You know you’re getting your hands on something high-quality if the maker specializes. That’s what REL Acoustics is for subwoofers, a brand that specializes in home theatre subwoofers. A REL subwoofer is guaranteed to deliver a punchy, heartbeat-raising bass that creates an immersive experience.
Our top pick from this particular brand is the REL Acoustics T/7x Subwoofer, which recreates a natural bass as the producers made. This front-firing subwoofer is packed with advanced features that justify its premium price. It’s ideal for those looking for a compact yet powerful subwoofer for playing music or watching movies at home.
Other great options include the REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator from the esteemed HT series. It delivers high-quality sound for large spaces. For those looking for a REL subwoofer model at a modest price tag, the smaller HT/1003 subwoofer is the best choice.
In this article, we’ll review in detail five of the best REL subwoofers, so you can find one that meets your needs.
Best REL Subwoofer 2023
REL Acoustics T/7x Subwoofer
The REL Acoustics T/7x subwoofer has an 8-inch front firing driver, packed in a compact, sleek body and complete with Arrow Wireless connectivity capability. It’s a powerful subwoofer for home theatres as big as 400 sq. ft. It has also won multiple awards, including hi-fi+ in 2021.
With a three-year warranty, this subwoofer is a safe purchase that will likely last you way longer than the warranty period. The black housing with metallic-looking, branded feet looks aesthetically pleasing, perfect for enhancing the look of your home theater.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY EXTENSION | -6dB at 30Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class A/B |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 200W (RMS) |
| DRIVER | 8 in., 200mm long-throw, FibreAlloy™ inverted aluminum dust cap, steel chassis |
| INPUTS | High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level single RCA, LFE RCA |
| WIRELESS | Arrow (Optional), Zero Compression, Single Large Scale Integrated Chip |
| HEIGHT | 12.6″ |
| WIDTH | 14.0″ |
| DEPTH | 14.3″ |
| WEIGHT | 38.5 lbs / 17.5 kg |
| FINISH | High Gloss Black |
Key Features
- Front-firing 8-inch driver paired with down-firing 10-inch passive driver
- Signature series T/x Class A/B amplifiers with 200-watt power for superior sound
- Zero compression wireless connection with optional Arrow Wireless system
- High-level Neutrik Speakon input cable (10 m or 33 ft.) for retaining the quality of input from speaker
- High-quality construction with a compact footprint and branded accents
- As low as -6 dB output at 30 Hz
This REL subwoofer from the T/x Series has two drivers essentially, an active front-firing one and a passive down-firing one. They have used the same Class A/B amplifiers that they have been using for over a decade now. So, in terms of power and frequency range, the Tx/9 is simply unbeatable.
It uses the signature high-level input connection that ensures that the same signal goes to the subwoofer that’s going into the speaker. The amplifier doesn’t draw power from the amplifier of the speaker. As a result, the sound is truly high-quality. That said, you have the traditional RCA input option and the LFE/.1 input better suited for home theater systems.
The optional Arrow Wireless system can provide wireless connection without losing to digital compression. So should you want no cables, adding this connectivity option can further improve the experience.
Pros
- Two drivers in a compact cabinet
- Wireless option
- No loss output with no distortion
- Ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing cabinet design
- Three-year warranty
Con
- Pricey
REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator Subwoofer
The REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator is the premium-quality, high-power subwoofer from the HT series with extremely high output. It’s also one of the most expensive in the series and has won awards for Home Theater of the Year.
The company has released the Predator with even more power, a measurable improvement over the original HT/1510, which in itself was a strong product. It’s ideal for those who don’t have budget constraints and want only the best. It can work with any home theater system and can be paired with other REL series subwoofers, such as our top pick, the T/7x.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY EXTENSION | -6dB at 20Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 1,000W |
| DRIVER | 15 in., CarbonGlas™ using glass fiber primary cone |
| INPUTS | Low-Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, LFE XLR |
| HEIGHT | 21.0″ |
| WIDTH | 19.0″ |
| DEPTH | 18.0″ |
| WEIGHT | 70.0 lbs / 31.8 kg |
| FINISH | Black |
Key Features
- Extreme low-level frequency sound, ideal for surround sound home theater systems
- 15-inch glass fiber driver reinforced with a carbon fiber center cap
- Increased 1,000 watts driver with four 400-watt mosfets
- Stackable with up to three units for peak output for large screens
- Compatible with HT-Air Wireless, which REL’s affordable, zero-compression offering
The large 15-inch driver of this REL subwoofer is deliberately designed to retain the cone structure even when it gets massive signals. This is thanks to the 3-inch voice coil that aligns with the carbon fiber cap, ensuring even the biggest explosions in the movie don’t unphase it.
Of course, the powerful driver is paired with an even more powerful amplifier. They’ve upgraded the amplifier to a massive 1,000 watts for this model. Again, when those special sound effects hit, the subwoofer already has the capacity to relay them as is.
Because of its massive driver and amplifier, it can deliver great bass. Although the subwoofer is pretty powerful on its own, for spaces bigger than 400 sq. ft, it can be stacked with one or two other subwoofers of the same kind.
It can be used with both Airship II and HT-Air for wireless inputs. Of course, these are optional and must be purchased separately.
Pros
- Unparallel sound quality that’s consistent even for special effects
- Big driver size
- Minimalistic cabinet design that blends into any interior style
- Covers large spaces easily
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- High power demand
REL Acoustics T/Zero MKIII Subwoofer
The REL Acoustics T/Zero MKIII Subwoofer is a small subwoofer, hence one of the cheapest options from the brand. But that doesn’t mean it’s sub-par in terms of sound quality. Powered with a 6.5-inch down-firing driver, this subwoofer has the same build quality REL is known for.
This is good enough for rooms up to 200 sq. ft. and can even cover up to 400 sq. ft. with a Stereo Pair. So this can be a good choice for small home theaters without costing a fortune. And it comes with various input options, including the High-Level input REL offers in select series subwoofers.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY EXTENSION | -6dB at 37Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 100W (RMS) |
| DRIVER | 6.5-inch, 165 mm long-throw, down-firing |
| INPUTS | High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level single RCA, LFE RCA |
| HEIGHT | 9.5″ |
| WIDTH | 8.5″ |
| DEPTH | 10.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 15.0 lbs / 6.8 kg |
| FINISH | High Gloss Black |
Key Features
- 6-inch driver, which is the smallest of all REL subwoofers but still packs quite some power
- Includes the High-Level Neutrik Speakon (10 m) input cable that ensures strong signal
- -6 dB @ 37 Hz, similar low-frequency extension as T/x series subwoofers
- Compact design with lightweight steel chassis
This subwoofer has a small, down-firing driver, which renders it a compact enclosure. However, the small driver still delivers powerful low-frequency responses for small rooms. For rooms larger than 200 sq. ft., you may need a pair of these. You’ll get a deep bass with no distortion.
Its amplifier is Class D with just 100 Watt power, so it’s not as power-hungry as most of the REL subwoofer models. Also, by using the proprietary High-Level input cable, the subwoofer ensures signal quality isn’t lost when connected to the main system or speaker.
The user manual has appropriate tuning and placement instructions, allowing for optimized bass output.
Pros
- Doesn’t take amp from speaker
- High-quality bass for small spaces
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Three-year warranty
Con
- Not for large spaces
REL Acoustics HT/1003 Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a REL subwoofer that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the HT/1003 Subwoofer is the answer. It’s designed for large spaces and offers some of the same features as other HT or T/x series subwoofers without a premium price.
This one can easily cover a home theater space of up to 300 sq. ft. For larger rooms, you can combine two of these, and even then, the price tag would be less than what it would cost to buy just one of the more premium models.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY EXTENSION | -6dB at 24Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 300W |
| DRIVER | 10” (250mm) CarbonGlas™ |
| INPUTS | Low-Level stereo RCA or .1/LFE RCA inputs |
| HEIGHT | 13.8″ |
| WIDTH | 12.5″ |
| DEPTH | 13.7″ |
| WEIGHT | 28.0 lbs / 12.7 kg |
| FINISH | Line Grained Black Composite |
Key Features
- 10-inch, front-firing driver that’s reasonable enough for small to medium-sized rooms
- Cost-effective construction that’s durable yet lightweight
- Class D PerfectFilters amplifier with 300W that ensures the subwoofer isn’t reliant for amp on speaker
- Compatible with HT-Air Wireless input
- Beautiful exterior with branded rubber feet
The HT/1003’s driver is adequately sized for the space it can cover. Although its sound may lack the definition some of the more premium models offer, it’s still a quality option for home theaters.
What makes it a viable option as a budget-friendly subwoofer is its 300W amplifier. All REL amps are RMS continuous. So even though 300W may seem less, it’s like a 300W monoblock amp. In simpler words, the amplifier provides all the power and doesn’t rely on the amplifier in the speaker it’s connected with.
This can work with REL’s HT-Air wireless input, which ensures the signal strength and quality is just as good as a wired connection.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- High-quality, aesthetically pleasing built
- No high power demands
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- No high-level input
- Not ideal for bigger spaces
REL Acoustics T/9x Subwoofer
The REL Acoustics T/9x subwoofer is the largest from the T/x series, suitable for home theater rooms as big as 400 sq. ft. It’s the most powerful subwoofer from the series, packed with a 10-inch long-throw steel chassis driver and another 10-inch down-firing passive driver.
This one is equipped with all the features you could want in a subwoofer, such as wireless input compatibility and no distortion. This is also ideal for those who like music and want to experience sound that seems like it’s playing in a studio or at the club.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY EXTENSION | -6dB at 28Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class A/B |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 300W |
| DRIVER | 10 in. FibreAlloy™, 254mm long-throw |
| INPUTS | High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level single RCA, and .1/LFE RCA inputs |
| HEIGHT | 13.4″ |
| WIDTH | 14.5″ |
| DEPTH | 15.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 45.5 lbs / 20.6 kg |
| FINISH | High Gloss White |
Key Features
- 10 in. FibreAlloy™, 254mm long-throw with inverted alloy dust cap and steel chassis
- High-quality, deep bass, ideal for surround sound home theaters
- Works with a wide range of systems
- Signature high-level input connectivity with signal quality retention
This T/x series subwoofer is pretty similar to our top pick, except its bigger and heavier. This one is designed for large rooms and may even work for spaces slightly larger than 400 sq. ft. The long-throw driver is paired with a powerful 300W amp, making this subwoofer a powerhouse without relying on speakers.
The Connect (Stereo) or the high-level input is the best option for even better quality low-frequency output. With the Connect (Theater Reference), you can reproduce the full frequency range while still producing high-quality low-frequency effects.
Pros
- Perfect for large home theaters and studios
- Wires and wireless connection options
- No distortion
- Stylish design with metallic-looking feet
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
Final Thoughts
REL Acoustics is a name that home theater enthusiasts have come to love. It gives even the more popular speaker and subwoofer brands a run for their money. So you can rest assured about the quality and pick one that suits your needs, as even though their quality is great, not all subwoofers are created equal.
Our top pick, the REL Acoustics T/7x Subwoofer is an all-rounder that anyone will love. It will reproduce the same low-frequency sound that you hear in actual theaters. So get ready to immerse fully in the sound of the movies.
If you want the best sound quality, put your bets on REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator Subwoofer. It’s well-known for its dynamic sound, even for low frequencies. However, it comes at a premium price. Speaking of price, if you want a more budget-friendly option, the compact T/Zero MKIII and HT/1003 are both viable choices.