ELAC SOLANO SERIES

Elac has released a ‘Solano’ series of loudspeakers. It comprises a floor-standing model, the FS 278 floorstander ($5,495), a bookshelf/ standmount model, the BS 283 ($2,999), and a centre-channel speaker, the CC 281 ($2,295). All models use exactly the same bass/midrange driver, a 150mm dynamic cone model, and all use exactly the same tweeter, a JET 5 air-motion design that’s made by Elac itself in its factory in Kiel, Germany. The use of identical drivers means that although the FS 278 and BS 283 can be used as stereo speakers in a two-channel hi-fi system, they can also be used as the front left/right and surround speakers in a multi-channel audio system.

The FS 278 marries two 150mm bass/ midrange drivers with the JET tweeter in a 2½ way design that sees both 150mm drivers operating in tandem up to 450Hz, after which the upper-most of the two on the front baffle takes things up to 2.4kHz before crossing over to the JET tweeter. Elac claims a frequency range of 30Hz to 50kHz and a sensitivity of 87dBSPL (2.83V/m) for the FS 278. The Elac Solano BS 283 has a somewhat lower sensitivity (85dBSPL) and a less extended low-frequency response (41Hz to 50kHz). Both models have nominal impedances of 4Ω, but the Elac FS 278 has a minimum impedance of 3.5Ω compared to the Elac BS 283’s minimum of 3.2Ω. All three models are available with either white or black high-gloss painted finishes. “Compact, attractive, and high in performance, each model is hand-crafted in Keil, Germany, and comes with a ten year warranty,” said Philip Sawyer, of Synergy AV, which distributes Elac in Australia. “These new Solano models mark a new reference in loudspeaker design, performance and value, offering astonishing performance and a gateway to high-end German audio engineering.”