In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS350-BK and Varro PS500-BK, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by ELAC. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro PS500-BK first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro PS500-BK compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ELAC Varro PS350-BKand ELAC Varro PS500-BK have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS350-BK's woofer is 12-inch whereas the ELAC Varro PS500-BK features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS350-BK has a frequency range of 24-150 Hz whereas Varro PS500-BK has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Varro PS500-BK can go slightly deeper then the Varro PS350-BK's min frequency of 24Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
Both ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro PS500-BK have Bass Reflex type cabinets. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Varro PS350-BK's and ELAC Varro PS500-BK's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS350-BK has external dimensions of 439.0 x 418.0 x 420.0mm ( 17-1/4inch x 16-7/16inch x 16-1/2inch ) whereas ELAC Varro PS500-BK has external dimensions of 482.0 x 461.0 x 461.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 18-1/8inch x 18-1/8inch ) .
ELAC Varro PS500-BK is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 43mm taller and 41mm deeper than ELAC Varro PS350-BK.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro PS500-BK in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro PS500-BK Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Varro PS350-BK is approximately 1755.6cm2 / 272.1inch2 and base area of the ELAC Varro PS500-BK is approximately 2125.2cm2 / 329.4inch2. The Varro PS350-BK requires 17% less surface area than the Varro PS500-BK which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The ELAC Varro PS350-BK weighs 21.86kg / 48.1lbs and the ELAC Varro PS500-BK weighs 25.95kg / 57.1lbs. This makes the Varro PS500-BK 19% heavier than the Varro PS350-BK.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS350-BK and Varro PS500-BK's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro PS350-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS350-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro PS500-BK?
Here are the items that come with the Varro PS500-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
 Height |
439mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1755cm2 (418x420mm)
vs
2125cm2 (461x461mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS350-BK |
ELAC Varro PS500-BK |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-150 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
700-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
418.0mm (16.5") |
461.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
420.0mm (16.5") |
461.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
21.86kg (48.1lbs) |
25.95kg (57.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |