Short answer: the Reaction Audio PV-15X ranks #16 of 97 subwoofers at $1999; the REL Acoustics R-528 ranks #56 at $1999. Close enough in price that the ranking gap is the deciding factor.
The case for the Reaction Audio PV-15X: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet. The catch: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg.
What the REL Acoustics R-528 gets right: 12-inch carbon-fiber passive radiator with 500W RMS Class D amp reaches 21Hz.
One note: the Reaction Audio PV-15X is discontinued, but it still ranks #16 of 97 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Reaction Audio PV-15X if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the REL Acoustics R-528 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Reaction Audio PV-15X | REL Acoustics R-528 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 Discontinued | $1999 |
| Ranked | #16 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #56 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | passive radiator |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 105.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 111.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 116.1 dB | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.8 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 125.3 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 126.8 dB | 112.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 126.1 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.5 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 126.4 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 126.1 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 126.2 dB | 112.8 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Dimensions | 18.0"H x 22.0"W x 29.0"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm) | 17.5"H x 15.5"W x 17.2"D (444.5 x 393.7 x 436.9 mm) |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Brent Butterworth |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 149.9 lbs / 68 kg | 58 lbs / 26.3 kg |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Warranty | - | 3 |
| Country | - | United Kingdom |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 500W RMS |
| Frequency Response | - | 21Hz-6dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
Reaction Audio PV-15X: $1999 Discontinued
Pros: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet.
Cons: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg. Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 126.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.0"H x 22.0"W x 29.0"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 105.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 125.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 126.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 126.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 126.1 dB |
| Weight | 149.9 lbs / 68 kg |
- Buy Used
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- Links
REL Acoustics R-528: $1999
Pros: 12-inch carbon-fiber passive radiator with 500W RMS Class D amp reaches 21Hz. Fast impulse response best in REL series. Breathtaking bass reach and low distortion in compact package. Speed and detail-oriented musicality. Premium fit and finish.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.8 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 17.5"H x 15.5"W x 17.2"D (444.5 x 393.7 x 436.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 21Hz-6dB |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 112.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.6 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 500W RMS |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 58 lbs / 26.3 kg |
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.