In every REL lineup, there’s a model that quietly becomes the favorite. Not because it shouts the loudest, but because it delivers more than anyone expects. In this new generation of Serie S, that model is the S/850. It’s what I’d call the “sweet spot”—a subwoofer that hits the perfect balance of size, performance, and value for discerning music lovers and theatre enthusiasts alike.
Compact Form. Full-Scale Sound.
At the heart of the S/850 is a 12-inch active driver refined with a carbon fibre center cap, designed to reduce mass while increasing rigidity and control. Paired with a newly re-engineered passive radiator, this driver system is faster, more articulate, and capable of delivering both nuance and sheer impact. The result is bass that extends with ease, reveals inner detail, and scales far beyond its compact footprint. Sonically, the S/850 plays in a much larger league.
Power That Commands Space
Driving the S/850 is our new Linear Class D™ hybrid amplifier. Delivering 850 watts of effortless power, this breakthrough design combines the slam and explosive energy of Class A/B with the efficiency of Class D, while sipping just 40 watts at idle. The result is thunderous dynamics, lightning-fast transients, and a sense of grand scale that fills the room—whether you’re savoring the texture of a string quartet or the seismic force of a blockbuster soundtrack.

Engineered for Integration
The S/850 was the first model developed in this new Serie S generation, and in the process, it yielded amplifier and driver breakthroughs that benefit the entire line. With its remarkable “quiet speed,” lighter moving mass, and lower distortion, it integrates seamlessly into any system. Whether in a finely tuned two-channel setup, a high-performance theatre, or stacked in Line Arrays, the S/850 adapts to your space and elevates your sound.
Refined by Design
Visually, the S/850 draws its dimensional cues from our Reference line, scaled into a form that suits modern living spaces. Available in Piano Black or Gloss White, it comes standard with a classic cloth grille, with an optional premium wood grille for those who want an added architectural touch. The design is purposeful, elegant, and built to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.
And yes—S/850 is Airship Direct™ compatible, offering the highest-quality wireless connection in the industry with plug-and-play simplicity.
Who It’s For
The S/850 is for those who want true high-end performance in a form that doesn’t dominate the room. Ideal for medium-to-large spaces, it brings REL’s signature blend of nuance, control, and sheer musicality to both music and theater systems.
Compact in form, grand in scale—the S/850 is the sweet spot, perfected.
—John
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