Short answer: the ELAC Vela BS 403.2. It ranks #33 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $3,299 and is still sold new; the ELAC VELA BS 403 ranks #39 (rated 4.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The case for the ELAC Vela BS 403.2: A stylish two way bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, an aluminum sandwich woofer, and a choice of high gloss finishes. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The case for the ELAC VELA BS 403: A stylish bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, neutral voicing, a spacious soundstage, and good dynamics for its size. Watch for: Deliberate dip-and-peak voicing in the crossover region around 2 kHz reduces attack and clarity in the mids and highs: intentional per ELAC’s design, but not to Erin’s personal preference.
Buy the ELAC Vela BS 403.2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the ELAC VELA BS 403 is no longer sold new.
About the ratings: the ELAC Vela BS 403.2’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 4.2 to 4.6, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Vela BS 403.2 | ELAC VELA BS 403 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,299 per pair | $2,899 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #33 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #39 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, 150mm (6”) AS-XR cone woofer | JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter, 6” aluminum/paper sandwich cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 84.3dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 40-200W | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | 2.4kHz |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 9.4”D (362 x 191 x 240 mm) | 14-3/16”H x 7-1/2”W x 9-3/8”D |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Recommended Power | - | up to 100W RMS |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 46Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.94 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.28 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- ELAC Vela BS 403.2: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- ELAC VELA BS 403: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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