ELAC loudspeakers
Founded around 100 years ago on September 1, 1926, in Kiel, Germany, ELAC began as Electroacustic GmbH, pioneering research in sonar technology and the behaviour of sound in air and water. That scientific foundation and focus on sound still defines who they are today. In a world of fast-changing brands, and disposable products, ELAC stands pursuing one idea to create the best sound possible.
In 1948, they introduced their first consumer product, the PW1 record player, marking the beginning of a legacy in turntables and electronics. Through the 1970s and 1980s, ELAC became synonymous with precision engineering and musical excellence.
In 1985, the introduction of the 4Pi omnidirectional tweeter redefined high-frequency reproduction, delivering exceptional clarity and dispersion that challenged conventional speaker design. It marked ELAC’s arrival amongst the world’s most respected loudspeaker manufacturers. Their innovation drive continued in 1993 with the debut of the JET folded-ribbon tweeter.
Extending far beyond the limits of human hearing, JET technology proved that greater bandwidth delivers greater realism. Continually refined over decades, the JET tweeter remains a defining element of ELAC loudspeakers today, at home and beyond.
Today, ELAC offers a complete range of loudspeakers, electronics, and turntables, combining cutting-edge technology with exceptional value. From accessible systems for passionate music lovers to reference designs for audiophiles, every ELAC product is crafted to deliver excellent performance.
We have decided to focus on the
VELA 2.0 speaker range as we feel this range offers excellent value for money and fits well with our portfolio.
Audio Evaluation
In our listening tests we were impressed by the large sound-field created across the frequency range. Midrange clarity is excellent, along with the effortless highs from the JET6 AMT tweeter. Decay on cymbals is exceptional. The woofers offer both impact, texture and extension in relatively compact enclosures. As you spend more within the VELA range you get a larger sound-field, with more effortless dynamics, and greater sensitivity making amp matching even easier.
We have also been impressed with their 4Pi PLUS V omni-directional ribbon super-tweeter which can enhance this range as well as other loudspeakers.
ELAC VELA VFS 407.2 gloss white speakers
ELAC VELA 2.0 speaker series
This range shares common designs and technologies, which drive their performance. These include:
The latest in-house developed JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- The AMT, or Air Motion Transformer, tweeter offers a very large and light-weight foil diaphragm for maximum speed, extension and micro-detail retrieval.
- This is the latest iteration, version 6, of their innovative design with new track and foil geometry.
- This tweeter offers exceptional performance up to 50 kHz.
- The JET6’s new foil geometry works in conjunction with the latest, version 4, optimised front plate, maximising acoustic dispersion.
In-house developed Woofers and Midrange drivers
- ELAC’s AS-XR crystal membrane driver combines lightweight rigidity with exceptional control to reveal a high level of detail, speed, and dynamic accuracy.
- The faceted aluminium-sandwich construction reduces unwanted resonance while preserving clarity and scale.
- The large magnet structures on the woofers ensure exceptional control of these drivers.
- Few manufacturers design and build their own drivers in this price-range. It is usually reserved for more expensive speakers.
The Cabinet
- The VELA range’s enclosures combine acoustic engineering with refined industrial design. Its signature trapezoidal form and softly curved cabinet reduce unwanted resonance and diffraction while being visually striking. The cabinet is well braced to maximise driver detail.
- The cabinet shape and downward-firing bass reflex designs enhance both acoustic performance and visual elegance, creating a presentation that is expansive, immersive, and emotionally engaging. The port vents into a cut-out on the bottom rear of the speaker meaning the speaker acoustics are more consistent on different surfaces.
- Finished in luxurious high-gloss lacquer or premium wood veneer, every VELA cabinet is crafted to complement the home as beautifully as it reproduces music.
ELAC VELA VFS 408.2 in Gloss Walnut
VELA 2.0 Loudspeakers specifications
VFS409.2 | Flagship 3.5-way floor-standing loudspeakers
VFS409.2 in Black High Gloss and White High Gloss £5,999
VFS409.2 in Premium Walnut High Gloss £6,099
ELAC VFS409.2 White high Gloss speakers
VFS408.2. | 2.5-way floor-standing loudspeakers
VFS408.2 in Black High Gloss or White High Gloss £4,799
VFS408.2 in Premium Walnut High Gloss £4,899
ELAC VFS408.2 walnut high gloss speakers
VFS407.2 | 2.5-way floor-standing loudspeakers
VFS407.2 in Black High Gloss or White High Gloss £3,899
VFS407.2 in Premium Walnut High Gloss £3,999
ELAC VFS407.2 walnut high gloss speakers
VBS404.2 | 2-way bookshelf loudspeakers
VBS404.2 in Black High Gloss or White High Gloss £2,999
VBS404.2 in Premium Walnut High Gloss £3,199
LS 60 stands £479
ELAC VBS404.2 white high gloss bookshelf speakers
VBS403.2 | 2-way bookshelf loudspeakers
VBS403.2 in Black High Gloss or White High Gloss £1,999
VBS403.2 in Premium Walnut High Gloss £2,199
LS 60 stands £479
ELAC VBS403.2 black high gloss bookshelf speakers
4Pi PLUS V Omni-directional Ribbon Super-tweeter
This is designed to be added to ELAC loudspeakers or to other speakers brands to maximise their performance. The 4Pi PLUS V extends high-frequency reproduction far beyond the audible range, reaching frequencies above 50 kHz for exceptional detail, openness, and soundstage placement.
Its ultra-thin 5-micrometer ribbon diaphragm delivers true 360° dispersion, creating an expansive and immersive soundstage.
Compact and beautifully designed, the 4Pi PLUS V integrates seamlessly with other makes of loudspeaker, and with ELAC loudspeaker designs alike. Its adjustable base allows precise alignment on both flat and angled cabinet surfaces, making it an ideal complement to VELA and Concentro models. We have tried this super tweeter with other speaker brands and significant improvements in sound quality can be achieved with careful placement.
In our listening tests, we were impressed with the expansive sound-field and more precise placement of musicians. The 360 degree, omni-directional, delivery of the 4Pi PLUS V makes integration easier and gives a more expansive stage. Historically we have not been impressed with traditional forward-tiring super-tweeters as correct integration is always awkward often resulting in tiring, high frequency emphasis.
To enable better integration with your loudspeakers and room acoustics, the unit has:
- 3 cut-off frequencies
- 3 sensitivity settings
- A rotating base which allows the units to be used on flat, or adjusted incrementally for slanted speaker top-plates and has a high grip base
4Pi PLUS V Super-tweeter in gloss black £2,499
4Pi PLUS V Omni-directional Ribbon Super-tweeter
