If REL Acoustics, the highly regarded subwoofer manufacturer, pulled out of the high-end marketplace tomorrow, never again to manufacture another unit, its place in the audio pantheon would forever be assured. REL has offered superb build-quality and high standards of bass reproduction since the company was founded in 1990. Thankfully for bass fans everywhere, nothing has changed in its latest venture, the S/5, which may be the best-performing mid priced sub REL has offered in its vaunted history. The S/5 goes about its tasks so matter-of-factly, effortlessly, and invisibly that it seems to become another attractive fixture in the room—until you pull it from the system. Then you understand what authentic low bass brings to the party. You also begin to understand the meaning of…addiction.

Type: Front-firing subwoofer, with downward-firing passive radiator
Drivers: 12" woofer, 12" passive
Frequency response: 21Hz -6dB
Power: 550W
Dimensions: 17.5" x 18" x 20"
Weight: 70 lbs.