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REL S/550 Active Subwoofer

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REL-S-550-Active-Subwoofer
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REL S/550 Active Subwoofer

REL S/550 Active Subwoofer serves as the high-performance gateway to REL's prestigious Serie S line, delivering exceptional speed, scale, and low-frequency authority. Engineered specifically for medium-to-large listening spaces, this subwoofer packages advanced driver materials and massive power reserves into a cabinet that is physically optimized to visually disappear while acoustically dominating. Whether seamlessly reinforcing a reference two-channel stereo system or anchoring an immersive home theater layout, the S/550 reproduces subterranean bass notes with a level of micro-dynamic nuance and pinpoint timing that redefines expectations for high-end active subwoofers.

Key Features 

  • CarbonAlloy Acoustic Transducer Matrix — Employs a completely rebuilt 10-inch front-firing active CarbonAlloy woofer capped with pure carbon fiber, executing razor-sharp transient attacks and an incredibly natural decay phase.

  • Kilowatt-Capable Pure Class D Monoblock — Rated conservatively at 550 watts RMS, this newly engineered, ultra-high-efficiency amplifier runs continuous loads up to 600 watts in test labs without experiencing thermal strain.

  • Simultaneous Multi-Input Connectivity — Outfitted with high-speed analog filters that allow the signature Neutrik SpeakOn High-Level connection and the .1/LFE inputs to run simultaneously, ensuring perfect dual-use optimization for music and movies.

Reengineered Carbon-Fiber Kinetic Drivers

The heart of the REL S/550 features a highly advanced, dual-driver layout engineered to generate massive acoustic travel from a compact footprint. Primary low-frequency energy is produced by a front-firing 10-inch CarbonAlloy active driver utilizing a lightweight yet hyper-stiff cone structure suspended in a heavy die-cast alloy chassis. This rapid active motor is seamlessly coupled to a massive 12-inch down-firing passive radiator built from a carbon/glass fiber/foam sandwich matrix that yields an astonishing 60 mm of physical linear travel. Together, they extend subterranean bass response down to a staggering 19 Hz (-6 dB) without the bloating or whistling artifacts associated with traditional ported designs.

CarbonAlloy Drive Engine: Combines a 10-inch carbon-capped active driver with a 12-inch passive radiator for flat, lightning-fast extension down to 19 Hz.

Pure 550W Analog Filter Amp: Delivers massive, cool-running high-current power while bypassing digital latency via high-speed analog networks.

Reference Line Array Capability: Features a structurally stabilized and stackable cabinet architecture to easily form massive multi-subwoofer arrays.

High-Current Amplification and Pure Analog Filtering

To drive its newly developed long-throw cones with absolute grip and control, the S/550 implements a robust 550-watt Pure Class D amplifier engine. Rather than introducing digital signal processing (DSP) that degrades system timing and ruins audio phase, the amplifier input architecture relies entirely on 100% pure analog filters. This design incorporates high-grade polypropylene capacitors inherited from REL's statement Reference line, unlocking a much larger, more cohesive soundstage. Supported by second-generation PerfectFilter circuitry, the amplifier maintains an immense damping factor, allowing it to start and stop the woofer instantly to match the speed of high-end main loudspeakers.

Advanced Structural Cabinet Architecture

The physical profile of the S/550 showcases a dramatic evolution in luxury cabinet enclosure engineering, opting for a lower, wider, and deeper footprint that increases internal air volume while appearing visually lighter in a room. The heavy cabinet walls feature carved horizontal strakes and extensive internal matrix bracing to suppress secondary mechanical panel vibrations. The cabinet's exterior is treated to an eight-coat high-gloss mirror lacquer finish, highlighted by raw-titanium-finished side handles and subtle, flush accents. For a more bespoke layout, users can substitute the standard cloth grille with an optional, slatted Premium Wood Grille.

Scalable Arrays and Wireless Innovation

Designed with premium integration in mind, the structural design of the S/550 features stabilizing lower rails and integrated front-rail leveling adjusters, allowing multiple cabinets to be stacked vertically. This unlocks the ability to build a true REL Reference Line Array system, projecting a towering wall of low-frequency pressure that matches the height of massive flagship loudspeakers. To maintain a completely clean, wire-free room layout, the S/550 is fully compatible with the optional Airship Direct wireless module, transmitting uncompressed High-Level and LFE digital audio streams across a fast 5.8 GHz band with zero loss in transparency.

Key Features 

  • 10-Inch CarbonAlloy Active Woofer: Lightened and stiffened cone structures ensure razor-sharp transient snaps on heavy musical pulses.

  • 12-Inch Carbon/Glass Passive Cone: Downward-firing design moves massive amounts of structural air while preventing port chuffing.

  • Simultaneous Dual-Input Filtering: Feeds two-channel hi-fi systems and multi-channel LFE theater maps concurrently without manual switching.

  • Reference Polypropylene Capacitors: Audiophile-grade capacitors inside the filter pipeline broaden soundstage width and acoustic realism.

  • 8-Coat High-Gloss Cabinet Lacquer: Wrapped in multiple horizontal and vertical cross-sprayed layers of premium lacquer finishes.

  • Front-Rail Leveling Adjusters: Features built-in mechanical leveling feet to maintain a completely secure, rattle-free stance on uneven floors.

  • Airship Direct Wireless Support: Accommodates optional zero-latency wireless streaming modules to get rid of long, unsightly cable runs.

  • Pure Titanium-Tone Handles: Features robust, recessed side handles finished in an elegant titanium-silver hue to help move its heavy chassis.

  • Fully Electronic Set Safe Suite: Houses advanced internal DC fault defense, output short circuit protection, and thermal protection sensors.

  • Optional Premium Wood Grilles: Accommodates custom, slatted hardwood grilles with white or black trims for a high-end furniture appearance.

 

Technical FAQs

How does the High-Level connection integrate sonic timing better than an RCA line input?

REL's iconic High-Level connection links directly to your main amplifier's speaker output terminals via an included Neutrik SpeakOn cable. This forces the S/550 to receive the exact same electrical timing, power curve, and sonic coloration as your main speakers, creating a perfectly blended full-range system.

What is the benefit of a passive radiator design over a standard ported enclosure?

A standard bass reflex port can generate wind noise (chuffing) and phase distortion when driven hard. The S/550's heavy-duty 12-inch passive radiator works like a sealed box but uses the active driver’s internal air pressure to move massive low-frequency weight with absolute control and silence.

What are the required conditions for creating a vertical Line Array stack?

The S/550's cabinet structure includes specific top plate recesses and heavy-duty grounding rails on its underside. Up to three units can be stacked safely per side using integrated coupling hardware, and their model numbers are etched specifically to remain hidden when stacked.