The importance of low frequencies for home theater and music can not be understated. In our JBL Sub 550P review, we will explain what features make this subwoofer stand out. We are also going to cover exactly how a subwoofer can transform your listening experience.
JBL 550P 10″ Powered Subwoofer
Key Specifications
| Dimensions | 17.5″ (W) x 14.9 (H) x 15″ (D) |
| Weight | 50 pounds |
| Subwoofer Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Sealed Enclosure |
| Power | 300 Watts RMS |
| Frequency Response | 27Hz -150Hz |
| Woofer: | 10″ front-firing PolyPlas Cone low-frequency transducer |
| Connectivity Options | LFE + L/R RCA |
| Warranty | 5 Years + 1 Year for Amplifier |
| Onboard Controls | Crossover dial (50Hz – 120Hz), volume dial, LFE switch, and phase switch (0/180°) |
| Additional Features | Indicator light and detachable grill |
Product Summary – JBL Sub 550P 10″ Subwoofer
This JBL powered subwoofer with a sealed enclosure is an impressive contender that delivers reliable sound quality and thunderous bass. The biggest surprise is how it does this with a 10″ PolyPlas low-frequency transducer. The JBL Sub 550’s deep bass response is similar to larger 12″ subwoofers. This is largely due to 300 watts (RMS) of amplifier power onboard. That’s more power than most 10″ subwoofers and will add a substantial bass boost to floorstanding or bookshelf speakers.
The frequency response (27Hz to 150Hz) of the JBL Sub 550P is a similar story. 27Hz, while not world-beating, is impressive for a 10″ powered subwoofer. There are multiple 12″ subwoofers I’ve recommended that aren’t rated 27Hz. That’s where the JBL Sub 550P really provides value. Many people like 10″ subwoofers because of their smaller footprint. The JBL Sub 550P is a 10″ powered subwoofer without the usual shortcomings of a smaller subwoofer. The JBL Sub 550 reproduces sustained low frequencies with low distortion bass no matter the volume level.
What’s Included With JBL Sub 550P:
- 10″ Powered Subwoofer [Sealed Enclosure]
- Detachable grill
- 6′ AC Power Cord
- 15” Mono RCA Cable
- Metal Floor Spikes (4)
- Owner’s Manual and Warranty Info
JBL Sub 550P Highlights
300 Watts of Amplifier Power
Deep and impactful bass requires a lot of air movement to reproduce. That requires power and the JBL Sub 550P doesn’t disappoint. The onboard 300-watt RMS amplifier ensures this subwoofer can deliver sufficient power when called for. The JBL Sub 550P has a sealed enclosure that delivers powerful heart-thumping bass that takes surround sound home theater to a new level. Many people choose smaller 10″ subwoofers so they won’t potentially disturb neighbors. Don’t confuse the JBL Sub 550P with that type of subwoofer. It packs a big punch.
Distortion-Free and Clean Sound
An immersive home theater experience is quickly ruined by a boomy subwoofer with room vibrating reverb. The JBL Sub 550P has such low distortion and realistic bass compared to cheaper options. Bass remains smooth throughout without sudden peaks that sound out of place. The JBL Sub 550P creates a clean sound without sacrificing that low-frequency heft that people crave in Subwoofers.
LFE + Adjustable Crossover Frequency
The JBL Sub 550P adds some functionality that makes bass management a little easier. Multiple line-level inputs allow you to choose a preferred connection. You can input audio through LFE or with a traditional RCA cable. Connecting the JBL Sub 550P through LFE to a receiver’s sub pre-out is one option. This will allow you to control some bass management through your receiver.
A gain/volume dial is on the rear panel of the speaker. An additional dial also allows for adjustable crossover frequency control. This can be useful whether you connect the JBL Sub 550P to a receiver or amplifier with a sub-out line. You will have the ability to cut out unwanted frequencies without fiddling with other audio equipment. Phase control is also available on the rear panel. The phase switch ensures the subwoofer low-frequency transducer is properly synced with your main speakers.
Sturdy and Well Constructed
The JBL Sub 550P provides immersive low-frequency sound in a robust and well-constructed package. You can tell this JBL powered subwoofer is made with strong materials when handling it. Such a feeling can be reassuring when you are spending this much money. You can rest assured the JBL is built to last. JBL also includes metal floor spikes to assist with placement. Not everyone will be a fan of the JBL Sub 550P design. It does match the design of other speakers in the JBL Studio 5 Series.
Pros and Cons: JBL Sub 550P
Pros:
- Good amplifier power and frequency response for 10″ subwoofer
- Deep and Distortion-Free Bass
- Line level inputs (LFE & RCA) and Phase Control
- Adjustable Crossover Frequency
Cons:
- Expensive Price not far from more premium offerings
- Design may not be for everyone
- Pretty hefty at (50 pounds) for 10″ subwoofer
- Some may prefer ported to sealed enclosure
Why You Need A Subwoofer
Low-frequency bass notes are integral to great sound in modern music. That goes for more than bass-heavy genres. Sub-bass has an audible frequency range of around 20Hz to 60Hz. Bass has a frequency range of 60Hz to 250Hz. Frequencies in this range live in music in ways you might not recognize. It’s more than the typical punchy, deep bass many are familiar with. Bass can also add heft and body to instrumentation or vocals in ways that really bring music to life. Stereo speakers don’t usually reproduce frequencies past 45-50Hz. You’re likely missing out on low-frequency reproduction without a subwoofer
Subwoofers are arguably even more important for home theater. Unlike music, movie soundtracks often incorporate a lot of sub-bass. Especially for action-packed movies with explosions or suspenseful bass-lines. This is a literal room-shaking bass at times that takes surround sounds setups to the next level. Frequency response becomes more important if you want quality sub-bass. Not all subwoofers can reach as low as 20Hz.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.