Short answer: the SVS SB-3000. It ranks #15 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $1,149 and is still sold new; the REL Acoustics R-528 ranks #95 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The REL Acoustics R-528’s replacement, the REL Acoustics S/850, is rated 3.7/5 at $3,999.
The SVS SB-3000 is the better-sounding option. A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms. The catch: Being sealed, it gives up deep-bass output: Audioholics measured 96.6dB at 20Hz and 101.7dB at 25Hz, about 15dB behind the ported SVS PB-3000 from the same series, so a large room or reference-level movie bass may call for a second sub.
What the REL Acoustics R-528 does well: A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator, a strong amp and premium finish, now discontinued. The tradeoff: It is expensive for its measured output, which is 112.8dB from 40 to 80Hz and only 92.7dB at 25Hz.
Buy the SVS SB-3000. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the REL Acoustics R-528 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator, a strong amp and premium finish, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB-3000 | REL Acoustics R-528 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $1,999 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #95 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | passive radiator |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 112.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 112.8 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 17.5”H x 15.5”W x 17.2”D (444.5 x 393.7 x 436.9 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 58 lbs (26.3 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United Kingdom |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Brent Butterworth |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 21Hz-6dB |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 500W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | - |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | - |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger | - |
| Drivers | 13” (330mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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