A Review of The JBL Sub 550P Subwoofer

In this video I review my JBL Sub 550P subwoofer, measure the TS parameters of the driver, and then do an SPL test. This sub can currently be found on sale for $189! That's tremendous value for money and here's why...
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Get the JBL 550P subwoofer here: amzn.to/3HVAyY6
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[@generationbehindhifi]

Should I add the TS parameters in all future reviews? Get the JBL 550P subwoofer here: amzn.to/3HVAyY6 Check out my other look inside videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLg0Xq1LbiZBXWNQtsEOqq_LynPGsLNpxy Check out my other videos about subwoofers here: kzbin.info/aero/PLg0Xq1LbiZBW6xl4N0qoMVjsAFOOyq1Me My videos about upgrading speakers can be found here: kzbin.info/aero/PLg0Xq1LbiZBV3JdrXQtMPgv3Lc6YB6fdr

[@innovazero]

I think if the sub is worry of the TS perimeters, then yes absolutely. That is awesome information. Maybe not so much on the cheaper subs, except examples like the JBL 550p, which is the gateway drug of duals. At less then $400, you get ridiculous amounts of subwoofer for medium sized and smaller rooms. It’s just a well balanced sub. It knows exactly what it is and tries to be nothing else. It may not hit the lowest octaves but it throws its weight for a 10” not named Speedwoofer/Monolith.

[@heres_the_sauce]

Got 2 of them for $300 shipped. Hope I like them lol

[@generationbehindhifi]

Nice score!

[@nickgould2510]

Same just now!

[@clayadams3497]

What would you recommend as a less than $300 subwoofer if you required speaker level inputs?

[@TheProspectVideo]

Great review. It was great to see the inside of the cabinet and the woofer. I have 2 of these and absolutley love them. So tight, clean and musical for music and 2 of them work pretty good for movies also.

[@generationbehindhifi]

IMO the JBL 550P is probably the best musical sub in the $200 price category.

[@bugtussle8]

I really enjoyed your detailed review on the 550P. Woot has had them for $129 shipped for a few weeks now. The plate amp is worth that much. Have you considered reviewing the RSL Speedwoofer? I would love to see how it compares to the others you have.

[@generationbehindhifi]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm just having fun and trying not to be too serious. Wow! $129 you say? I might have to buy another for that money! I really want the 12" version but can't find them anywhere. I would love to test a RSL Speedwoofer someday, but I'm pretty backed up with my current projects.

[@bugtussle8]

@@generationbehindhifi This morning I see for the first time after checking daily that Woot finally sold out of the 550P's at that price. I understand that there has to be a limit when it comes to this hobby, I always have an urge to try everything. Thanks for posting your sub upgrade projects.

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@bugtussle8 Bummer that they sold out! Thanks for letting me know. One day I will have a RSL Speedwoofer.

[@treenugs117]

Why would a jbl brand product drop so low in price? They are going for $350 on Amazon from a $550 msrp tag..I'm potentially looking to get into an entry bookshelf/sub setup and if they have this sub under $200 I would definitely snatch it over the other powered subs in that price range..

[@mikerush7]

Thanks for review! Bought 2 of them. They having sale now for 150$ each, and 10$ off if you sign up for emails. Free shipping, no taxes to MN.

[@generationbehindhifi]

How are you getting them for $150 each? I just visited their website and the 550P is still $189.99 with a $10 off coupon if you sign up for emails. You stole those subs at $150 each! Nice score!

[@eb2350]

Add to cart and it changes to 150. Bought 2 as well. 289 out the door +4% m rebate + 2% Citi Cash back.. roughly 275 for 2

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@eb2350 You're right! Wow! That's a steal!

[@eb2350]

@@generationbehindhifi will I be disappointed using these for movies? Room is 11'*20', powered by Onkyo rc260

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@eb2350 In a room that size two of them should be ok as long as you don't have vaulted ceilings, but only you can decide that.

[@emmet7208]

Please test the T/S parameters of all future drivers! Judging from the JBL's T/S parameters this driver should be ported, for wife approval factor reasons (small) they decided to seal it. Placing this driver in a larger ported enclosure would really get the most from this driver. That is also the reason for the capacitor on the speaker terminals. The Klipsch woofer being a joke beside their competition's woofer is something they are probably getting used to. I'm not sure why they remain as popular as they are.

[@shannonjarvis8766]

Great video, but I need some help. I've decided to add a sub to my 2 channel system. This is for music listening. My receiver isn't new but it does have a single sub out. I need to know which input on the sub is best for this situation. The LFE or the right and left rc inputs? Any advice would be much appreciated

[@generationbehindhifi]

If you don't have a sub out on your AVR then the only way to connect a subwoofer to your system is to purchase a subwoofer that has high level speaker inputs. My JBL 550P does not have high level speaker inputs, but I have heard the earlier models do have them. Hope this helps!

[@shannonjarvis8766]

I think you misunderstood. I do have a single sub out on my receiver. It’s just an older 2 channel receiver. My question was do I connect to the rc inputs on the sub or the lfe? Sorry for the misunderstanding, thank you

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@shannonjarvis8766 Sorry! I guess I need my eyes checked! For music listening I prefer to use the stereo RCA inputs on the subwoofer.

[@shannonjarvis8766]

Lol! All good. Appreciate you. Keep up the fun videos!

[@davec.1045]

Love your review! I decided to get the 550p but in my research I do not see how to hook this up to my 1974 vinyage Marantz 2225 receiver that does not have a pre-out. I was planning on running the sub on the B speakers but the 550p only has RCA input/LFE input. I called JBL Customer Support and they had no answers. Any Ideas??? Keep up the great content!

[@generationbehindhifi]

You need a subwoofer with high level inputs which the JBL does not have. Look at the Polk XT12. This subwoofer has high level inputs and will allow you to hook it up to your vintage Marantz via the L+R channel outputs. Hope this helps!

[@bigjay1970]

I have two of these myself with the 590's and couldn't agree more. Paid $189 each. 😬😎

[@generationbehindhifi]

If you want to crank up your JBL 550P subwoofers to the next level check out my upgrade video series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIKzgWxshdWfors

[@bigjay1970]

@@generationbehindhifi Oh I did!🤔😉😇

[@stevenbullock9276]

Just ordered one for $149 out of curiosity. I have the Stage A190's I bought for the same reason, and am surprised how good they sound for the price. Also ordered the matching center to try for $72 (open box) as my current center intelligibility isn't the best. I've spent a lot of money on audio gear over the years only to come away disappointed- I'm done with that. BTW- how do you like the Veneres? I've read that some people dump on them as they weren't made in Italy. I have Luminas, and- TBH- I kind of regret buying them. They're nice, but not really worth the price. Thanks!

[@generationbehindhifi]

I love my Venere S speakers! I bought them as new old stock and got a good deal on them. The Venere S is the only model in the Venere lineup that is made in Italy. I did a review video on my Venere speakers if you want to watch it. The Venere S is a complete redesign and uses its own tweeter, mid-bass driver, and bass drivers vs the rest of the lineup. You can buy a used set of Venere S speakers for around $3-3.5k in excellent condition and I think that's a bargain. I though about getting a pair of Lumina II's for my bedroom. What don't you like about them?

[@stevenbullock9276]

@@generationbehindhifi Ah, right. I had forgotten about the "S" being from Italy. When I first heard the Luminas in the store, I was very taken by their detail and engagement. Everyday living however, they're somewhat bright and fatiguing- especially at higher volumes. The plinth and spikes seem a little cheesy for the price as well.

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@stevenbullock9276 That's disappointing to hear. Are you running a subwoofer with them? I might have to get a pair now just to see if our opinions on them match. I'm sure you know this already, but there are so many variables that come into play that can affect how a speaker sounds (room size, electronics, etc). A lot of these cheaper receivers and processors don't even have tone controls on them anymore which makes it difficult to tune the sound to your liking.

[@stevenbullock9276]

@@generationbehindhifi I run subs for movies/ KZbin music videos, but just 2-channel for music. The Luminas (V's, BTW) have enough bass I don't feel the need for a sub for music. Been in this hobby for decades, and have had more than my share of nice gear. I have a few sets of speakers, and the SF's aren't in the rotation much. You may get them and love 'em, where as I just "like" them.

[@TwoOfDee]

For the amount of center and L+R speakers you have yes you do need 2 of those subs.

[@samuelsalins8309]

Great 👍

[@thulasidharanthambi7914]

👌👌👌

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Why don't bass guitarists choose subwoofers? Shouldn't manufacturers like SVS & Perlisten be killing it in the bass guitarist equipment category? And why do none of them use bass correction software like DIRAC? Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Seems like a good fit. No?

[@generationbehindhifi]

That's a good question. Some subwoofers do have DPS on them like my SB-3000 and SB-16. Usually the more expensive ones have the DSPs though.

[@benvenutinelmiocalalejbl9246]

😮😮😮

[@WindomRettes]

$189?

[@generationbehindhifi]

Yep! JBL.com is selling them for $189.

[@CAPEDCRUSADER3900]

They were like $500-$600 USD Subwoofers, but they're on sale for $189 hence why the quality is pretty good.

[@generationbehindhifi]

@@CAPEDCRUSADER3900 These have always been on sale for $189 pretty much from their inception. They may have a fake MSRP of $589, but smart consumers have always waited until they went on sale before they purchased.

[@burton7023]

I have a REL ht1003 you can't bottom it out clean and strong 350 brand new

[@generationbehindhifi]

I have a REL HT1205 and it is a very nice subwoofer. I got mine on sale for $449. That's crazy value for money at that price, same with your HT1003!

[@burton7023]

Klipsh is very overrated especially there entry-level