Short answer: the Epos ES14N. It ranks #19 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5); the ELAC Vela BS 403.2 ranks #33 (rated 4.4/5).
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. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
What the Epos ES14N does well: A modern revival of a classic British bookshelf speaker with a time aligned sloping baffle, smooth accurate sound, and very low distortion. Watch for: Off axis sound tracks the on axis response less consistently than most measured speakers as frequency rises, so the room’s reflected sound differs more from what you hear directly.
Buy the Epos ES14N. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ELAC Vela BS 403.2.
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 | Epos ES14N | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,299 per pair | £3,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #33 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #19 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, 150mm (6”) AS-XR cone woofer | 28mm aluminum/ceramic compound dome tweeter, 7” mica filled polypropylene cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 87dB @ 2.823V/1m |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum) | 6 ohms nominal, 4.3 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling | 40-200W | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | 2.7kHz |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Dimensions | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 9.4”D (362 x 191 x 240 mm) | 19.3”H x 9.8”W x 15.2”D (491 x 250 x 385 mm) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 51.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 35.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org data) |
| Country | - | Germany |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.82 |
| 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.
- Epos ES14N: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by What Hi-Fi.
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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