In this review, we will be comparing Varro RS500-SB and Varro DS1200-GB, 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 RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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.ELAC Varro RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB have a totally different setup: the ELAC Varro RS500-SB features 1 x 10-inch drivers whereas the Varro DS1200-GB features 2 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro RS500-SB has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz whereas Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Varro DS1200-GB can go slightly deeper then the Varro RS500-SB's min frequency of 18Hz.
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 RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 RS500-SB's and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) .
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 122mm wider, 42mm taller and 30mm deeper than ELAC Varro RS500-SB.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro RS500-SB and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 RS500-SB is approximately 1400.7cm2 / 217.1inch2 and base area of the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2. The Varro RS500-SB requires 31% less surface area than the Varro DS1200-GB 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 RS500-SB weighs 20.85kg / 45.9lbs and the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 82% heavier than the Varro RS500-SB.
Here is a comparison of how Varro RS500-SB and Varro DS1200-GB'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 RS500-SB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro RS500-SB:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that come with the Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
 Height |
381mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2 (361x388mm)
vs
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1299USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
ELAC Varro RS500-SB |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-150 Hz |
17-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
2400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
381.0mm (15") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
361.0mm (14.2") |
483.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Weight |
20.85kg (45.9lbs) |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
Gloss 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 |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |