Redefining High-Performance Bass with Four Revolutionary Models
REL has raised the bar once again with the complete evolution of their acclaimed Serie S line-up. With UK shipping beginning the week of 6th October, four groundbreaking models are set to transform how we experience bass reproduction in high-end audio systems. From the accessible yet sophisticated S/550 to the flagship 212 Black Label powerhouse, each model represents a quantum leap in engineering excellence.
Black Label: The Pinnacle of Serie S Engineering
212 Black Label - Unmatched Authority
The 212 Black Label stands as the most powerful expression in the Serie S range, combining four 12-inch drivers with a thunderous 1,000-watt Linear Class D amplifier. This flagship delivers over 450 square inches of surface area, making it the ultimate solution for the largest reference-grade systems and demanding home theatres.
What sets the 212 Black Label apart isn't just raw power—it's the Swiss Army knife versatility that allows it to solve the most challenging rooms whilst maintaining the speed, nuance, and tonal accuracy that define REL's signature sound. Whether anchoring world-class stereo systems or providing the foundation for professional cinema installations, the 212 Black Label approaches line array performance in a single, elegant package.
Carbon Special Black Label - Reference-Derived Excellence
The Carbon Special Black Label elevates the medium chassis concept to its absolute pinnacle. At its heart lies a 12-inch all-carbon fibre driver closely related to REL's flagship No.31 Reference design, powered by a sophisticated 900-watt amplifier and housed in an expanded cabinet that unleashes the carbon driver's full potential.
This isn't simply an upgraded model—it's a complete reimagining of what's possible in a medium-sized subwoofer. The all-carbon fibre driver can handle three times the peak power of its predecessor, with revolutionary suspension design allowing 60mm excursion for extraordinary dynamics with complete control. The included premium wood grille adds both aesthetic warmth and functional airflow enhancement, underscoring the dual commitment to form and function.
The Complete Serie S Revolution
S/850 - The New Benchmark
The S/850 establishes itself as the definitive benchmark of the Serie S line-up, with design innovations that elevate every model in the family. This flagship features an 850-watt Linear Class D amplifier capable of 1,000-watt peaks, paired with revolutionary CarbonAlloy™ drivers featuring lightweight pure carbon-fibre centre caps.
The results are spectacular: incredible attack and output that surpasses even the former Carbon Special, yet delivered with precision and clarity that produces true dynamic range. Available in both Piano Black and Gloss White lacquer finishes, the S/850 represents the perfect fusion of power and refinement for medium-to-large rooms.
S/550 - Gateway to Excellence
As the entry point to the Serie S experience, the S/550 carries forward many design innovations from its larger siblings, ensuring the essence of Serie S performance is fully realised in this more compact form. The 550-watt Pure Class D amplifier works with a unique 10-inch CarbonAlloy™ active driver and 12-inch down-firing passive radiator configuration.
This seemingly paradoxical design—a larger cabinet that appears visually lighter—provides greater internal volume whilst improving efficiency and thermal management. The result is medium-room optimisation that consistently exceeds expectations, making high-end performance accessible without compromise.
Revolutionary Technologies Across the Range
Advanced Driver Engineering
Every Serie S model benefits from REL's latest driver innovations. From the Carbon Special's all-carbon fibre construction to the S/850's pure carbon-fibre centre caps and the 212 Black Label's quad-driver configuration, each represents a significant advancement in transducer technology. These drivers don't just move more air—they do so with greater precision, speed, and control than ever before.
Hybrid Amplification Excellence
The new amplification philosophy combines the explosive dynamics of Class A/B monoblocks with the efficiency of modern Class D output stages. Whether it's the S/550's 550 watts, the S/850's 850 watts, the Carbon Special's 900 watts, or the 212 Black Label's commanding 1,000 watts, each amplifier delivers exceptional headroom whilst maintaining REL's legendary musical refinement.
Premium Design Philosophy
Every Serie S model showcases REL's commitment to industrial design excellence. From the S/550's horizontal strakes and elliptical handle returns to the 212 Black Label's distinctive vertical strake and crown badge, each model balances visual presence with functional performance. Premium materials like billet aluminium adjusters, stainless steel handles, and optional wood grilles demonstrate that high-end audio can enhance rather than compromise living spaces.
Line Array Innovation and Scalability
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Serie S range is the comprehensive Line Array capability across all models. Each subwoofer includes precision mechanical couplers for secure multi-unit configurations, allowing systems to grow from stereo pairs to towering three-per-channel installations.
REL Line Arrays are renowned throughout the high-end audio community for producing soundstaging and dynamics that rival systems costing exponentially more. The new Serie S models take this concept further, with improved coupling mechanisms and enhanced cabinet bracing that ensure stability and optimal performance even in the most demanding configurations.
Connectivity and Integration
Analogue Excellence
Every Serie S model maintains REL's commitment to 100% analogue input filtering—among the fastest ever offered in subwoofer design. The legendary High Level Input connects directly to amplifier speaker outputs without drawing power, carrying the complete sonic signature of your system for seamless integration that reviewers have celebrated for decades.
Wireless Freedom
For installations where cables aren't practical, all Serie S models are compatible with REL's AirShip Direct™ wireless system. This advanced technology transmits wide-bandwidth compound signals carrying both High Level and .1/LFE simultaneously, maintaining the speed, transparency, and authority that define REL performance whilst eliminating physical constraints entirely.
The Future of High-End Bass
The new Serie S line-up represents more than incremental improvements—it's a fundamental reimagining of what high-performance subwoofers can achieve. Each model incorporates technologies and design philosophies previously reserved for REL's most expensive Reference series, democratising exceptional bass reproduction across a broader range of systems and budgets.
Whether you're building your first serious audio system with the S/550, upgrading to the benchmark performance of the S/850, seeking Reference-derived excellence with the Carbon Special Black Label, or demanding ultimate authority with the 212 Black Label, the new Serie S range offers a clear path to audio nirvana.
Available Now for Pre-Order
All four models are available for pre-order now, with UK shipping beginning the week of 6th October. This represents one of the most significant product launches in REL's distinguished history—an opportunity to experience the next evolution in high-performance bass reproduction.
For serious music lovers and home theatre enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on audio quality, the new Serie S line-up doesn't just meet expectations—it redefines what's possible. Experience the future of bass reproduction with REL's most advanced Serie S models yet.
To learn more about the complete Serie S range or to place your pre-order, contact your authorised REL dealer today.
