REL S/550 Powered Subwoofer

Compact reference level powered subwoofer featuring a 550 watt amplifier, CarbonAlloy driver technology, and advanced integration for music and home theater systems.

A Massive Step Forward for Serie S

The REL S/550 represents the newest entry point into the acclaimed Serie S family, bringing much of the technology and engineering found in the flagship models into a more compact and accessible package. Developed as the successor to the highly successful S/510, the S/550 introduces a completely reengineered driver system, a more powerful amplifier, a redesigned cabinet, and enhanced Line Array capability.

At All Elite Audio, we view the S/550 as one of the most compelling subwoofers in the REL lineup. It delivers the speed, articulation, and musical integration that REL is known for while offering enough authority and scale to anchor serious two channel systems and premium home theater installations. For many listeners, it represents the ideal balance between performance, size, and value.

New CarbonAlloy Driver Technology

At the heart of the S/550 is a completely redesigned 10 inch long throw CarbonAlloy active driver. REL retained only the cast chassis from the previous design, rebuilding virtually every other aspect of the driver to improve speed, power handling, and overall performance.

The cone now incorporates a lightweight pure carbon fiber center cap that reduces moving mass while increasing rigidity. This allows the driver to accelerate faster and stop more precisely. The result is tighter bass, cleaner transient response, improved detail retrieval, and greater dynamic expression. Bass notes begin and end with greater precision, helping the S/550 disappear into the system while enhancing the performance of the main loudspeakers.

550 Watts of Pure Class D Power

The S/550 features REL's latest 550 watt Pure Class D amplifier. While the power rating itself is impressive, the engineering improvements behind the amplifier are equally significant. REL states that the amplifier is capable of delivering approximately 600 watts continuously under demanding conditions while providing substantially higher peak capability than its predecessor.

Premium polypropylene capacitors derived from REL's Reference Series products have been incorporated into the input filtering circuits. These upgrades contribute to improved transparency, greater openness, and enhanced low frequency control. The amplifier combines speed, authority, and reliability in a package designed to drive the new driver system with exceptional precision.

Advanced Passive Radiator Engineering

Supporting the active driver is a newly redesigned 12 inch down firing passive radiator. REL has significantly improved the stiffness and weight characteristics of the radiator assembly, creating a structure that is lighter and substantially more rigid than previous generations.

Unlike traditional ported designs, the passive radiator eliminates port noise and compression while extending low frequency response to an impressive 19Hz. The radiator is capable of more than 60 millimeters of travel, allowing the S/550 to produce deep, authoritative bass while maintaining the speed and articulation required for serious music listening. The result is bass that feels powerful yet controlled, never bloated or disconnected from the rest of the system.

Designed for Music First Performance

One of the reasons REL has developed such a loyal following among audiophiles is its commitment to musical integration. The S/550 incorporates REL's renowned High Level input system, allowing direct connection to the speaker outputs of the primary amplifier.

Rather than simply reproducing low frequencies, the S/550 receives the same sonic signature and timing information as the main loudspeakers. This allows the subwoofer to integrate seamlessly into the presentation. Soundstaging becomes larger, imaging improves, and instruments gain greater body and realism. Properly configured, the S/550 sounds less like a separate subwoofer and more like an extension of the loudspeakers themselves.

Outstanding Home Theater Performance

While music remains a primary focus, the S/550 is equally capable in home theater environments. Dedicated RCA and XLR LFE inputs allow seamless integration with modern surround processors and AV receivers.

REL uniquely allows simultaneous High Level and LFE operation. This means listeners can optimize the subwoofer for music reproduction while still enjoying the full impact of movie soundtracks. Deep bass effects are reproduced with authority and scale while maintaining the speed and control that define the REL sound.

Built for Stereo Pairs and Line Arrays

The S/550 was designed from the beginning to support REL's advanced Line Array architecture. Owners can begin with a single subwoofer, expand to a stereo pair, and eventually build a full Line Array configuration with multiple units per channel.

Stereo pairs improve bass uniformity, reduce room induced anomalies, and create a more immersive presentation. As additional subwoofers are added, dynamic capability increases while bass becomes more effortless and natural. The S/550 includes dedicated Line Array mounting hardware and precision leveling adjustments that make these advanced configurations possible.

How the S/550 Compares to the S/850

The S/550 and S/850 share the same engineering philosophy and many core technologies. Both feature CarbonAlloy driver systems, passive radiator loading, advanced amplifier platforms, and Line Array capability.

The S/850 moves higher in the lineup through its larger cabinet, more powerful amplifier, larger active driver, and greater overall output capability. For medium sized rooms and systems seeking exceptional value, the S/550 offers much of the same refinement and musicality at a lower price point. For larger rooms and listeners pursuing maximum scale and authority, the S/850 becomes the logical next step.

A Reference Quality Subwoofer for Real World Systems

The REL S/550 occupies an important position within the company's lineup. It incorporates many of the advances developed for REL's flagship products while maintaining a size and price that fit a wider range of systems and rooms.

Whether used in a dedicated two channel listening room, a premium home theater, or a hybrid music and movie system, the S/550 delivers the speed, extension, integration, and authority that have made REL one of the most respected names in subwoofer design.

Key Specifications Block

• Product: REL S/550
• Category: Powered Subwoofer
• Price: $3,299
• Type:
  • Front Firing Active Driver
  • Down Firing Passive Radiator
• Active Driver:
  • 10 Inch Long Throw CarbonAlloy Driver
  • Carbon Fiber Center Cap
  • Die Cast Alloy Chassis
• Passive Radiator:
  • 12 Inch Carbon Carbon Flat Cone
  • Steel Chassis
• Amplifier Power:
  • 550 Watts RMS
• Amplifier Type:
  • Pure Linear Class D
• Low Frequency Extension:
  • 19Hz at 6dB
• Inputs:
  • High Level Neutrik Speakon
  • Dual RCA Low Level
  • RCA LFE
  • XLR LFE
• Outputs:
  • High Level Neutrik Speakon
  • RCA Low Level
  • RCA LFE or XLR LFE
• Wireless Capability:
  • REL AirShip Direct Optional
• Finish Options:
  • Piano Black Lacquer
  • Gloss White Lacquer
  • Eight Coat Finish
• Protection:
  • Fully Electronic Set Safe
  • DC Fault Protection
  • Output Short Protection
• Dimensions:
  • Width: 17.5 Inches
  • Height: 14.75 Inches
  • Depth: 19.75 Inches
  • 445 x 372 x 500 mm
• Weight:
  • 68 Pounds
  • 31 kg
• Included Accessories:
  • Power Cord
  • 32 Foot Neutrik Speakon Cable
  • Cloth Grille
  • Line Array Mounting Hardware
  • User Manual
• Optional Accessories:
  • Premium Wood Grille
• Recommended Room Size:
  • Approximately 250 to 500 Square Feet
• Warranty:
  • REL Manufacturer Warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized dealer for REL and every brand we carry. Every product we sell is sourced directly through authorized distribution channels and includes full manufacturer support.

Call: 443-402-5055

Text: 443-402-5064

Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

FAQ

Is the S/550 the replacement for the S/510?

Yes. The S/550 directly succeeds the highly regarded S/510 and introduces substantial upgrades throughout the design. REL redesigned the driver, increased amplifier capability, improved cabinet construction, and refined the passive radiator system. These improvements allow the S/550 to deliver greater transparency, faster transient response, and improved dynamic performance while maintaining the compact dimensions that made the S/510 so popular.

Is the S/550 designed for music or home theater?

The S/550 was engineered to excel at both. REL's High Level connection system allows the subwoofer to integrate seamlessly into serious two channel audio systems. Dedicated LFE connections provide the impact and extension required for movie soundtracks. Many owners choose the S/550 specifically because it performs equally well with music and film content.

Why does the S/550 use a 10 inch active driver and a 12 inch passive radiator?

REL selected this combination to balance speed, extension, and output capability. The 10 inch active driver delivers exceptional transient response and articulation, while the larger passive radiator extends bass response without introducing port noise or compression. Together they create a system capable of producing deep bass while maintaining the agility required for accurate music reproduction.

What is CarbonAlloy technology?

CarbonAlloy technology is REL's advanced cone construction designed to maximize rigidity while minimizing moving mass. The addition of a carbon fiber center cap further improves performance by reducing weight and increasing structural stability. These improvements allow the driver to start and stop more quickly, resulting in tighter, cleaner, and more detailed bass reproduction.

What size room is best for the S/550?

The S/550 is ideally suited for medium sized listening spaces. REL commonly associates the model with rooms ranging from approximately 250 to 500 square feet. In these environments it provides an excellent balance of output capability, extension, and integration. Larger rooms may benefit from a stereo pair configuration.

Should I buy one S/550 or two?

A single S/550 provides impressive performance and will satisfy many systems. However, REL strongly advocates stereo subwoofer configurations because they improve room coverage, imaging, and bass uniformity. Two S/550 subwoofers often produce a more natural and immersive listening experience than a single larger subwoofer.

What is REL Line Array technology?

Line Arrays involve stacking multiple REL subwoofers vertically per channel. The S/550 was specifically designed to support this architecture through dedicated mounting hardware and structural provisions. As additional subwoofers are added, output capability, scale, and dynamic realism increase dramatically. REL considers Line Arrays among the highest performing bass systems available.

Does the S/550 support wireless operation?

Yes. The S/550 is fully compatible with REL AirShip Direct wireless technology. This optional system allows flexible placement while maintaining the speed, transparency, and integration that define REL products. It is particularly useful when running long signal cables is impractical.

How does the S/550 compare to the S/850?

The S/550 delivers much of the same engineering sophistication found in the larger S/850. The S/850 provides greater amplifier power, a larger active driver, increased cabinet volume, and higher ultimate output capability. For medium sized rooms, the S/550 often represents the sweet spot in the Serie S range. The S/850 becomes the better choice for larger spaces and systems demanding maximum authority.

Where can I buy the REL S/550?

You can purchase the REL S/550 directly from All Elite Audio. As an authorized REL dealer, we provide manufacturer supported products, expert system matching guidance, and personalized service before and after the sale. Call 443-402-5055, text 443-402-5064, or visit 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.