When someone walks into Times Audio here in Gurgaon and asks us about subwoofers, it’s rarely about “how low it can go.” For our clients—whether they’re setting up a luxury home theatre in DLF or a dedicated audio room in South Delhi—it’s about texture, control, and how well the sub integrates with the rest of the system.
And if you’re shopping for a serious subwoofer—say, north of ₹1 lakh—you’ve likely come across two standout names: REL Acoustics and Elac. Both are respected. Both are capable. But which one suits your space, your system, and your listening habits? That’s where this real-world comparison comes in.
First, Some Ground Rules
At Times Audio, we don’t sell budget systems. Our home theatre setups typically begin at ₹10 lakh and above—not including recliners or interiors. We work with homeowners, architects, and designers who want the best sound experience money can buy.
Subwoofers are not just about volume. They’re about integration—how the bass blends with your mains, how tight the low end feels, and how much control you have over the energy in the room. We test and demo subwoofers in real spaces across Delhi NCR, not just in sterile sound rooms.
REL – Built for Musical Integration
REL Acoustics subs—like the T/9x or the HT/1510 Predator—are known for their speed, clarity, and seamless blend with full-range speakers.
Unlike most subwoofer brands, REL doesn’t just rely on LFE (Low Frequency Effects) from your AVR. Their High-Level Input connects directly to your power amplifier, allowing the sub to mirror the same signal as your main speakers. The result? More cohesive bass that feels part of the music, not slapped onto it.
In one recent setup in DLF Phase 2, we paired a REL HT/1510 with a Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 + Marantz AV 10combo. The depth and responsiveness stunned the client—and more importantly, the sub didn’t overpower the room.
Best for:
- Music lovers
- Hybrid stereo + home theatre setups
- Listeners who value speed and accuracy over brute force
Elac – Impact, Depth & Value
Elac, especially in their Varro Premium and Debut Reference subwoofer series, offers punchy performance with serious value at the ₹1L+ mark. The Elac SUB3030, for example, features automatic room EQ via app, a 12″ long-throw driver, and up to 1000W of peak power.
In a recent Noida Sector 15 install, we used dual Elac Varro PS500 subs with Anthem AVM 70 and Paradigm Premier 800F towers. The outcome? Thunderous bass that stayed controlled even at reference levels—ideal for large-format movie nights.
Unlike REL, Elac focuses on LFE-heavy performance, better suited for home theatres where punch, weight, and cinematic boom matter more than musical finesse.
Best for:
- Dedicated home theatres
- Large rooms that need powerful output
- Listeners who love explosions, deep rumbles, and room-shaking bass
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | REL Subwoofers | Elac Subwoofers |
|---|---|---|
| Input Options | High-Level, LFE | LFE, App-Controlled |
| Sound Signature | Tight, fast, musical | Deep, cinematic, punchy |
| Room EQ | Manual placement focus | Automatic EQ via app |
| Best Use Case | Music + movies (balanced) | Pure home theatre setups |
| Price Range (India) | ₹90,000 – ₹2.5L+ | ₹95,000 – ₹1.5L+ |
Which One Is Right for You?
If your room is under 350 sq. ft., and you lean heavily into music or hi-fi listening (Cambridge Audio, Marantz, or B&W stereo setups), REL is usually the better pick.
If you’re building a dedicated 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos home theatre, especially with Anthem, Klipsch, or Q Acoustics speakers, Elac often delivers more cinematic excitement for the money.
That said, we always recommend listening before buying. Every room, ear, and system is different.
We run private demos at our Gurgaon studio, and we also do full setups across Delhi NCR—including South Delhi, Noida, and DLF.
Final Word
At this price point, there are no bad choices—just different philosophies. REL is about precision and integration. Elacis about energy and slam.
Your system deserves a subwoofer that complements—not competes with—your speakers. And that’s exactly what we help you find at Times Audio.
Ready to hear the difference? DM us or visit https://timesaudio.in/ to book a demo.
