If we consider only the photographs of the floor-standing models of the Vela line, then behind the external similarity, the feeling of their dimensions and proportions is somewhat lost. The youngest, FS 407 is grace itself, the older one, FS 409 is tall and slender, and the FS 408, although very similar to the first, looks a little more stocky, because it differs from the flagship speaker only by its height. However, compared to most of the well-sized speakers of other brands, these Velas give the impression of lightness – like sails filled with wind (as the name of the series is translated from Latin). But it is deceptive – the speakers are well made, and they weigh a lot.
Like the other Vela speakers, the FS 408 has a trapezoidal cross-section with rounded side ribs; they are also slightly biased back. The top panels appear to be cut at an angle, which, together with the shape of the cast aluminum pedestal, which has a notch in the rear, on which the chassis is based, gives the impression that the speakers have been lifted on tiptoe. As you know, it is not very convenient to stand on them, so flat metal platforms with spikes are also provided for stability. The kit also includes washers that can be used to prevent damage to floors in your home.
This design not only makes the speakers very attractive, but also improves their acoustic properties: smooth body contours help to reduce diffraction, which has a positive effect on sound clarity, and the non-parallelism of the side walls prevents the occurrence of standing waves inside the cabinet, which otherwise have not the best effect would be on the emission of sound outside.
Elac Vela FS 408 are built on a 2.5-lane scheme. The upper range is processed by the JET 5 proprietary ribbon tweeter, loaded onto an advanced shallow waveguide, and the mids and lows are processed by two, at least in appearance, 18-cm drivers, the cones of which are made using the patented AS-XR technology. They represent a complex structure: a paper cone is closed on the outside by an aluminum membrane, which, by stamping, has been shaped like a diamond cut. Such emitters are characterized by a piston mode extended in frequency and a low level of nonlinear distortion. For greater depth and weight of the low-frequency range, a bass-reflex acoustic design of the woofer is provided with a port extending through the bottom panel of the case into a triangular recess in the aluminum base.
Expressive and informative sound
The question of which amplifier to choose for speakers or vice versa is the most popular question among music lovers who create their own Hi-Fi system. When it comes to high-end components, this topic becomes akin to art. In this regard, the Elac Vela FS 408 is quite consistent with this high status – at least one of the amplifiers we have proposed (which left us the best impressions after testing) they resolutely rejected, but with the tube Octave V70 SE these Elacs demonstrated simply amazing sound.
It is tonally balanced, energetic, detailed, rich in timbre and expressive. The musical scene is notable for its large scale, clear organization, as well as that fullness of “air”, which is typical for tube amplifiers – Vela FS 408 are precise and transparent enough to convey this feature. At the same time, it is worth noting the absence of any genre preferences, for which, of course, the V70 SE should be especially praised, since for such solid speakers as the FS 408, this is rather the norm.
They do an excellent job of playing the “Planets” of Canvas. Suite “Mars” begins with a quiet pizzicato, accompanied, as it were, by distant voices of horns. Listeners do not have to make the slightest effort to imagine a large three-dimensional stage and the instruments placed on it. The roar of the trumpets grows closer and louder, the jerky strings become more and more nervous, the dynamics builds up, and the orchestra explodes with a powerful crescendo. Nonetheless, the speakers (and amplifier) retain complete control over the multidimensional music scene, while delivering a threat-laden, threatening emotional message to match the stated theme of Mars, Forerunner of War.
Arias from operas performed by A. Netrebko from the Semper Libera album allow the speakers to demonstrate their ability to deliver vocals. It sounds full and expressive, articulated and natural. The image of the singer is perfectly focused, the smallest details are heard, which makes it literally voluminous and visible. Even at the highest coloratura in terms of tone and volume, not the slightest overtones or distortions occur. The orchestral accompaniment organically and harmoniously complements the wonderful voice.
The jazz composition Take Five by Dave Brubeck’s quartet is also a lot of fun. Each instrument is full of individual timbre characteristics, and together they make up an impeccably harmonious ensemble. The double bass is weighty and rich, its lowest notes are decorated with string textures. The percussion is resounding, light, recognizable, in the drum solo you can clearly hear the sounds of sticks and membranes touching, and the beats are biting, resilient, swift. The saxophone is somehow velvety and sophisticated in a special way; By changing the volume, the piano, either coming to the fore, or moving deeper, leads its own party that unites all members of the ensemble.
I was also pleased with the performance of the Highway Star by Deep Purple – the swiftness, accurate depiction of the scene, as well as the authenticity of the sound, for which the Octave amplifier is also worth grateful. The “lamp aroma” also came in handy when playing the album Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! Ella Fitzgerald – his sound turned out to be “vinyl” in the best sense of the word: with fluid, continuous, rich, voluminous vocals and excellent presentation of a few instruments. And the subtle hiss recorded in the recording only adds a retro accent to the playback. And this is with the most, that neither is, a digital source – the network transport Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS DAC .
Conclusion
Before judging the Elac Vela FS 408 speakers, it’s worth listening to them with multiple amplifiers. Perhaps we were just “lucky” to pair them with the one device that didn’t work for them, but this experience should be kept in mind.
Nevertheless, we can confidently conclude that these are excellent speakers that are able to combine the high information content of the presentation of material of any genre with the most real artistic expressiveness. I would especially like to praise them for their ability to organize the performance of the most complex pieces of music so that the listener can follow each melodic line and rhythmic pattern, while maintaining its semantic integrity. And, finally, we note their memorable graceful appearance, as well as high quality workmanship.
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