TrueScaleAudio
Compare speakers at true scale
Pick two speakers and see them side by side at their real-world size.
Front view — side by side at true scale
Click either cabinet to swap A ↔ B · Reference height: 16.3 in · 1 in = 34.44 px
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3vsELAC Vela VBS404.2
The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 and the ELAC Vela VBS404.2 stand at nearly the same height, around 41.3 cm tall. On footprint the ELAC Vela VBS404.2 is the wider cabinet (23.0 cm versus 19.2 cm). At 88 dB against 87 dB, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 is the easier load to drive and plays louder from the same amplifier. The ELAC Vela VBS404.2 reaches deeper in the bass, down to 38 Hz versus 50 Hz. Low frequencies come from a 165 mm cone on the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 and a 180 mm cone on the ELAC Vela VBS404.2. Both land in a similar price bracket, around $3,700 a pair.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bowers & Wilkins | ELAC |
| Model | 705 S3 S3 | Vela VBS404.2 2.0 |
| HiFi ladder position | #153 of 215 bookshelf | #152 of 215 bookshelf |
| Height | 16.3 in | 16.2 in |
| Width | 7.6 in | 9.1 in |
| Depth | 13.3 in | 13.1 in |
| Weight | 21.1 lb | 21.4 lb |
| Enclosure | bass-reflex-rear | bass-reflex-rear |
| Drivers | 1× 1 in tweeter (Carbon Dome), 1× 6.5 in mid-bass (Continuum cone) | 1× tweeter (JET 6 pleated-folded ribbon), 1× 7.1 in mid-bass (aluminium AS-XR cone) |
| Frequency — low | 50 Hz | 38 Hz |
| Frequency — high | 28000 Hz | 50000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 87 dB |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 4 Ω |
| Recommended amp | 30–120 W | 40–200 W |
| MAP (USD) | $3,700 / pair | $3,699 / pair |
| Where to buy | Check availability ↗ | Check availability ↗ |
| Brand website | bowerswilkins.com ↗ | elac.com ↗ |
| Product page | Open product page ↗ | Open product page ↗ |
Larger value highlighted in green. For low-frequency extension, lower Hz = greater bass reach, so the deeper side is highlighted.