What is the difference between the ELAC BS 243 and the BS 243 LE compared to the BS 243.4?
The BS 243 and BS 243 LE use a 150 mm AS-XR woofer, a JET III tweeter, and have a frequency response of approximately 41–50,000 Hz; the Carina BS 243.4 features an updated aluminum cone woofer with compound curvature, a JET folded ribbon tweeter, a frequency response of approximately 46–30,000 Hz, and a nominal impedance of 6 Ω instead of 4 Ω.
What amplifier power ratings are suitable for the BS 243 / BS 243.4?
Amplifiers ranging from 30 to 150 W per channel deliver good sound; the BS 243 has a rated power handling of 60 W and can handle peaks up to 80 W, while the BS 243.4 can handle peaks up to approximately 100 W.
What type of impedance must the amplifier support?
The nominal impedance is 4 Ω (with a minimum of approximately 3.6 Ω at 240 Hz) for the BS 243; the BS 243.4 has a nominal impedance of 6 Ω, with a minimum of approximately 4.8 Ω.
What are the frequency response and crossover characteristics?
The BS 243 divides the frequencies around 2,700 Hz between a 150-mm woofer and a JET III tweeter; the BS 243.4 also uses a crossover around 2.7 kHz with an aluminum woofer and a JET folded ribbon tweeter.
What connectors are on the speaker, and what are the bi-wiring and bi-amping capabilities?
The BS 243 and BS 243.4 feature a pair of binding post screw terminals with separate connections for bass and treble, allowing for bi-wiring or bi-amping once the jumpers are removed.
How does placement affect the performance of the BS 243 or BS 243.4?
The speakers perform better when placed at least 25–30 cm away from the back wall; the BS 243 LE also features a two-part bass control plug to reduce excessive bass when placed close to a wall.
Is there any protection or adjustment option for the high frequencies?
The BS 243 and the LE version feature the JET-DC dispersion controller (foam ring) for adjustable high-frequency response, which is particularly useful in rooms with a lot of reflections.
Can the BS 243 / BS 243.4 be used in a surround sound setup or only in stereo?
Both are suitable for stereo setups, but the BS 243 LE is also often used as a surround sound speaker in home theater systems due to its compact size and excellent performance.
What dimensions and weight should be taken into account during installation or when placing the speaker on a stand?
The BS 243 measures approximately 285 × 170 × 232 mm and weighs about 5.2 kg without the stand; the BS 243.4 measures approximately 319 × 205 × 245 mm and weighs 6.7 kg each.
What finishes and aesthetic options are available, and how do they affect performance?
Available finishes include Black High Gloss, Satin Black, Satin White, and Cherry veneer; these do not affect the frequency response or impedance, but high-gloss finishes may produce slightly more reflections in the room.
