Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio is the proven choice, measured and ranked among bookshelf speakers, while the newer ELAC Vela BS 403.2 has no independent measurements yet and can only be compared on specs.
The case for the ELAC Vela BS 403.2: Two-way bass reflex stand mount with the JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, a revised version of the JET 5 in the original Vela BS 403, and a 150mm AS-XR aluminum sandwich woofer crossed over at 2.4kHz.
Price: the ELAC Vela BS 403.2 lists at $3,299 and the GR-Research NX-Studio at $3,630.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked.
Buy the ELAC Vela BS 403.2 if you prefer its design or features, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Vela BS 403.2 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,299 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | - | #4 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, 150mm (6”) AS-XR cone woofer | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 87dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum) | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 40-200W | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Dimensions | 362H x 191W x 240D mm | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 kg each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | - | Yes |
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
ELAC Vela BS 403.2: $3,299 per pair ELAC eBay
Older model: the ELAC VELA BS 403 (rated 4.3/5).
Pros: Two-way bass reflex stand mount with the JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, a revised version of the JET 5 in the original Vela BS 403, and a 150mm AS-XR aluminum sandwich woofer crossed over at 2.4kHz. ELAC rates it at 41Hz to 50kHz and 86dB sensitivity. Three high gloss finishes.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. It is a 4 ohm load dipping to 3.2 ohms at 260Hz, so it needs an amplifier comfortable with low impedance, and it costs noticeably more than the BS 403 did.
Full ELAC Vela BS 403.2 review and specifications →
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 362H x 191W x 240D mm |
| Drivers | JET 6 folded ribbon tweeter, 150mm (6”) AS-XR cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum) |
| Power Handling | 40-200W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.1 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
GR-Research NX-Studio: $3630 per pair GR Research eBay
Pros: Ultra clean burst decay/waterfall plot. Amazingly open sounding due to the semi open baffle Neo3 ribbon tweeter, will image better than any other bookshelf speaker. Neo3 ribbon tweeter is one of the best ribbons around for detail. Bass will be very tight and fast due to the sealed enclosure, but may possibly need a sub.
Cons: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Full GR-Research NX-Studio review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | Yes |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Drivers | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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