ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 Bookshelf Speakers Reviewed 

For frequent FutureAudiophile.com readers, my fondness for ELAC speakers is no secret. My personal set of ELAC Debut Reference 6.2s remain the daily drivers in my setup, serving as pretty much the benchmark for what a $700 speaker can achieve. Naturally, when I learned I would be receiving a pair of ELAC’s Solano BS283s, I was eager to see what the company could deliver with an additional $1,300 in its design arsenal. 

Upon unboxing, the BS283 immediately struck me with its sleek, high-gloss black finish (it’s also available in white) and its minimalist, modern design. The lack of a center cup on the untextured woofer, combined with the refined aesthetic, gives the speaker an air of sophistication, making it as much a visual statement as an audio powerhouse. With high expectations, I dove into the listening experience, curious to see how much of a leap ELAC could make at this higher price point.

What makes the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283Speakers Special? 

• The Solano BS283 features ELAC’s signature JET6 tweeter, a folded-ribbon design that delivers incredibly detailed high frequencies. This tweeter is known for its ability to produce crisp, clear treble without sounding harsh, even at higher volumes. Its design allows it to move air more efficiently than conventional dome tweeters, resulting in better transient response and reduced distortion. This makes the BS283 ideal for critical listening, offering an expansive and articulate soundstage. The JET6 tweeter also contributes to the speaker’s ability to capture subtle details in music, making high-resolution tracks truly shine.
• The 150mm (that’s around 5.9-inch) midrange/bass driver is a long-throw design unique to ELAC, and it comes with its own integrated dust cap. The driver is engineered to minimize resonance, providing an accurate and uncolored sound, even at higher volumes. It pairs beautifully with the JET6 tweeter, offering a balanced performance that handles everything from the punch of a bass guitar to the nuances of a vocal track. The result is a highly engaging listening experience that doesn’t compromise on detail or clarity.
• The speaker features a false bottom to create room for a downward-firing port. This design allows the port to disperse sound in all directions, making placement for bass response a bit more flexible. Underneath the base plate, ELAC has included four points to install the included plastic screw-in pucks for an optional way to stand the speaker up. 
• While the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 is a high-performance speaker, it also excels in design. Its compact yet refined build makes it a stylish addition to any room, and its minimalist aesthetic is a hallmark of German engineering. The high-quality cabinet is constructed from MDF with a gloss black or white finish, offering both visual appeal and acoustic benefits. The curved edges not only enhance the look, but also reduce diffraction, improving the overall sound dispersion. This attention to detail means the BS283 is not only an auditory treat, but also a design piece that can elevate a room’s aesthetic.

Why Should You Care About the ELAC Solano 2.0 BS283 bookshelf speakers?

The ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283is a standout option for anyone seeking a high-performance bookshelf speaker that delivers both detail and neutrality. Its compact design and downward-firing bass port make it ideal for smaller rooms, minimizing placement issues and ensuring balanced bass response, even in tight spaces. This thoughtful feature allows the BS283 to perform well across a range of room setups without overwhelming the listener with excessive low end. In my small office, the Solanos work wonderfully, but I’ll dive into that further later in the review. Paired with ELAC’s signature sound – known for its precise, neutral reproduction with a hint of warmth – the BS283 is perfect for those who crave a detailed, accurate listening experience. It offers an exceptional blend of clarity and balance.

Some Things You Might Not Like About the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 Bookshelf Speakers

• The glossy modern design may not appeal to your taste. I personally am not that excited by the design. I much prefer the look of matte or wood veneer speakers, like that of my ELAC DBR6.2s. The gloss black all around the speaker just doesn’t work for me, and stands out a bit in my room. With that being said, I know of people who own and love gloss black speakers; it’s totally subjective. 
• ELAC’s warm and neutral sound may not be to your taste. You may be more analytical and love a completely flat speaker, or a detail addict who likes some extra punch in the highs. Either way, these speakers may not be the best for you if you’re not a fan of the sound signature. 

Listening to the ELAC Solono 2.0 BS283 Bookshelf Speakers

To test these speakers out, I used a lossless source, outputting to my trusty Topping e30 DAC, with my Yamaha A-S301 integrated amplifier driving the speakers. I listened to the standalone speakers first before mixing in my 12-inch SVS SB1000 subwoofer. This listening was done in my home office, with two-inch-thick GIK acoustics sound absorption panels placed behind the speakers and at the first sidewall reflection points. 

With a well-integrated subwoofer, the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 speakers bring music to life with a level of presence that feels immersive and tangible. Compared to my ELAC DBR6.2s, the BS283 takes everything I loved and elevates it to a whole new level. Vocals are not only crystal clear, but have a smooth, buttery impact with just a hint of warmth that makes them feel incredibly natural. The imaging is truly remarkable, as these speakers create a soundstage that extends far beyond their physical location. In “Moonchild” by King Crimson, the reverberation of the cymbals was so well-rendered that I could hear them shimmering from the sides of the room, enveloping me in the atmosphere. The intricate, ambient details of the track were beautifully highlighted, as the BS283s captured the ethereal nature of the song, drawing out every nuance and making the entire listening experience feel otherworldly.

When playing “If” by Pink Floyd, the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283speakers showcased their ability to deliver exceptional mid-bass performance with remarkable clarity. The acoustic guitar strumming throughout the track had a rich, full-bodied texture, while the bass guitar felt tight and controlled without overpowering the song’s delicate nature. The mid-bass was fantastic, providing just the right amount of warmth to give the lower frequencies a satisfying presence without losing precision. What impressed me most was how the speakers handled the song’s various layers – the subtle backing vocals, soft percussion, and gentle keys were all captured with stunning accuracy. Each instrument had its own space within the mix, creating a sense of depth that allowed the song to breathe. The Solano BS283’s ability to reveal these fine details brought out the melancholic beauty of the track, allowing me to hear the intricate layers perfectly. The overall presentation was balanced and cohesive, demonstrating how well the BS283s can handle more intimate, introspective tracks.

When playing “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra on the ELAC Solano BS283, the energy and vibrancy of the brass section came through with incredible clarity and punch. The horns had a lively, crisp presence that added a dynamic flair to the song without overwhelming the rest of the arrangement. Sinatra’s vocals, rich and smooth, were perfectly paired with the BS283’s neutral yet slightly warm sound signature. His voice sat beautifully at the center of the mix, every inflection delivered with lifelike detail. The BS283 did a good job capturing the elegance of Sinatra’s performance, balancing the grandeur of the brass with the laid-back charm of his vocals. The speakers’ ability to handle both the power of the brass and the intimacy of the vocals made “Summer Wind” feel fresh and full of life.

Will the ELAC Solano BS283s Hold Their Value?

I believe the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 speakers will maintain their value quite well over time, much like other high-quality audio products. The ELAC brand has a strong reputation in the audio industry, known for crafting reliable and well-engineered speakers. Given their premium build quality and exceptional performance, the BS283s are positioned to resist significant depreciation. High-end audio equipment, especially from reputable brands like ELAC, tends to hold its value due to consistent demand for superior sound quality and craftsmanship. Moreover, the Solano series, with its combination of modern design and precise sound reproduction, is likely to remain desirable for years to come.

What is the Competition for the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 Bookshelf Speakers?

• The Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 at $2,200 a pair (buy at Crutchfield) provides a dynamic and forward sound signature, offering excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage similar to the ELAC Solano BS283. The 706 S3 has a more pronounced treble, especially in its presentation of high frequencies, which can make it feel more energetic and lively, especially in genres like rock and electronic music. Both speakers perform exceptionally well in terms of imaging and detail, but the 706 S3’s more forward sound might suit those who prefer a livelier and more engaging listening experience, while the Solano excels at delivering a more neutral, balanced presentation.
• The KEF R3 Meta at $2,199 (buy at Crutchfield) is a direct competitor, priced similarly to the Solano BS283, and features KEF’s proprietary Uni-Q driver. It has excellent imaging and sound dispersion. However, the R3 Meta has an elevated midrange sound, compared to the slightly warmer tone of the Solano BS283. Both are excellent for detail retrieval, but the R3 Meta might have greater appeal for those looking for a more clinical sound.
• The Focal Aria 906 Evo at $2,399 (buy at Crutchfield) is another strong competitor in this price range, known for its detailed and vibrant midrange, which stands out similarly to the ELAC Solano BS283. The Aria 906 Evo has a slightly more forward presentation, especially in the upper mids, giving it a more energetic and lively sound. This can make vocals and instruments pop, but it can also feel a bit more aggressive, compared to the smoother, more neutral sound of the Solano BS283. The Aria 906 Evo also offers a visually striking design, with a mix of materials like flax cones and high-gloss finishes, making it more of a visual statement than the more understated Solano.

Final Thoughts on the ELAC Solano 2.0 BS283 Bookshelf Speakers …

After spending a week with the ELAC Solano 2.0  BS283 speakers, I’ve truly grown to appreciate their performance. For smaller rooms, these speakers are an outstanding choice, especially if you enjoy ELAC’s signature neutral yet slightly warm sound. The downward-firing port adds tremendous flexibility in placement, ensuring clean, balanced bass, no matter where you set them up. Paired with a subwoofer, they offer such a full and immersive sound that you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish them from much larger tower speakers. The glossy finish may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you don’t mind – or even enjoy – its sleek, modern look, the Solano BS283 stands as a fantastic option that delivers both style and superb audio quality.