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  1. Home
  2. ELAC Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Review
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • JET 6 AMT Tweeter
  • 7" AS XR cone Woofer
  • 41-50k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 100 watts
  • Weight: 15.60 lbs / 7.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14.25"x7.5"x9.4" / 362 × 191 × 240 mm
MSRP: $2,999 (list price)
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Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Review
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403...
Check price atAmazon›

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

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by ELAC. It was released in April 2024. It features a JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 1 x 7" AS XR cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 41-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has an MSRP of 2999$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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 replaced the older VELA BS 403 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB vs ELAC VELA BS 403

ELAC's Vela 2.0 Series of Loudspeakers

Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a member of ELAC's Vela 2.0 series of Passive speakers. Vela 2.0 is the updated generation of ELAC's premium VELA line. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 6 ELAC Vela 2.0 models compared »

ELAC Vela 2.0 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB
Compare
38-50k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
41-50k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 7"
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB
Compare
28-50k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 7"
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS408.2-GB
Compare
28-50k Hz 88.5 dB4Ω 2 x 7"
Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
Compare
32-50k Hz 88.5 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB
Compare
30-50k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
ELAC Vela 2.0 Series Speakers
ELAC Vela 2.0 Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Speaker

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a Frequency response range of 41-50k Hz and Power Range of Up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 41 Hz, Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB 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.

Here we have a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 41 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB?

The crossover frequency of the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is set to 2400 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB driver frequency bands41-2.4kWoofer 7"2.4k-50kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB 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. Work out how loud the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB

Even though the nominal impedance of the Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to ELAC is 3.2 ohms Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 38–100 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 2.0 VBS403-GB features type connectors.

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB External Dimensions and Weight

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14.25 x 7.52 x 9.4 inches (362 × 191 × 240 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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is approximately 458.4cm2 / 71.1inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Min
Average
Max

How does the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB compare to the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB?

One of the natural alternative to the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB which is located one step higher in ELAC's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB vs Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a bottom-firing port speaker.

Available colors

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is available in Black High Gloss and White High Gloss.

Wall Mounting

Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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.
  • 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.

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB speaker:
Official Brochure for Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB

Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Elac Vela 2.0 VBS404.2-GB
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 38-50k Hz
ELAC VELA BS 403
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 41-50k Hz
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 2.0 VFS408.2-GB
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 4 ohms 28-50k Hz
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS407.2-GB
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 30-50k Hz
Elac Vela 2.0 VFS409.2-GB
Compare
4-way 89 dB 4 ohms 28-50k Hz
Polk R200 50th AE
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-38k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB

What amplifier do you need for the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB?

ELAC rates the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB for Up to 100 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 2.0 VBS403-GB easy to drive?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB need a subwoofer?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB reaches down to 41Hz (full range 41-50k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB use?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB is a 2-way design using a JET 6 AMT tweeter and a 7" AS XR cone woofer.

Is the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB sealed or ported?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-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 Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB weighs 7.10kg / 15.6lbs each and measures 14.25 x 7.52 x 9.4 inches (HxWxD).

How much does the Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB cost?

The Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,999 per pair.


Elac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB Detailed Specifications

General
BrandELAC
Full Model NameElac Vela 2.0 VBS403-GB
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power RangeUp to 100 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response41-50k Hz
Release DateApril 2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size7-inch
Woofer CompositionAS XR cone
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter TypeJET 6 AMT
Crossover freq2400 Hz
Port Positionbottom

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionbottom
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height362.0mm ( 14.25-inch)
Width191.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Depth240.0mm ( 9.4-inch)
Height362.0mm ( 14.25-inch)
Weight7.1 kg (15.6 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack High Gloss, White High Gloss
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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