REL Acoustics has been manufacturing high-performance subwoofers for several decades in the United Kingdom and have long been considered one of the premium brands in the category. Their current offerings include the T/x series, HT/1510 Predator II and No.31 and No.32 reference subwoofers, and the more recent affordable HT MkII line. REL has also added a new Classic Line that is a convergence of their current driver technology with the vintage industrial design of some of their most popular models like the Strata III.
Following up on its previous release of the Classic 98 subwoofer, REL has added a second entry to its Classic Subwoofer line, the 99.
Building on the Classic 98: The Classic 99 retains the appearance, and incorporates almost all of the features of the Classic 98 but offers a larger 12-inch driver and a higher output of a 450-watt amplifier.
Craftsmanship: The Classic 99 is constructed with 32mm thick cabinet walls, and is finished in a luxurious walnut veneer. Natural aluminum badges and curved feet give the impression that the subwoofer is floating in space. The down-firing driver coupled with white gold finished controls adds additional higlights to both the 98 and 99’s design.
Precision and Dynamics: The 10-inch and 12-inch drivers of the Classic series utilize, lightweight, hot-pressed paper. They support self-damping and dynamic range that adds support to the bass output to envelop a room in a 360-degree wave. This provides a deeper, detailed bass output that enhances the listening experience.
Amplification: The Classic 99 ups the power output to 450W. The amps are Class D and feature an all-analog PerfectFilter. REL claims that the Classic 99 extends bass response down to the 20Hz range. However, in the specs (see the chart below) REL states that at low-frequency extension is -6dB at 27Hz, which indicates that at the 20 Hz level, the bass may not be that audible, but then again, if you can feel it that is what counts at that point.
Wireless Compatibility (Optional): The 98 and 99 Classic Series Subwoofers work with the HT-Air MK II ($139) and AirShip II ($399) wireless systems.
This gives users the ability to take advantage of wireless connectivity between the subwoofer and AVR or Stereo receiver that has a Subwoofer output.
Both REL wireless systems offer connectivity up to a maximum of 40 feet from the transmitter and promise 17 ms response times.
Comparison
| REL Subwoofer Model | Classic 99 | Classic 98 |
| Price | $1,899 | $1,399 |
| Subwoofer Type | Closed Box with down-firing driver | Closed Box with down-firing driver |
| Driver | 12 in. (305mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper Down-firing Inverted Cone Steel Chassis | 10 in. (250mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper Down-firing Inverted Cone Steel Chassis |
| Low-Frequency Extension (-6dB) | 27Hz | 27Hz |
| Crossover (Variable) | 30Hz to 120Hz | 30Hz to 120Hz |
| Level Controls | Hi/Low .1/LFE | Hi/Low .1/LFE |
| Input Connectors | High-Level Neutrik Speakon Low-Level RCA LFE RCA | High-Level Neutrik Speakon Low-Level RCA LFE RCA |
| Output Connectors | N/A | N/A |
| Power Output | 450 watts (RMS) | 300 watts (RMS) |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Class D |
| Wireless Capability (Optional) | HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II | HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II |
| Protection System | Fully Electronic Set Safe F | Fully Electronic Set Safe F |
| DC Short | Yes | Yes |
| Output Short | Yes | Yes |
| Mains Input Voltage | 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets | 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets |
| Fuses | 4 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 8 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation | 4 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 8 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 15.75 in. × 21.0 in. × 13.8 in. 400mm × 534mm x 350mm Add 1.75in (44.5mm) in depth when using a High-Level connector | 13.75 in. × 18.5 in. × 13.8 in. 350mm × 470mm x 298.5mm Add 1.75in (44.5mm) in depth when using a High-Level connector |
| Weight | Net weight: 49.3 Ibs. (22.4 kg). Shipping weight: 59.7 Lbs. (27.1 kg) | Net weight: 40 lbs. (18.1 kg) Shipping weight: 48.5 lbs. (22 kg) |
| Finish | Walnut Veneer | Walnut veneer |
| Supplied Accessories | Main Lead Neutrik Speakon Connector (10 meters – 33ft 6in) User Manual | Main Lead Neutrik Speakon Connector (10 meters – 33ft 6in) User Manual |
Initial Impression
The REL Classic series subwoofers join an ever-growing selection of vintage-looking speakers and components from a variety of manufacturers such as Tannoy and Fyne Audio.
The subwoofer category has changed substantially from the period when REL’s award-winning designs were one of the best options for music listeners and there were not as many options.
Fast forward to 2024 and REL’s products have to compete with some excellent models from SVS, Klipsch, Hsu Research, and dozens of other manufacturers.
Subwoofers have become an integral part of home theater systems and whilst REL’s lineup are well-suited for both music and movies, the brand has always had a reputation for building the “best” subwoofers for music; EIC Ian White still swears by the Strata III he owned for over a decade that he was able to successfully integrate with over a dozen loudspeakers that were used only for music listening.
The ability to add the Classic 99 to any system wirelessly is a huge advantage for those who don’t want to add another cable to the system and require greater flexibility when it comes to setup. REL’s wireless technology has proven to work very well and might be one of the best available right now.
The vintage look is most certainly a fad, and not everyone has been successful at pulling it off. We could see the Classic 99 blending into almost any room with its high-end finish and we know from experience that it integrates well with a wide range of loudspeakers.
Having experienced REL subwoofers over the past two decades with loudspeakers from Neat, Wharfedale, KEF, Spendor, Harbeth, MartinLogan, DeVore Fidelity, Magnepan, Meadowlark Audio, ProAc, NHT, and Totem Acoustics — we are confident that the Classic 99 will work for a lot of potential buyers.
Price and Availability
REL Subwoofers and Accessories can be purchased directly from REL or Authorized Dealers
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