By I recently had the pleasure of spending quite a bit of time with German speaker manufacturer ELAC at the Midwest’s largest audiophile convention, Axpona 2025, and I genuinely enjoyed their sub-$20,000 setup (featuring a pair of their incredible Concentro 2.0 CFS507.2 floorstanding speakers) far more than many of the six-figure systems on display that weekend. ELAC’s attention to detail and commitment to quality was evident within seconds of listening, generating plenty of buzz among attendees. Even fellow Future Audiophile writer Paul Wilson, whose personal system is the stuff of legend, walked away impressed when we strolled the halls of AXPONA together this past spring.
After the local-for-me suburban Chicago show, ELAC was gracious enough to send me a pair of their hefty Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers for review. To reduce confusion, I want to clarify that ELAC offers two very similar models in this lineup: the aforementioned VBS404.2, which is slightly larger and a few hundred dollars more than its near-twin, the VBS403.2 (the primary difference between these two incredibly handsome speakers is woofer size).
The two-way, downward-firing Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speaker series packs in impressive technology and engineering for under $4,000 per pair, most notably ELAC’s signature JET 6 tweeter, which is widely regarded as one of the finest folded-ribbon tweeters on the market today. The Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers also feature a proprietary woofer composition, high-end binding posts that are bi-wirable, and a downward-firing bass port (more on that in a minute). But in a crowded field of capable high-end, midsized bookshelf speakers, do the ELAC Vela 2.0s do enough to truly stand out? Let’s dig in and find out.
What Makes the ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 Bookshelf Speakers So Special?
- The ELAC Vela 2.0 features ELAC’s renowned JET 6 Folded Ribbon Tweeter – and it does not disappoint. Air motion tweeters (AMTs) have come a long way since their inception in the 1960s, and the JET 6 is a great example of how far this technology has progressed – indicated by its stratospheric 50 kHz linear frequency response. The JET 6 tweeter features an enhanced foil and track design, which reduces overall total harmonic distortion, and a new front-plate configuration that is designed to improve linear frequency response and accuracy of high frequencies. I’ve been enjoying the JET 6 tweeter in another outstanding ELAC product – the aluminum-bodied BS312.2 compact bookshelf speakers (read my review), which I plan to purchase for my own compact system. I’m glad that ELAC chose to implement the JET 6 tweeter across the entire Vela line, as it is truly a standout component that will likely impress even the hardest-to-please audiophiles.
- The ELAC Vela 2.0’s seven-inch AS-XR (aluminum sandwich) cone woofer, with its attractive and practical crystal-patterned surface, is a showstopper in its own right. It’s light, stiff, and fast, which results in midrange and bass that is clear and responsive, rather than flabby or bloated. In terms of bass performance, the ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers dig impressively deep for a stand-mount speaker, easily dipping into the low 40 Hz range and producing a surprisingly competent low end. A competent, musically-tuned subwoofer would complement the Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers nicely, but it is far from necessary for the majority of audiophile listening applications.
- Implementing a bass-reflex design and down-firing bass port versus a traditional rear port is so ELAC, but it works. Many rear-ported bookshelf speakers require significant posterior breathing room, making placement on a bookshelf challenging. Conversely, the Vela 2.0’s port fires downward through its attractive, forward and upright-leaning sculpted die-cast aluminum base, allowing closer placement to walls or on shelving without sacrificing low-frequency clarity. This makes the Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers unique and more versatile overall in real-world rooms and setups, as they can be placed almost anywhere and still perform well.
- The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers are visually striking, featuring an elevated, elegant design language that screams “high end.” The cast-aluminum base gives the Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers an upright, proud posture while looking modern and slightly futuristic and quite unique, compared to the many straightforward boxes that dominate this segment. The Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers come in three glossy finishes: black, white, and walnut, giving their real wood cabinets a head-turning outer shell that is sure to be a conversation starter.
- The ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers are timbre-matched to any speaker featuring ELAC’s JET 6 tweeter. For audiophiles who also dabble in home theater, this opens the door to an easy, future-proof upgrade path. You could start with a pair of Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers and eventually build out a larger system with Carina, Vela, or even Concentro floorstanding speakers, repurposing the Vela 2.0s as rear or height channels, or creating sound-matched systems in different rooms if you have the space. ELAC also offers matching center channel speakers for those aiming for a full multi-channel setup. This kind of flexibility and universality is becoming increasingly rare in the industry, making it yet another compelling reason to consider ELAC over other brands.
Why Should You Care About the ELAC Vela 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers?
ELAC has been absolutely crushing it as of late, advancing its already impressive reputation among audiophiles by producing some of the finest-looking and -sounding speakers across the entire audio price spectrum. From the affordable yet incredible ELAC Debut Series (read Nasim’s review) to the higher-end Concentro line, ELAC produces a complete array of audio products that appeal to both budget-oriented audiophiles and those who are ready and willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars establishing or upgrading a stereo system.
The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers are far from entry-level at just under $4,000 per pair but, given their combination of high-quality components, stunning design, and stellar reputation, audiophiles would be hard-pressed to find a better pair of endgame audiophile bookshelf speakers that pack so much modern technology into such a modestly-sized package.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 Bookshelf Speakers
- The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers will require some power to get them going. At 87 dB sensitivity and a nominal four-ohm impedance (dipping to 3.2 ohms at 240 Hz), the ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2s are a little bit more power-hungry than some competitors in the space, but most quality integrated amplifiers or stereo receivers with respectable power ratings should be adequate. The Advanced Paris X-175 (2 x 110W RMS at four ohms) integrated amplifier that I recently reviewed, handled them with finesse and authority, but the same cannot be said about my Marantz NR1510 AVR (50 watts per channel). It drove them decently at lower and moderate volumes, though the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers definitely reward higher levels of amplification, as I noted a significant jump in dynamics and soundstage when connected to my 90-watts-per-channel Monoprice Monolith MX2100 amplifier (read my review).
- The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers do not include grilles but they sell them for $79. For audiophiles who prefer a more discreet, covered look – or for those with young children who might find the shiny tweeter or woofer a little too tempting – having grills is important. That said, from a design standpoint, I can’t imagine many people wanting to cover up these stunning faces. Our publisher, Jerry Del Colliano, did a whole article on Baby Proofing Your Stereo System (read the article here), which is pretty helpful for those in need of such a service.
Listening to the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano Bookshelf Speakers …
Turnstile’s highly-anticipated 2025 album Never Enough has been on repeat for me lately, thanks in large part to its excellent sonic mix, packed with just about everything an audiophile could want in a post-rock/hardcore album. Take the dreamy intro of the opening title track, “Never Enough,” where layers of synths and reverbed vocals float and build until crashing into a punchy, hardcore punk-inspired chorus. The ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers handled this beautifully, separating each layer with impressive clarity and creating an audio tapestry rich with texture and nuance. Vocals were crisp and forward, while the crunch of the distorted guitars in the chorus was tight, dynamic, and never fatiguing or sloppy. As the track wound down, the ELACs flexed their range and low-frequency muscle, with the seven-inch AS-XR woofer confidently capturing the deep bass notes of the outro with real presence and control. It was a roller-coaster of a track, and the Vela 2.0s were so engaging that I kept racing back to the front of the line for another ride.
Wanting to switch things up a bit, I dove headfirst into another complex, albeit more mellow, track. Panda Bear’s “Defense” off the 2025 album (Qobuz) Sinister Grift has been a staple in my early summer rotation. I was immediately struck by how well the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers rendered the dual reverbed guitar in the intro, before effortlessly locking into the punchy beat and bassline that drops around the 25-second mark. Sonic flourishes, such as fuzzy synths and subtle keyboards, were far more noticeable and detailed, compared to my listening sessions with lesser speakers. The soundstage was consistently wide and immersive, and the JET 6 tweeter handled Noah Lennox’s layered vocal harmonies with impressive precision – detailed and lively, but never surgical or clinical. Bass was again steady, punchy, and full of life. This track was the perfect showcase for the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers’ ability to simply have fun – something audiophiles (myself included) sometimes forget to prioritize when auditioning new gear.
Will the ELAC Vela 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers Hold Their Value?
The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers represent a continuation of the company’s consistent pattern of producing high-performance speakers at competitive prices. That said, ELAC’s wide range of products at virtually every price point has turned them into a well-recognized household name. ELAC speakers – especially their building block models at the more affordable end of the catalog – often resell on the open market with minimal depreciation.
ELAC’s reputation for high-end sound, strong value, and solid build quality extends across their product lines and, while resale markets can always fluctuate, history suggests that well-maintained ELAC speakers – especially those like the high-end Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers – tend to hold their value better than many competitors.
What is the Competition for the ELAC Vela 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers?
UK-based Fyne Audio produces some beautifully crafted, head-turning speakers, including the $1,999 F500SP bookshelf speakers, which similarly feature a down-firing bass port. These eight-ohm speakers utilize a concentric driver array that includes a six-inch multi-material IsoFlare driver and a 25mm magnesium dome tweeter. They are a bit more efficient thus easy to drive at 90 dB sensitivity and, like the ELAC Vela series, come in black, white, and woodgrain gloss finishes. ELAC is definitely more of a household name here in the U.S. but, for those looking for a unique set of bookshelf speakers, these would make a “fine” choice (pun intended).
The $2,100-per-pair Wharfedale AURA 1 bookshelf speakers (read the review) are, like the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers, four ohms and employ an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter. Unlike the down-firing ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers, the Wharfedale AURA 1 bookshelf speakers (buy at Crutchfield) employ a very efficient SLPP port technology to reduce unwanted turbulence and smooth out overall bass performance. Their smaller five-inch driver can’t dip quite as low as the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelves, as they are only rated down to 48 Hz, but they play proudly and cleanly, with excellent imaging and dynamics. Wharfedale has been around a long time and stands by their products with a generous five-year warranty, so potential buyers can enjoy their new bookshelf speakers with a little extra peace of mind.
At $4,299 per pair, the Focal Kanta No. 1 (buy at Crutchfield) bookshelf speakers are a slightly more expensive alternative to the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers, but feature some amazing technology in a very attractive package. Design-wise, the Focal Kanta No. 1 bookshelf speakers are more traditionally upright and rectangular in shape and come in several high-end finishes that would complement most tastes. The Focal Kanta No. 1 bookshelf speakers employ a one-and one-sixteenth-inch Beryllium tweeter and a six-and-a-half-inch flax cone woofer with TMD (Tuned Mass Damping) suspension and NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit), which enhances midrange accuracy and improves bass responsiveness. Focal is one of the most recognizable and trusted brands in the audiophile space, so picking up a pair for your HiFi system is about as low-risk, high-reward as it gets.
Final Thoughts on the ELAC Vela 2.0 Speakers …
The ELAC Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 aren’t just another pair of stylish midsize bookshelf speakers. They’re high-end, audiophile-grade performers, wrapped in a striking, modern design, confidently delivering everything you’d expect from speakers in this price range and well beyond. Featuring ELAC’s best-in-class JET 6 tweeter, a fast, articulate AS-XR mid/bass driver, and an expansive soundstage with dynamic energy that completely envelops a listening space, the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers stand out as some of the finest midsize bookshelf speakers on the market today.
While the ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers aren’t compact like some other speakers across their catalog, they aren’t physically imposing or all about brute force, either. They thrive with ample power, producing a balanced, nuanced, and refined listening experience. The ELAC Vela 2.0 bookshelf speakers deliver a top-shelf listening experience that feels effortless and deeply musical, but also incredibly fun. If you’re after a midsize speaker from a storied brand that combines German engineering, elegant styling, and sonic excellence – especially if you’re a fan of the AMT sound like me – then the Vela 2.0 VBS404.2 bookshelf speakers should be on your shortlist.
