Editor’s Choice 2025 – The Absolute Sound
Recommended Component 2025 – Stereophile
A Flagship Sub, Refined to Perfection
Deeper Bass. Sharper Detail. Bigger Stage.
The REL Acoustics S/550 elevates low-frequency reproduction to a new level of speed, nuance, and control. Designed for discerning two-channel and home theater enthusiasts, it’s the subwoofer that disappears—until it roars to life.
Built for Systems That Demand More
REL’s S/550 is the ideal choice for full-range loudspeakers and reference systems that need effortless low-end support without sacrificing agility or tone. With a 550-watt Class A/B amplifier and a 12” carbon-fiber active driver paired with a matching 12” passive radiator, the S/550 delivers low-end weight and high-frequency coherence that enhance—not overwhelm—your music and movies. Just add speakers, and feel your system come alive.
Power Meets Precision
Bass isn’t just about boom. It’s about control, speed, and subtlety—and that’s where the S/550 shines. The custom-designed 12" ContinuousCast™ carbon fiber driver digs down to a subterranean 19Hz, yet retains startling transient snap and low coloration. The passive down-firing radiator expands low-frequency impact without port noise or bloat. The result? Deep bass that breathes, supports, and extends your system’s dimensionality.
Rated at 550 watts RMS, the NextGen5™ Class A/B amplifier gives the S/550 the kind of power reserve typically found in high-end power amps. Whether tracking a cello’s low register or the thunder of an action scene, it stays composed, tight, and perfectly timed.
Expert Reviews & Quotes
"The S/550 integrates so seamlessly, you forget it’s there—until it does something jaw-dropping."
– Hi-Fi+ Magazine, March 2025
"REL continues to define what a subwoofer should sound like—clean, fast, and musical."
– Stereophile, April 2025
Engineered for Sonic Purity
At the heart of the S/550 is REL’s signature carbon fiber 12” driver—stiff, lightweight, and built for ultra-fast transients. It’s matched with a high-inertia passive radiator that extends depth without distortion. The cabinet is braced and finished to luxury standards, minimizing resonance while complementing any living space. REL’s high-level Neutrik Speakon connection ensures the sub receives the same signal as your main speakers—resulting in unmatched integration.
Inputs That Fit Your System
Whether you’re running a high-end stereo rig or a multi-channel AV setup, the S/550 is ready. It features REL’s High-Level Speakon input, a stereo RCA input for line-level use, and a dedicated LFE RCA input for home theater. Dual filter sets support simultaneous music and movie integration—no re-cabling required. Optional wireless with REL’s AirShip II module keeps your room clutter-free without compromising speed or fidelity.
Tailored for Audiophiles and Cinephiles Alike
Perfect for large listening rooms, premium stereo systems, or immersive Dolby Atmos setups, the S/550 adds authority without drawing attention to itself. Its stackable design allows for REL’s Line Array configuration—ideal for ultra-high-end systems seeking full-range performance. Pair one or more units for scalable bass that fills the space, not the soundstage.
A Reference Subwoofer for the Real World
If your system deserves bass that’s felt and not just heard, the REL S/550 delivers. Deep, fast, and musically aware—it’s bass you’ll fall in love with.
