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ELAC RS500

Name: ELAC RS500
Brand: ELAC
SKU: rs500
Rating: 4.6 (8 reviews)

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Overall Score 91/100

Deliciously Crispy

The ELAC RS500 delivers remarkably deep extension and tight dynamics, combining a 10" sandwich driver with clever Hex surround and a powerful BASH amp for musical, tuneful low end. Its built-in DSP and Subcontrol 3.0 app handle room EQ and firmware updates, while reviewer Steven Stone praised its integration and value for mid-size rooms.

Future Audiophile

"Between its excellent performance capabilities, well-above-average ergonomic features, and better-than-average looks, the ELAC RS500 delivers a lot of value for $1299."

Pros

Extends very low (reviewer measured ~18 Hz in-room) and delivers tuneful, controlled bass suitable for nearfield and small–medium rooms.
Excellent transient response and dynamics—fast attack and consistent impact as bass lines move, integrating smoothly with different speakers.
Feature-rich connectivity: Subcontrol 3.0 app with room EQ/PEQ, USB firmware updates, and both line- and speaker-level inputs for flexible installations.

Cons

Setup requires the ELAC app (no onboard crossover knobs), so a smartphone is needed to access full controls.
Not as loud or as deep as larger reference-class subwoofers and has a relatively large, noticeable footprint for smaller rooms.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

90/100

Extends very low for a sealed 10" (reviewer measured ~18 Hz in-room) and delivers tuneful, controlled low bass on music. Reviewer notes that "bigger subwoofers can go even lower or play more loudly," so while impressive for its size it isn’t on par with larger reference-class units.

Dynamics

92/100

Reviewer praises its transient performance: "great attack," "quick reflexes," and the sub kept level and impact consistent as bass lines moved, indicating strong macro- and micro-dynamic control for music.

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Integration

94/100

Review outcomes state the RS500 "had no issues with integration," it "blended well with my monitors," and "meshed well with many different speakers," demonstrating a seamless blend in both nearfield and small/medium-room setups.

Build Quality

90/100

Driver uses ELAC’s Hex surround and a three-layer sandwich cone (aluminum between treated paper) with a 2.5" voice coil; these design choices and the satin-black finish point to solid construction and attention to driver robustness.

Features Connectivity

88/100

Includes a fully featured Subcontrol 3.0 app (BLE) with room EQ/PEQ, crossover/phase/delay, firmware updates via USB, and both line- and speaker-level inputs. The app works well (found the sub two floors away) but the lack of physical crossover knobs means setup requires a smartphone.

Value for Money

92/100

Reviewer calls it a strong value at the street price (review text: "delivers a lot of value for $1299") citing performance, ergonomics, and looks; recommended unless you have a very large room or need much higher output.