In 2018, the German company ELAC introduced the Vela series, which succeeded the well-regarded 400 series that had been in production since 2012. Each model in the Vela series features ELAC’s proprietary JET tweeters and two-layer LF diffusers made from paper and aluminum. These technologies have been in development for over 25 years and have undergone numerous enhancements. Notably, the fifth-generation tweeter now includes an updated waveguide, while the woofers were significantly revamped in 2007 and are referred to as AS-XR (Aluminum Sandwich eXtended Range).
The speaker housings have a trapezoid cross-section (the front panel is wider than the back panel) and a slight backward slope, which has a positive effect on the acoustic qualities. The upper edge is decorated with glass, the lower one rests on an aluminum base, into which the phase inverter port is integrated. Two pairs of terminals provide the ability to connect an amplifier using bi-wiring or bi-amping schemes. The housing finish options are black lacquer, white lacquer or lacquered walnut veneer. And real German quality!
Features
Elac has introduced the Vela FS 408.2 floor-standing acoustic system, which has become a continuation of one of the company’s most important lines. We are talking about speakers with the index “8”. These models are distinguished by a special arrangement of emitters: two 180 mm woofers and one tweeter. The new product is made within the framework of this concept, and the appearance is determined by the style of the Vela series. The manufacturer emphasized the elegant design and premium spirit of the new speakers.
The AS-XR branded woofers are speakers with a diffuser made of aluminum foil and cellulose sandwich (stamped using a faceted template), which is attached to a cone made of paper pulp. This design, according to the company, increases the driver’s frequency range by an octave, compared to the usual AS (hence the name XR – “extended response”). The role of the tweeter was performed by the Jet 6 module. As stated in the press release, the woofers themselves have a very rich, deep bass, and the correct middle was provided by the aforementioned AS-XR design. The company also drew attention to high-quality crossovers and internal wiring from Van den Hul.
The speaker’s cross-section resembles a trapezoid, i.e. the front panel is wider than the back wall of the cabinet. This eliminates internal standing waves and improves anti-diffraction properties. The model has a glossy lacquer coating, which, combined with the glass design of the top panel, guarantees an elegant appearance. The cabinet has a slight tilt back, which improves its acoustic properties and more precise coordination of the speakers’ sound. The bottom of the ELAC Vela FS 408.2 cabinet has a built-in bass reflex port, and an aluminum platform with spikes and heels is used as a base. This port arrangement allows the speakers to be installed closer to the walls of the room.
The crossover circuits installed in the ELAC Vela FS 408.2 use high-end components, and carefully calculated filters make it possible to obtain a solid, assembled sound. The floor-standing speaker is equipped with two pairs of screw terminals, with which you can organize bi-wiring or bi-amping. The company promised all audiophiles “incredible pleasure”. Compared to other speakers of the same line, the new ELAC Vela FS 408.2 have a more pronounced midrange, which gives “improved imaging and precise soundstage”.
ELAC Vela FS 408.2 Specifications
- Number of Bands: 2.5
- Number of Speakers: 3
- Case Type: Bass reflex with a port on the bottom panel.
- Placement: Floor-standing.
- Tweeter: AMT (ribbon) JET 6.
- Low-Frequency Emitters: 2 x 180 mm with AS-XR diffusers.
- Frequency Range: 28 Hz – 50,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 88.5 dB.
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohm (minimum 3.6 Ohm).
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 40 – 400 W.
- Peak Input Power: Up to 220 W.
- Crossover Frequencies: 450 Hz, 2400 Hz.
- Input Connectors: Two pairs of screw terminals.
- Dimensions: 276 x 1142 x 332 mm (W x H x D).
- Weight: 27.1 kg.
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