is also 12mm wider.
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 R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2 and base area of the ELAC VELA CC 401 is approximately 1560.0cm2 / 241.8inch2. The R-34C requires 33% less surface area than the VELA CC 401 which gives it a small advantage 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 Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the ELAC VELA CC 401 weighs 19.14kg / 42.1lbs. This makes the VELA CC 401 224% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and VELA CC 401's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of ELAC VELA CC 401?
Here are the items that come with the VELA CC 401:
1 Center channel speaker2 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
193mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1560cm2 (650x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
ELAC VELA CC 401 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
40-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
30-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
6" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
aluminum/paper sandwich |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
JET 5 folded ribbon |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
650.0mm (25.6") |
| Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
19.14kg (42.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |