ELAC RS500

The RS500 reaches satisfyingly deep in a small-to-mid-sized room, with the reviewer measuring useful in-room output to 18Hz. Bass on rock and gospel material was described as punchy, tuneful, controlled, and true to the smoky character of low instruments. Larger subwoofers can play lower and louder, and very large rooms are better served by more than one unit.

The reviewer found no problems blending the RS500 with nearfield monitors and reported that it meshed well with many different speakers. As bass notes rose in pitch, their level and impact remained consistent, an especially useful sign that the sub was integrating cleanly rather than calling attention to itself.

The RS500 was praised for quick reflexes and great attack on demanding music, helping it keep pace with fast bass passages. Its punchy delivery on rock and its controlled handling of low-frequency material support the impression of a lively, responsive sealed subwoofer.

The review describes a substantial three-layer driver with an aluminum core, treated-paper layers, a 2.5-inch voice coil, and ELAC's distinctive Hex surround. However, reviewers say little about cabinet rigidity, finish quality, amplifier durability, or long-term construction quality.

Subcontrol 3.0 was reported to work flawlessly, including reliable connection from two floors away, and it provides listening-seat adjustment of level, crossover, phase, delay, and parametric EQ. The reviewer found the smartphone auto-EQ procedure relatively foolproof and heard a more even tonal balance afterward; line- and speaker-level inputs add useful installation flexibility. The main drawback is that crossover adjustment requires the app because there is no cabinet-mounted control.

At the reviewed $1,299 price, the RS500 was considered to offer a lot of value through its performance, ergonomic features, and appearance. The reviewer felt buyers without a huge room or exceptionally large speakers would be unlikely to need a larger, more powerful alternative.