REL S/812 Powered Subwoofer
Best high-performance subwoofer for audiophiles seeking cinematic depth in medium rooms.
The REL S/812 Subwoofer redefines medium chassis performance, delivering a powerful audio experience for both music and film. It boasts an 800-watt NextGen5 amplifier and advanced driver technology, including a Pure Carbon Fiber Backing for enhanced power handling. Custom filters ensure balanced frequency response and impactful theater sound. Designed for exceptional all-around performance, it offers a glimpse into flagship capabilities at a more accessible price point. The S/812 also supports stacking for creating immersive line arrays.
$2479.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
501
/ 6561
#501 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+69%
Above average
Type
Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive
/ Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive
Who it's for
- Audiophiles prioritizing musical accuracy and seamless speaker integration
- Listeners seeking perfect sonic cohesion with their existing amplifier
- Home theater enthusiasts demanding authoritative, deep-reaching cinematic bass
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level audio solutions
- Casual listeners intimidated by complex calibration and manual setup
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited floor space
Performance breakdown
Low Frequency Extension
Reaches down to 19Hz for visceral, room-shaking cinematic impact.
Amplifier Power
The 800-watt NextGen5 engine provides effortless headroom for demanding dynamics.
Driver Precision
Carbon fiber construction ensures tight, articulate bass without unwanted resonance.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input options accommodate both high-end stereo and home theater setups.
Scalability
Stackable design allows for future-proof expansion into immersive line arrays.
Build Quality
Substantial 75-pound chassis provides the stability needed for high-output performance.
Key Specs
Type
Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive
Power Output
800 watts (RMS)
Active Driver
12 in., 300mm long-throw Continuous CastAlloy™ cone
Passive Radiator
12 in., 300mm Carbon/Carbon flat cone
Low Frequency Extension
-6dB at 19 Hz
Dimensions
17.5 x 18 x 20 in. (430 x 455 x 514 mm)
Net Weight
75 lbs. (34 kg)
Connectivity
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, LFE XLR
Features
- Reference-like performance in a medium chassis
- Powerful 800W NextGen5 amplifier
- Deep bass extension to 19 Hz
- Pure Carbon Fiber active driver
- Carbon Passive Radiator for enhanced bass
- Custom filters for music and film
- Stackable design for line arrays
- Optional wireless capability
What customers say
The REL S/812 Powered Subwoofer earns high praise for its exceptional musicality and seamless integration, making it a benchmark for serious listeners. Reviewers consistently highlight the bass quality, describing it as tight, textured, and articulate, avoiding any muddiness. The most valued attribute is how effortlessly the subwoofer blends into the soundstage, enhancing overall system performance without drawing attention. While the initial setup requires careful tuning, the resulting synergy is transformative. Users feel the premium investment is justified by the superior refinement and control delivered. The S/812 is viewed as a critical component that elevates the entire listening experience through its finesse in reproducing subtle details and dynamics.
Know before you buy
The S/812 is engineered for versatility, utilizing custom filters that allow it to handle the speed and nuance required for music while maintaining the high-output impact needed for cinema. Its 800-watt NextGen5 amplifier ensures it can switch between subtle musical textures and explosive low-frequency effects without distortion.
Yes, the S/812 supports wireless connectivity, but it requires the REL AirShip system, which is sold separately. This system allows for high-quality, uncompressed wireless transmission to maintain the performance standards of the subwoofer.
The stackable design allows you to create a vertical line array by stacking multiple S/812 units. This configuration increases the surface area of the drivers, resulting in a more effortless, room-filling soundstage and improved bass dispersion that mimics the performance of much larger, flagship systems.
While it features standard RCA and XLR inputs for LFE, REL recommends using the High-Level Neutrik Speakon connection. This method connects directly to your amplifier's speaker terminals, allowing the subwoofer to receive the exact same signal as your main speakers for a more seamless, integrated sound.
The S/812 offers a low-frequency extension down to 19 Hz at the -6dB point. This allows it to reproduce the deepest cinematic rumbles and the lowest octaves of musical instruments with authority and clarity.
The 12-inch carbon passive radiator is essential to the S/812's design, as it works in tandem with the active driver to extend bass depth without the port noise associated with traditional vented designs. It provides the extra output and 'slam' needed to achieve reference-level performance from a medium-sized cabinet.
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