In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS350-BK and Varro RS500-SB, 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 RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS350-BK's woofer is 12-inch whereas the ELAC Varro RS500-SB features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS350-BK has a frequency range of 24-150 Hz whereas Varro RS500-SB has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Varro RS500-SB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
The ELAC Varro PS350-BK has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the ELAC Varro RS500-SB have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 RS500-SB'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 RS500-SB has external dimensions of 381.0 x 361.0 x 388.0mm ( 15inch x 14-3/16inch x 15-1/4inch ) .
ELAC Varro PS350-BK is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 57mm wider, 58mm taller and 32mm deeper than ELAC Varro RS500-SB.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro RS500-SB in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and ELAC Varro RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB is approximately 1400.7cm2 / 217.1inch2. The Varro PS350-BK requires 25% more surface area than the Varro RS500-SB which gives it a small disadvantage 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 RS500-SB weighs 20.85kg / 45.9lbs. This makes the Varro PS350-BK 5% heavier than the Varro RS500-SB.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS350-BK and Varro RS500-SB'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 RS500-SB?
Here are the items that come with the Varro RS500-SB:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
381mm
vs
439mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2 (361x388mm)
vs
1755cm2 (418x420mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS350-BK |
ELAC Varro RS500-SB |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-150 Hz |
18-150 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" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Width |
418.0mm (16.5") |
361.0mm (14.2") |
| Depth |
420.0mm (16.5") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
21.86kg (48.1lbs) |
20.85kg (45.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
| Ethernet Port |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |