Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the ELAC VELA BS 403 is the better pick: it ranks #39 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #111 (rated 3.8/5) for the Buchardt S400 MKII. If you want one new, the ELAC Vela BS 403.2 replaces the ELAC VELA BS 403 and is rated 4.4/5 at $3,299.
The ELAC VELA BS 403 is the better-sounding choice. 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.
The Buchardt S400 MKII is the more accurate option. Bookshelf speakers with very flat sound, precise imaging and adjustable bass, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.38 against 3.94 for the ELAC VELA BS 403. The catch: Sounds a bit bright and slightly boosted above about 7-8kHz on-axis, even with 30° of toe-out: benefits from about 1 inch of sidewall absorption at the first reflection points to tame it.
Buy the ELAC VELA BS 403 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the ELAC Vela BS 403.2, which replaces the ELAC VELA BS 403.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Buchardt S400 MKII reaches 40 Hz (10 dB down) against 46 Hz for the ELAC VELA BS 403, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Buchardt S400 MKII scores 7.5 against 6.3 for the ELAC VELA BS 403 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC VELA BS 403 | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,899 per pair Discontinued | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #39 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter, 6” aluminum/paper sandwich cone woofer | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14-3/16”H x 7-1/2”W x 9-3/8”D | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.3dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | up to 100W RMS | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.94 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.28 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Where the Ratings Come From
- ELAC VELA BS 403: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Buchardt S400 MKII: 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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