SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
ELAC VELA BS 403 Review
ELAC VELA BS 403

Main Features

  • handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter
  • 6" Aluminum/Paper Woofer
  • 41-50k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 40-100watts
  • Weight:15.70 lbs / 7.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-3/16"x7-1/2"x9-3/8" / 361.0 x 191.0 x 239.0mm
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
ELAC VELA BS 403 Review

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.

What size of room is the ELAC VELA BS 403 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the ELAC VELA BS 403 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)


**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.

What is the 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. At a minimum frequency of 41 Hz, VELA BS 403 will provide a deep bass that will probably satisfy majority of listeners, especially for music. Movie lovers and music listeners who like to experience a full range response will still benefit from the use of a subwooofer though.

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
ELAC VELA BS 403
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC VELA BS 403
Min
Average
Max
ELAC VELA BS 403 Woofer
ELAC VELA BS 403's Aluminum/Paper Woofer

On the treble side, with its upper limit of 50 kHz, ELAC VELA BS 403 has the highest frequency level among the Bookshelf speakers in our database.



ELAC VELA BS 403 Tweeter
ELAC VELA BS 403's handmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter Tweeter

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the ELAC VELA BS 403? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

ELAC VELA BS 403's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC VELA BS 403
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of 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 speakers.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the ELAC VELA BS 403:

  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

VELA BS 403 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

ELAC VELA BS 403 Back View
ELAC VELA BS 403 Back View

ELAC VELA BS 403 Terminals
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.

Weight

The 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
ELAC VELA BS 403
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
ELAC VELA BS 403
Min
Average
Max

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 for ELAC VELA BS 403
ELAC LS80 Speaker Stands for ELAC VELA BS 403

ELAC VELA BS 403  with Grille
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 loudspeakers
  • 4 Jumper straps (pre-installed)
  • Operating And Safety Instructions
  • 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.

    ELAC VELA BS 403 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Buchardt S400 MKII
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 33-40k HZ
    B&W 706 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    B&W 706 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    B&W 705 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 1
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 49-22k Hz
    MoFi SourcePoint 10
    Compare
    2-way 91dB 8 ohms 42-30k Hz
    JBL L100 Classic
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40-40k Hz
    JBL HDI-1600
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 4 ohms 40-30k Hz
    B&W 705 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC VELA BS 403
    What is the External Dimensions of ELAC VELA BS 403
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of ELAC VELA BS 403
    is the ELAC VELA BS 403 an easy to drive speaker?



    ELAC VELA BS 403 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandELAC
    Full Model NameELAC VELA BS 403
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range40-100 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response41-50k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum/Paper
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Typehandmade JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter
    Port Positionbottom

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionbottom
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height361.0mm ( 14-3/16-inch)
    Width191.0mm ( 7-1/2-inch)
    Depth239.0mm ( 9-3/8-inch)
    Height361.0mm ( 14-3/16-inch)
    Weight7.10kg ( 15.70 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Aluminum
    Available ColorsGloss Black
    Recommended Stand Height24-28
    GrilleNo
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty3 Years
    Labor Warranty3 Years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    In-wall Speakers Added to Our Reviews and Comparisons
    Cambridge Audio CXA61 and CXA81 Amps now available in Black 
    Klipsch Unveils New Reference Premiere Subwoofers
    ELAC Varro Series of Subwoofers are here!
    KEF R7 Meta Review by Steve Guttenberg
    Top 10 Powered Stereo Speakers with HDMI Input for your TV in 2023


    Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Mission 700
    Mission 700
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Dovedale
    Wharfedale Dovedale
    3-way Bookshelf | 89 DB | 6.5 ohms
    KEF Reference 1 Meta
    KEF Reference 1 Meta
    3-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 4 ohms
    Focal Vestia No1
    Focal Vestia No1
    2-way Bookshelf | 89.5 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF R3 Meta
    KEF R3 Meta
    3-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 4 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® MP10
    MartinLogan Motion MP10
    2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 5 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® B10
    MartinLogan Motion B10
    2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 5 ohms
    MartinLogan Motion® XT B100
    MartinLogan Motion XT B100
    2-way Bookshelf | 93 dB | 4 ohms
    SVS Prime Satellite
    SVS Prime Satellite
    2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 8 ohms
    Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    Polk R200 50th AE
    2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 8 ohms


    Copyright © 2023 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Camera Decision