REL Acoustics
REL Acoustics 212/SX Subwoofer
Best high-performance subwoofer for audiophiles seeking immersive, room-filling bass.
The REL Acoustics 212/SX Subwoofer is engineered to deliver powerful and precise bass, enhancing both music and home theater experiences. It features twin 12-inch Continuous Cast™ Alloy Bass Engines for robust sound, complemented by dual carbon passive radiators that extend low frequencies. The integrated 1,000-watt NextGen 5 Class D amplifier provides immense power with exceptional control. This subwoofer offers versatile connectivity options and is future-proofed with optional Airship Zero-Compression Wireless for uncompressed audio transmission. Its sophisticated design and advanced technology ensure a room-filling, immersive audio performance.
$5999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
578
/ 8447
#578 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+310%
Above average
Type
211
/ () Front-firing active drivers, () rear passive, () down-firing passive
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a cohesive and natural soundstage
- Home theater enthusiasts demanding cinematic impact and precision
- Design-conscious listeners building a premium, high-end audio system
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level audio solutions
- Apartment dwellers with limited floor space for large equipment
- Casual listeners preferring a simple plug-and-play setup
Performance breakdown
Low Frequency Extension
Reaches down to 18Hz for truly visceral, floor-rippling cinematic impact.
Power Delivery
The 1,000-watt amplifier maintains absolute control even at extreme volume levels.
Transient Response
PerfectFilter technology ensures bass notes start and stop with surgical precision.
Connectivity Versatility
High-level and LFE inputs allow seamless integration into any audio system.
Wireless Fidelity
Airship system delivers uncompressed audio without the clutter of physical cables.
Build Integrity
Robust alloy drivers and rigid chassis construction minimize unwanted cabinet resonance.
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 structure, die cast alloy chassis
Passive Radiator Size & Material
Rear: 12 in. (300mm) Continuous CastAlloy™ cone structure, die cast alloy chassis; Down: 12 in. (300mm) Carbon/Carbon flat cone structure, 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
Power Output
1,000 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type
NextGen 5 Class D
Dimensions
14 1/4in., x 33in., x 20 1/4 in., (362 x 838 x 514.5mm)
Features
- Drives rooms hard and in multiple modes for richer bass everywhere.
- Resolves detail and restores midrange warmth for a balanced sound.
- Twin 12” active drivers with updated suspension geometry and greater power handling.
- New double-spider, high-powered passive unit for floor-rippling low bass.
- Dual Continuous Carbon Passive Radiators produce sound beyond their size.
- NextGen 5 1,000w Class D amplifier for extreme power and reliability.
- Optional Airship Zero-Compression Wireless for audiophile-grade uncompressed audio.
- Simultaneous High Level and .1/LFE channel processing.
- Upgraded alloy drivers with carbon fiber blades
- New flat passive radiator for deeper extension
- PerfectFilter™ for crushing low bass with greater speed and air
- 1,000 watts NextGen 5 Class D amplifier
- Optional Airship Zero-Compression Wireless system
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the REL Acoustics 212/SX Subwoofer for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to deliver deep, articulate bass that integrates seamlessly with existing audio systems, transforming the listening experience. The elegant design and premium materials also receive high praise, contributing to a sense of luxury and durability. While a significant investment, users generally perceive the performance and craftsmanship as justifying the cost, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles seeking unparalleled low frequency reproduction.
Know before you buy
Yes. The 212/SX supports simultaneous High-Level and .1/LFE inputs, allowing you to keep both your music and home theater settings optimized without needing to swap cables.
The optional Airship system uses zero-compression technology to ensure the signal remains uncompressed and audiophile-grade. It is designed to match the speed and transparency of a hardwired connection, eliminating the typical latency and quality loss found in standard wireless subwoofers.
While the 1,000-watt amplifier is capable of immense output, the 212/SX is designed for control and precision rather than just raw volume. Its advanced suspension geometry and PerfectFilter™ technology allow it to integrate seamlessly into smaller spaces by providing tight, articulate bass at any volume level.
This configuration allows the subwoofer to pressurize the room more effectively. The front-firing active drivers provide punch and detail, while the rear and down-firing passive radiators work together to extend the low-frequency response, creating a more immersive, floor-rippling bass experience.
The High-Level Neutrik Speakon connection is compatible with almost all stereo and home theater amplifiers. It draws the signal directly from the amplifier's speaker terminals, ensuring the subwoofer's sonic signature perfectly matches your main speakers.
The 212/SX is rated for a low-frequency extension of -6dB at 18 Hz. This allows it to reproduce the deepest cinematic rumbles and the lowest octaves of musical instruments with authority and clarity.
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$5999