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  1. Home
  2. ELAC Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
ELAC Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Review
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • JET 6 AMT Tweeter
  • 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
  • 34-50k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87.5 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 160 watts
  • Weight: 26.40 lbs / 12.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7.5"x20"x9.8" / 190 x 500 x 248 mm
MSRP: $1,199 (list price)
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Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Review
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Elac Solano 2.0 CC28...
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Made by ELAC · Germany · since 1926 · sold through dealers

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by ELAC. It was released in April 2024. 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 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 34-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 87.5 dB. Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has an MSRP of 1199$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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's Solano 2.0 Series of Loudspeakers

Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a member of ELAC's Solano 2.0 series of Passive speakers. The Solano range is ELAC's mid-tier line, pairing a JET folded-ribbon tweeter with aluminium-sandwich drivers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

ELAC Solano 2.0 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB
Compare
41-50k Hz 85 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB
Compare
30-50k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
34-50k Hz 87.5 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
ELAC Solano 2.0 Series Speakers
ELAC Solano 2.0 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Speaker

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a Frequency response range of 34-50k Hz and Power Range of Up to 160 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Min
Average
Median

Crossover frequency of the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB?

Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 450 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2400 Hz.

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB driver frequency bands34-450Woofer 6"450-2.4kMidrange2.4k-50kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.6 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87.5 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB plays in your room →

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

Minimum Impedance of the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB

Even though the nominal impedance of the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to ELAC is 3.6 ohms Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–160 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 $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB features type connectors.

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB External Dimensions and Weight

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches (190 x 500 x 248 mm ).

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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is approximately 1240.0cm2 / 192.2inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1500
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a bottom-firing port speaker.

Available colors

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is available in Black High Gloss and White High Gloss.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB.

  • 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.

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB speaker:
Official Brochure for Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB

Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Elac Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB
Compare
2-way 85 dB 4 ohms 41-50k Hz
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 4 ohms 32-50k Hz
ELAC VELA CC 401
Compare
2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 30-50k Hz
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB
Compare
3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 30-50k Hz
Dali Opticon VOKAL II
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 47-30k Hz
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 30-50k Hz
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 41-50k Hz
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
Compare
3-way 87.5 dB 4 ohms 64 Hz – 60 kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB

What amplifier do you need for the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB?

ELAC rates the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB for Up to 160 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB easy to drive?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a sensitivity of 87.5 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB need a subwoofer?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB reaches down to 34Hz (full range 34-50k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB use?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is a 3-way design using a JET 6 AMT tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone woofers.

Is the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB sealed or ported?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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.

How big and heavy is the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs each and measures 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches (HxWxD).

How much does the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB cost?

The Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,199 per pair.


Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Detailed Specifications

General
BrandELAC
Full Model NameElac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power RangeUp to 160 watts
Sensitivity87.5 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response34-50k Hz
Release DateApril 2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6-inch
Woofer CompositionAS XR cone
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter TypeJET 6 AMT
Crossover freq450Hz and 2400 Hz
Port Positionbottom

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionbottom
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height190.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Width500.0mm ( 20-inch)
Depth248.0mm ( 9.8-inch)
Height190.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Weight12 kg (26.4 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack High Gloss, White High Gloss
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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