ELAC is starting off Q2 2024 with some rather impressive new loudspeakers at slightly higher (for ELAC) price points. With High End Munich 2024 only weeks away, it makes sense that we are starting to see a trickle of new products from a lot of manufacturers. Following the release of the ELAC/ADSUM Special Edition ConneX powered speakers, ELAC is releasing a new Elegant BS 312.2 Bookshelf Speaker plus two new speaker lines for 2024, the Vela (2.0) and Solano (2.0).
In this article, we will focus on the Selano 2.0 speaker lineup which is comprised of three models, the BS283.2 bookshelf, the FS287.2 floorstanding, and the CC281.2 center channel speaker.
The speakers in the Solano 2.0 Series are well-suited for either music listening or home theater applications. You can use the BS283.2 bookshelf or the FS287.2 floor standing speakers for a large or compact stereo system, or you can combine a combination of all of them along with the CC281.2 center channel speaker to create use a 5 channel home theater speaker system (just add a subwoofer for a full 5.1 channel system).
Common Features
Acoustically Optimized Cabinets: Solano speaker enclosures undergo meticulous engineering, featuring sturdy MDF outer walls and gloss-painted finishes. Strategically placed internal bracing adds to the cabinet’s structural integrity which minimizes vibrations that could distort sound and introduce unwanted coloration.
JET 6 Tweeter: Engineered and designed in Keil, Germany, the JET 6 Air Motion Transformer tweeter provides a wide frequency response (Up to 50kHz), low distortion, and clarity in reproducing high-frequencies. This contributes to a more immersive and detailed audio-listening experience.
Aluminum Sandwich Woofer: This specialized construction provides several benefits, starting with better rigidity and a much lighter driver. Using aluminum, the woofer minimizes unwanted resonances and distortion. This supports clear and accurate sound reproduction.
Down-Firing Port: The bass reflex port on the Solano speakers is designed to exit downward from the bottom of the speaker cabinet. This configuration provides more flexibility in speaker placement and reduces ventilation noise.
Tech Note: For center channel speakers, the port is on the rear of the speaker rather than the bottom.
Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB Bookshelf Speaker
The rectangular cabinet of the BS283.2-GB is made from solid MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and is paired with a slightly curved front baffle with large radiuses. This results in a compact but impressive appearance. The speaker incorporates a 2-way speaker driver configuration with a JET 6 tweeter, one 50 mm/6 in Aluminum Sandwich Woofer, and a bottom-firing port. Bi-Amp/Bi-Wire compatible connection terminals are provided on the rear panel.
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB Floorstanding Speaker
The rectangular cabinet of the FS287.2-GB is made from solid MDF, and paired with a slightly curved front baffle. Since this speaker is designed as a floor stander, it incorporates a base that adds stability and also provides room for the bottom firing port. The driver complement includes the JET 6 tweeter, two 150 mm/6 in Aluminum Sandwich Woofers, and, as mentioned, a bottom-firing port. The FS287.2-GB is 985 mm/38.78 inches tall.
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Center Channel Speaker
Just as the BS283.2 and FS287.2, the CC281.2 has a solid MDF cabinet paired with a slightly curved front baffle. Since this is a center channel speaker it is designed to be placed horizontally below a TV or projection screen, but since it is 190 mm/7.5 tall it won’t fit directly under most TVs, so it is best that the TV be elevated or wall mounted or the speaker placed on a shelf below the TV.
The driver complement of the CC281.2 includes a JET 6 tweeter and two 150 mm/6 in Aluminum Sandwich Woofers combined with a rear-facing port. The speaker terminals are mounted sideways on the rear of the speaker and are Bi-Amp/Wire Compatible.
ELAC Solano Series Comparison Chart
| BS283.2-GB | FS287.2-GB | CC281.2-GB | |
| MSRP | $1,999/pair | $3,999/pair | $1,199/each |
| Speaker Design | Bookshelf | Floorstanding | Center Channel |
| Speaker Type | 2-Way, Bass Reflex | 2 1/2-Way, Bass Reflex | 2 ½-Way, Bass Reflex |
| Woofer | 1 × 150 mm/6 in, AS Cone | 2 × 150 mm/6 in, AS Woofer | 2 × 150 mm/6 in, AS Woofer |
| Tweeter | JET 6 | JET 6 | JET 6 |
| Crossover Frequency | 2400 Hz | 450 and 2400 Hz | 450 and 2400 Hz |
| Frequency Range | 41-50,000 Hz | 30 – 50,000 Hz | 34 – 50,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity (2.83 V/m) | 85 dB | 87 dB | 87.5 dB |
| Amplifier Compatibility | 4Ω – 8Ω | 4Ω – 8Ω | 4Ω – 8Ω |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 40 – 200 W/channel | 40 – 300 W/channel | 40 – 250 W/channel |
| Power Handling (Nominal) | 70 W | 130 W | 120 W |
| Power Handling (Peak) | 100 W | 170 W | 160 W |
| Impedance (Nominal) | 4Ω | 4Ω | 4Ω |
| Impedance (Minimum) | 3.2Ω | 3.5Ω | 3.6Ω |
| Finishes | Black High Gloss White High Gloss Metal Grills and Fabric Covers also offered | Black High Gloss White High Gloss Metal Grills and Fabric Covers also offered | Black High Gloss White High Gloss Metal Grills and Fabric Covers also offered |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 331 x 190 x 248 mm (13 x 7.5 x 9.76 inches) | 985 x 260 x 300 mm (38.78 x 10.2 x 12 inches) | 190 x 500 x 248 mm (7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches) |
| Weight | 8.0 kg/17 lbs 10 oz | 19.0 kg/41 lbs 14 oz | 12.0 kg/26 lbs 7 oz) |
Pricing & Availability
The Solano 2.0 speaker line will be available in early May through ELAC and its nationwide dealer network at the following prices:
- Solano 2.0 BS283.2-GB Bookshelf Speaker: $1,999/pair
- Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB Floorstanding Speakers: $3,999/pair
- Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Center Channel Speaker: $1,199/each
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