REL Acoustics set the bar many years ago in the subwoofer category and the British manufacturer has withstood a new wave of competitors in the category from all around the globe. KEF, Klipsch, and SVS have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at REL — yet it still holds the title of “World’s Best” in the segment. We’ve used REL subwoofers for many years in two-channel audio systems and the T/5i has survived dozens of system changes and demonstrated its worth with a lot of loudspeakers. REL doesn’t introduce new lineups very often so we’re very excited about the new REL T/x Series subwoofers that replace the current models.
The REL T/x subwoofers represent a new standard for overall performance in the category with upgraded amplifiers, cabinets, and new drivers. REL have also updated its wireless capabilities with zero-compression wireless transmission with their proprietary Arrow wireless system.
The new T/x Serie Series introduces 3 new models; the flagship T/9x ($1,495), T/7x ($1,099), and affordable T/5x ($649).
Serie T/9x: Bigger & Better ($1,495)
The Series Flagship
The job of any range topper for REL is to deliver more of everything, particularly output and dynamics. The 9x is no different in this regard, as it delivers the goods in both music and theatre applications. 9x, however, delivers a level of intimacy, clarity and speed that means there are no longer trade-offs between the sonic balance of smaller models weighed against the power and scale of a model 9.
The all new 9x has even greater output than before, but the headline news is the way it sacrifices nothing in clarity and transparency to achieve this. At this price it opens the pathway for owners of high performance European floor and stand mounted monitors and smaller panel speakers to enjoy truly full range sound.
Outsized Performance
To achieve higher output with better control requires a complete overhaul of the suspension components. Much like the suspension on a sports car, these items are responsible for the tuning and feel of our designs. By increasing the cabinet volume, efficiency is improved yielding higher output for no more amplifier power. Less back pressure inside the cabinet means we can tune for a stiffer, better controlled driver suspension. We retained the best aspects of our previous design, such as the aluminum center cap responsible for stiffening the lightweight 10” (250mm) cone while adding almost no mass. The updated combination produces considerably better attack and dynamics with greater transparency.
Tried and True Amplifiers
REL has retained their signature Class A/B amplifiers used in every generation of Serie T since 2006. Reliability is the key to happy ownership and with some 200,000 and counting of this range leading long happy lives, Serie T/x owners can feel certain of REL’s standard setting reliability. The powerful 300 watt mosfet amplifier used in the T/9x remains an icon with huge reserves of current, massive power supplies but small upgrades are found everywhere. New driver mosfets that open up performance and transparency and new methods for securing the toroidal transformers mean better performance and superior strength.
REL’s legendary High Level Input connection and fast filters are a significant part of the REL story. Connecting via the speaker outputs of your amplifier without drawing any power from it may seem like magic, but the real magic lies in the way the sound takes on a natural character. Unique tuning and special limiters means the T/x range sounds fresher, faster and more dynamic than before.
Standby Mode switch is only included on 220V units.
Where to buy: $1,495 at Amazon
REL T/7x Subwoofer ($1099)
The new REL T/7x subwoofer is priced at $1,099.00 and is the mid-range model in the new series of subwoofers.
REL’s legendary High Level Input connection and fast filters are a significant chapter in the REL story. Connecting via the speaker outputs of your amplifier without drawing any power from it may seem like magic, but the real magic lies in the way the sound takes on a natural character and blends seamlessly with your speakers. Unique tuning and special limiters means the T/7x sounds fresher, faster and more dynamic than before.
REL claims the T/7x is one of the most-balanced RELs of all time. In order to achieve perfect balance, a sub must weigh speed against heft, while ensuring true extension-depth-and do so in a physically harmonious package. T/7x manages to make it all seem easy. Quick and delicate for a perfect blend, it can pound out exceptionally deep, tuneful bass that belies its size and plays louder than most will ever require.
Innovative Alloy/Fibre Bass Engines
The 8” long throw active and 10” passive drivers are where the REL T/7x subwoofer derives its incredible speed and clean finish. A thorough revision of critical suspension components are responsible for the agility and suppleness of T/7x. The T/7x sounds louder and more powerful is expected, but few would predict it also is faster, more reactive and transparent than our prior generation, itself a paragon of virtue. Stiffer suspensions better suited to advanced duty mean not only can each driver trace minute details, but also travel farther and handle more power.
Tried and True Amplifiers
REL retained their signature Class A/B amplifiers used in every generation of Serie T since 2006. Reliability is the key to happy ownership and with some 200,000 and counting of this range leading long happy lives, Serie T/x owners can feel certain of REL’s standard setting reliability. The powerful 200-watt mosfet amplifier used in the T/7x remains an icon of sound and reliability with huge reserves of current. Massive power supplies are used and small upgrades are found everywhere. New driver mosfets that open up performance and transparency and new methods for securing the toroidal transformers mean better performance and superior reliability. The best gets better.
Standby Mode switch is only included on 220V units.
Where to buy: $1,099 at Amazon
REL T/5x Subwoofer ($679)
Perfect for small and medium rooms, T/5x seats perfectly into any décor. Floor-firing is part of its secret; bass energy strikes the floor and spreads uniformly throughout the space making it perform like a larger model. For those picky about style, the hidden bonus is this design eliminates even the grill, rendering it the purest of forms.
Slightly larger in volume than its predecessor, it actually appears to be smaller due subtle design changes to minimize it’s visual presence. Finally, 5 hand polished coats of lacquer in your choice of High Gloss White or Piano Black add luster to the softly rounded cabinetry.
Faster & Deeper
T/5x borrows a single longthrow 8” (200mm) bass engine from its elder sibling, T/7x. Developed using a composite of aluminum and light paper, this cone captures details that will amaze, while supplying sufficient energy to plumb deeper than one would expect for its size. In T/5x, its throw–the ability to play louder–has been increased. Internally, the suspension received numerous upgrades akin to transforming the handling of a car from a family sedan to a true sports car. More power, greater finesse.
Where to buy: $679 at Amazon
Price & Availability
- REL T/9x (10-inch) – $1,495 at Amazon
- REL T/7x (8-inch) – $1,099 at Amazon
- REL T/5x (8-inch) – $649 at Amazon
For more information: rel.net
Related Reading
