REL Acoustics
REL Acoustics 212/SX 2-Channel Home Audio Subwoofer
Best high-performance subwoofer for serious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
Experience unparalleled low-frequency audio with the REL Acoustics 212/SX subwoofer. Engineered for both discerning music lovers and home theater enthusiasts, this powerhouse delivers deep, impactful bass with exceptional clarity. Its robust design features upgraded drivers and passive radiators, driven by a potent 1,000-watt amplifier. The 212/SX seamlessly integrates into your system, offering versatile connectivity and optional wireless capability for a truly immersive soundstage.
$2799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
20
/ 8447
#20 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+91%
Above average
Type
211
/ () Front-firing active drivers, () rear passive, () down-firing passive
Who it's for
- Design-conscious listeners demanding luxury aesthetics for premium listening rooms
- Home theater enthusiasts seeking visceral, room-shaking cinematic impact
- Audiophiles prioritizing seamless, musical integration with high-end main speakers
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range audio solutions
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited floor space
- Casual listeners preferring a simple plug-and-play audio experience
Performance breakdown
Low-Frequency Extension
Reaches down to 18Hz for truly visceral, room-shaking cinematic impact.
Amplification Power
The 1,000-watt Class D engine provides effortless, high-headroom dynamic control.
Transient Response
Carbon fiber drivers ensure bass notes start and stop with surgical precision.
Connectivity Versatility
High-level and LFE inputs offer seamless integration for any audio system.
Build Integrity
Massive 128-pound chassis design effectively eliminates unwanted cabinet resonance.
Musicality
Refined filters preserve delicate textures, making it ideal for critical listening.
Key Specs
Type
(2) Front-firing active drivers, (1) rear passive, (1) down-firing passive
Active Driver Size & Material
(2) 12 in. (300mm) long throw, Continuous CastAlloy cone, die cast alloy chassis
Passive Radiator Size & Material
Rear: 12 in. (300mm) Continuous CastAlloy cone, die cast alloy chassis; Down: 12 in. (300mm) Carbon/Carbon flat cone, steel chassis
Low Frequency Extension
-6dB at 18 Hz
Input Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR
Output Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) LFE RCA or (1) LFE XLR
Power Output
1,000 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type
NextGen 5 Class D
Features
- Dual 12" active drivers with carbon fiber for strength.
- New flat passive radiators for deeper bass extension.
- Powerful 1,000-watt Class D amplifier.
- Versatile High Level and .1/LFE connectivity.
- Optional high-resolution wireless audio.
- Deep, atmospheric bass reproduction.
- Excels in both 2-channel audio and home theater.
- Refined filters preserve subtle audio details.
What customers say
Owners consistently praise the REL 212/SX for its exceptional musicality and integration. The low-frequency output is described with surgical precision, speed, and texture, avoiding any boominess. Its powerful 1000W configuration effortlessly pressurizes large spaces, excelling in both demanding home theater LFE and subtle music reproduction. Reviewers emphasize its dual capability: delivering audiophile refinement alongside visceral impact. While a significant investment, the consensus is that the superb build quality and transformative performance justify the premium price, positioning it as an endgame component for serious audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Yes, the 212/SX is specifically engineered to excel in both applications. It features dedicated High Level and .1/LFE inputs, allowing you to connect your stereo and home theater systems simultaneously and adjust them independently.
The dual 12-inch active drivers provide the punch and speed needed for musical accuracy, while the rear and down-firing passive radiators extend the bass response down to 18Hz. This combination creates a deep, atmospheric soundstage that feels both powerful and controlled.
Yes, the 212/SX supports optional high-resolution wireless connectivity. This allows you to place the subwoofer anywhere in the room without needing to run long cables from your amplifier or receiver.
The High Level Neutrik Speakon connection takes the signal directly from your amplifier's speaker terminals. This ensures the subwoofer receives the exact same sonic character as your main speakers, resulting in a more seamless and natural integration.
The unit measures approximately 14.25 inches wide, 33 inches high, and 20.25 inches deep. Given its weight of 128 pounds and its use of down-firing and rear-firing radiators, ensure you have a sturdy, level floor surface with enough clearance for the sound to disperse effectively.
While the 1,000-watt NextGen 5 Class D amplifier is highly efficient, it is designed to run on a standard household outlet. However, because it is a high-performance component, it is best to plug it into a high-quality power conditioner or directly into a wall outlet to ensure it has enough current to perform at its peak.
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