About the ELAC Varro RS500-SB

A compact, high-tech sub for deep bass

This Varro Reference subwoofer from ELAC uses a 10" aluminum sandwich woofer driven by a 500-watt built-in BASH amplifier for deep, accurate bass. The rigid, lightweight woofer cone works together with a specially designed HEX (High Excursion) surround for clean, controlled movement, even at higher volume levels. The internal amp gets fed precise signals by powerful dual 28-bit DSPs (digital signal processors) for high accuracy and minimal latency. Maybe best of all, this sub features ELAC's ground-breaking self-tuning Auto EQ feature, powered by a supremely handy Bluetooth control app for your Apple or Android smartphone.

Subwoofer setup made easy

I'm a huge fan of subwoofers that use smartphone control apps. It's a game-changer, because you can sit in the "sweet spot" in your listening room, centered between your favorite pair of speakers, and dial in the bass until it's blended in just right. ELAC's Sub Control 3.0 app lets you adjust the volume and fine-tune crossover and phase settings remotely, but it takes setup convenience a step further with its Auto EQ feature: using a series of test tones and your phone's built-in microphone, it automatically tunes itself to your listening space for clean, accurate bass response.

Want to go wireless?

You'll need to plug this sub into an AC outlet for power. But depending on where you place it in your room, you may find that running a signal cable from your amp or receiver is a bit of a challenge. If so, you can pick up an ELAC AirX2 wireless transmitter (not included). It works with the sub's built-in wireless receiver to send robust audio signals from your components wirelessly, with no dropouts.

Product highlights:

Driver and amplifier:

• 10" front-firing, high-excursion aluminum sandwich woofer
• HEX (High Excursion) surround geometry for accurate, low-distortion bass, even at high volumes
• large 2-1/2" voice coil
• high-efficiency built-in BASH amplifier
• 500 watts RMS (1,000 watts peak)
• controlled by dual 28-bit DSPs with 147 MHz master clock for high accuracy and minimum latency

Cabinet and finish:

• thick MDF cabinet with damping and internal bracing
• sealed (acoustic suspension) design
• satin black finish
• includes floor spikes for use on carpeted floors

Easy setup and controls:

• auto EQ room calibration automatically dials in room EQ settings using built-in microphone on Apple or Android devices
• free ELAC Sub Control 3.0 app lets you adjust volume and other settings from your listening position
• continuously variable low-pass 40-150 Hz crossover
• parametric EQ, phase and delay settings, and more
• uses Bluetooth Low-Energy
• physical rear-panel volume knob

Connections:

• LFE/stereo RCA line-level input
• stereo binding post speaker-level inputs
• Ethernet port for third-party home automation controllers
• USB-A port for firmware updates
• compatible with optional ELAC AirX2 wireless transmitter, not included

Specs:

• frequency response: 18-150 Hz
• maximum acoustic output: 108dB
• 14-1/4"W x 15"H x 18-3/8"D
• weight: 45.86 lbs.
• warranty: 5 years
• MFR # RS500-SB

What's in the box:

• ELAC Varro RS500-SB owner's manual
• Powered subwoofer
• Grille
• 8' AC power cord
• 4 Spikes
• 4 Nuts
• USB Thumbdrive (w/ firmware update)
• Quick Start Guide
• Owner's Manual
• Firmware Update Sheet