ELAC VELA BS 403 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by ELAC. It features a handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter and 1 x 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. ELAC VELA BS 403 has an MSRP of 2899$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC VELA BS 403 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
ELAC later replaced VELA BS 403 with Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare ELAC VELA BS 403 vs Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequency Response of the ELAC VELA BS 403 Speaker
ELAC VELA BS 403 has a Frequency response range of 41-50k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 40-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 41 Hz, VELA BS 403 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with ELAC VELA BS 403, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $3000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how VELA BS 403's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC VELA BS 403's Aluminum/Paper Woofer
ELAC VELA BS 403's handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter
Impedance and Sensitivity
ELAC VELA BS 403's nominal impedance level is
4 ohms and has a sensitivity of
86 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the ELAC VELA BS 403 is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the ELAC VELA BS 403 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, ELAC VELA BS 403 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the ELAC VELA BS 403:
Input Type
VELA BS 403 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.
ELAC VELA BS 403 Back View
ELAC VELA BS 403's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
ELAC VELA BS 403 External Dimensions and Weight
ELAC VELA BS 403 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 24-28inch x 7-1/2inch x 9-3/8inch (361.0 x 191.0 x 239.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of ELAC VELA BS 403 is approximately 456.5cm2 / 70.8inch2.
WeightThe ELAC VELA BS 403 weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how VELA BS 403's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
Cabinet type and Materials
ELAC VELA BS 403 has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Aluminum finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Port Position
ELAC VELA BS 403 is a bottom-firing port speaker
Available colors
ELAC VELA BS 403 is available in Gloss Black.
Wall Mounting
VELA BS 403 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Speaker Stands
ELAC sells a dedicated speaker stand for the VELA BS 403 with a model name
ELAC LS80. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at
B&H PHOTO and
Amazon.
ELAC LS80 Speaker Stands for ELAC VELA BS 403
ELAC VELA BS 403 with Grille
What's in the Box of ELAC VELA BS 403?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of VELA BS 403:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)Operating And Safety Instructions
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ELAC VELA BS 403.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the ELAC VELA BS 403, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for ELAC VELA BS 403
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the ELAC VELA BS 403 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for ELAC VELA BS 403
Warranty
3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.