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  1. Home
  2. ELAC Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. ELAC VELA CC 401
ELAC VELA CC 401 Review
ELAC VELA CC 401 - Front View

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Main Features

  • JET 5 folded ribbon Tweeter
  • 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich Woofer
  • 30-50k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 40-120 watts
  • Weight: 42.10 lbs / 19.14 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-9/16"x25-9/16"x9-7/16" / 193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm
MSRP: $2,300 (list price)
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ELAC VELA CC 401 Review
ELAC VELA CC 401 ELAC VELA CC 401
Check price atAmazon›

Made by ELAC · Germany · since 1926 · sold through dealers

ELAC VELA CC 401 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by ELAC. It was released in 2018. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a JET 5 folded ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. ELAC VELA CC 401 has an MSRP of 2300$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ELAC VELA CC 401 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-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.)

ELAC later replaced VELA CC 401 with Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare ELAC VELA CC 401 vs Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB

ELAC's VELA Series of Loudspeakers

VELA CC 401 is a member of ELAC's VELA series of Passive speakers. The VELA range is ELAC's premium German-designed line, using a JET folded-ribbon tweeter and aluminium-sandwich drivers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 ELAC VELA models compared »

ELAC VELA Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
ELAC VELA FS 409
Compare
28-50k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 7"
ELAC VELA FS 407
Compare
30-50k Hz 88 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
ELAC VELA BS 403
Compare
41-50k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
ELAC VELA CC 401
30-50k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6"

Frequency Response of the ELAC VELA CC 401 Speaker

ELAC VELA CC 401 has a Frequency response range of 30-50k Hz and Power Range of 40-120 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how VELA CC 401's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC VELA CC 401
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

ELAC VELA CC 401's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
ELAC VELA CC 401
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the ELAC VELA CC 401 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 CC 401 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

88dB of the ELAC VELA CC 401 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the ELAC VELA CC 401 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the ELAC VELA CC 401 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–120 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

VELA CC 401 features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

ELAC VELA CC 401 External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC VELA CC 401 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-9/16 x 25-9/16 x 9-7/16inch (193.0 x 650.0 x 240.0mm ).

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 CC 401 is approximately 1560.0cm2 / 241.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The ELAC VELA CC 401 weighs 19.14kg / 42.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how VELA CC 401's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
ELAC VELA CC 401
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $3000
ELAC VELA CC 401
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

ELAC VELA CC 401 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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 CC 401 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

ELAC VELA CC 401 is available in Gloss Black.

What's in the Box of ELAC VELA CC 401?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of VELA CC 401:
  • 1 Center channel speaker
  • 2 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 CC 401.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

ELAC VELA CC 401 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 4 ohms 32-50k Hz
B&W HTM71 S3
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Compare
3-way 87.5 dB 4 ohms 34-50k Hz
Focal Kanta Center
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 55-44k Hz
Wharfedale Elysian C
Compare
3-way 91 dB 6 ohms 35-22k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 C5.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 55-35k Hz
Klipsch RC-64 III
Compare
2-way 99 dB 8 ohms 57-24k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about ELAC VELA CC 401

What amplifier do you need for the ELAC VELA CC 401?

ELAC rates the ELAC VELA CC 401 for 40-120 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the ELAC VELA CC 401 easy to drive?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 has a sensitivity of 88 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the ELAC VELA CC 401 need a subwoofer?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 reaches down to 30Hz (full range 30-50k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the ELAC VELA CC 401 use?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 is a 2-way design using a JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter and 2 x 6" aluminum/paper sandwich woofers.

Is the ELAC VELA CC 401 sealed or ported?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the ELAC VELA CC 401 be wall mounted?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

How big and heavy is the ELAC VELA CC 401?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 weighs 19.14kg / 42.1lbs each and measures 7-9/16 x 25-9/16 x 9-7/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the ELAC VELA CC 401 cost?

The ELAC VELA CC 401 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,300 per pair.


ELAC VELA CC 401 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandELAC
Full Model NameELAC VELA CC 401
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range40-120 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response30-50k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6-inch
Woofer Compositionaluminum/paper sandwich
Tweeter TypeJET 5 folded ribbon
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height193.0mm ( 7-9/16-inch)
Width650.0mm ( 25-9/16-inch)
Depth240.0mm ( 9-7/16-inch)
Height193.0mm ( 7-9/16-inch)
Weight19.14 kg (42.1 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsGloss Black
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
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