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REL S/850
Best high-performance subwoofer for immersive music and home theater setups.
The REL S/850 is the flagship subwoofer of the Serie S line, engineered for uncompromising performance that blends significant power with refinement. It utilizes an 850-watt Linear Class D amplifier and advanced CarbonAlloy™ drivers, incorporating innovations from REL's Reference line. This results in explosive dynamics, nuance, and effortless scale, delivering incredible attack and output with precision and clarity for true dynamic range. It excels at lightning-fast transients and deep, rich bass, making it ideal for both music and theater systems in medium-to-large rooms. The S/850 supports stereo pairs and line arrays, setting the benchmark for its series.
$3999.00
More S Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2641
/ 6561
#2641 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+173%
Above average
Speaker Type
Subwoofer
/ Subwoofer
Who it's for
- Audiophiles prioritizing fast, musical bass response for high-fidelity listening
- Listeners seeking perfect sonic cohesion between speakers and subwoofer
- Home theater owners needing authoritative power for expansive rooms
Who should skip it
- Novice users preferring simple plug-and-play setup experiences
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level subwoofer pricing
- Apartment dwellers with limited floor space for large equipment
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Lightning-fast driver movement captures every subtle musical nuance with surgical precision.
Dynamic Impact
Delivers explosive, room-filling power that brings cinematic scale to any environment.
Bass Definition
Maintains exceptional clarity and texture even during the most demanding sequences.
System Integration
Seamlessly blends with main speakers for a cohesive, unified soundstage.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures stability and resonance control at high output levels.
Scalability
Supports stereo pairs and line arrays for ultimate low-frequency performance.
Key Specs
Speaker Type
Subwoofer
Power Output
850-watt
Amplifier Type
Linear Class D
Active Driver Size
12 inches
Driver Material
CarbonAlloy™
Model Number
S/850
Number of Drivers
2
System Application
Music & Theater Systems
Features
- Spectacular attack and impressive output
- Maintains precision, quietness, and clarity
- Excels at lightning-fast transients
- Suitable for medium-to-large rooms
- Supports stereo pairs and line arrays
- Flagship design innovations from Serie S line
- Features advanced CarbonAlloy™ drivers
- Optional premium wood grille available
What customers say
The REL S/850 is highly praised by audiophiles for its exceptional speed and musicality. Reviewers consistently note the bass is articulate and tight, never muddy, reflecting superior design. A key strength is its seamless integration with main speakers, often described as disappearing into the soundstage due to the effective high level connection. Users report significant improvements in depth and system coherence, powered by the effortless 850W amplifier. While the premium price impacts perceived value, once properly calibrated, the consensus is that the S/850 delivers a profoundly satisfying, controlled low-frequency foundation that elevates both music and home theater experiences. Build quality is also cited as robust.
Know before you buy
The S/850 is the flagship model of the series, featuring a more powerful 850-watt amplifier and advanced CarbonAlloy drivers. It incorporates design innovations from REL’s top-tier Reference line to provide greater output and faster transient response than its smaller counterparts.
It is designed to excel at both. Because it prioritizes speed and precision, it handles the subtle nuances of music as effectively as the explosive, high-impact dynamics required for cinematic sound effects.
The S/850 is engineered for medium-to-large listening spaces. Its 850-watt output and dual-driver configuration provide enough scale and depth to maintain clarity and impact in larger rooms where smaller subwoofers might struggle.
Yes, the S/850 is designed to support both stereo pairs and line arrays. Using multiple units can help smooth out room response and provide a more immersive, effortless soundstage.
No, the S/850 features a built-in 850-watt Linear Class D amplifier. It is a self-contained active subwoofer that connects directly to your existing audio system.
CarbonAlloy drivers are exceptionally rigid and lightweight, which allows the subwoofer to start and stop instantly. This results in the lightning-fast transient response and clean, precise bass that the S/850 is known for.
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$3999