Напольная акустика — ELAC Vela 2.0 VFS409.2

The Vela 2.0 VFS409.2 is a passive 3.5-way floorstanding loudspeaker from ELAC in the Vela 2.0 range, which also contains the FS407.2 and FS408.2, the BS403.2 and BS404.2 stand-mounts and the CC401.2 centre. Its JET 6 tweeter is handcrafted in Kiel, Germany. The US launch in early May 2024 set the price at USD 3,999.98 per speaker for the black and white lacquer versions and USD 4,299.98 in walnut high gloss.

Key specs that matter

Two 180 mm AS-XR woofers handle the lowest frequencies, joined by a 150 mm AS-XR mid-woofer and a JET 6 Air Motion Transformer at the top. Crossover points are 140 Hz, 360 Hz and 2,700 Hz. The frequency range per IEC 268-5 is 28 Hz to 50,000 Hz, and sensitivity is 89 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m. Nominal impedance is 4 ohm, with a minimum of 3.4 ohm at 105 Hz. Power handling is 200 W nominal and 280 W peak. The recommended amplifier output is 40 to 450 W per channel, from amplifiers suited to 4 to 8 ohm. Each speaker measures 1,307 mm high, 276 mm wide and 332 mm deep, and weighs 32.1 kg.

Engineering and use context

ELAC introduced the JET 6 with Vela 2.0 as the latest form of its Air Motion Transformer tweeter, with an upper limit of 50 kHz and a design goal of fast transient response and low distortion. AS-XR is a faceted aluminium-sandwich cone that ELAC describes as rigid and lightweight, intended to reduce distortion and resonance, with XR standing for an extended range and smooth roll-off. The drive units also gained a larger voice coil and an added magnet ring for efficiency and thermal resilience. The cabinet is built from MDF outer walls with strategically placed internal bracing against vibration, and a convex baffle reduces unwanted reflections. The trapezoid enclosure geometry is combined with a down-firing bass reflex port, which ELAC credits with cleaner airflow and more freedom in positioning. The drivers are not magnetically shielded. Each carton includes one speaker and a spike plate with washer, and finishes are high-gloss lacquer or wood veneer.

Pairing

Since the impedance falls somewhat below nominal in the bass, the partnering amplifier should be specified for 4 ohm loads. Buyers need two cartons for a stereo pair, since the tower is sold singly.

Alternatives

The ELAC Vela 2.0 FS408.2 is the middle tower of the series, a 2.5-way design built around 7 inch woofers and the JET 6, launched at USD 3,499.98 in black or white.