REL Classic 98 Subwoofer
The Classic 98 is a symphony of mid-century charm and state-of-the-art technology. Drawing from the golden age of stereo, this masterpiece is more than just a nod to iconic REL designs; it's a reimagining, blending the past's aesthetics with today's technological prowess and performance.
Nothing Says Lifestyle Like Mid-Century Modern RELs: The Classic 98 holds a distinctive place within the REL pantheon. While not a part of any regular line of REL products, instead, it is its very own solution for anyone who owns and loves vintage audio gear, or its modern equivalents that we refer to as retro. With different aspirations, Classic 98 offers a slightly softer touch, delivering a broad carpet of room-filling bass. While it might trade off a touch of the speed, clarity, and deepest bass that REL's standard models, like the T/9x, are known for, it compensates with its inviting warmth. Classic 98 beckons you to put on a record, pour a cherished drink, recline in a comfortable chair, and relax into the music. Its classic natural walnut veneer and mid-century modern styling complements a wide range of decors. It's also easy to place and use. One reviewer aptly dubbed it as "the audiophile's ultimate guilty pleasure."
A Nod To Iconic Design: Classic 98 channels the essence of REL's renowned 10" down firing designs from the late 90s. The rich, natural walnut veneer exudes warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of the mid-century stereo gear. The radiused curve, accentuated by a subtle reveal line, showcases modern craftsmanship while honouring past design. The rear amp panel, with its white gold silk screening and contrasting knobs, evokes memories of the era, while the glossy black logo set against a matte background adds a contemporary touch.
Drive To Survive: The heart of Classic 98, the 10" down firing driver, crafted using REL's traditional paper cone technique, revives the vintage REL sound. This driver, built to handle the abundance of power offered in the Classic 98, ensures a sound that's not just powerful, but pure and deeply resonant. While the Classic 98 maintains the aesthetics of REL's historical models, it plays louder and deeper, offering an audio experience that marries the reliability and technology of modern RELs with a retro look and sound.
Paper Cone Mastery: Hot-pressed, lightweight paper forms the outer 2/3 of the cone. The inner cap is a premium air-dried paper that stiffens the driver, allowing the Classic 98 to outperform many of REL's products from the past. A natural butyl surround produces a gentle, period-correct dynamic that endures.
Unlimited Power Used Wisely: Back in the 90s, offering a 300W amp at an affordable price was a significant challenge. Today, REL have harnessed one of their latest amp designs – a high-current, lightning-fast Class D amp. This modern powerhouse is not only dynamic but also stands as a testament to REL's commitment to delivering top-tier performance without compromising on affordability.
High-Level Connectivity & Filters: REL have paired this powerhouse with the High-Level connectivity and modern input filter technology. These filters, with their swift 8ms response, are intuitive and efficient. And if you were wondering about the old, confusing ABC filters, well, some things are best left in the past! To further enhance the experience, REL have incorporated unique versions of the LimitLess™ Limiters and Perfect Filters™, ensuring that the Classic 98's amplifier is a harmonious blend of the modern and the vintage.
Positioned for Distinctive Excellence: Within the REL product line, Classic 98 carves out its unique niche, priced similarly to the T9/x. While both models stand as paragons of top-tier performance, they cater to distinct experiences. The Classic 98 is designed for aficionados who yearn for the vintage REL sound and styling, offering a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of stereo, yet infused with the advancements and reliability of modern technology.
The T9/x, on the other hand, is the embodiment of power and depth, wrapped in a sleek, modern design. Tailored for those seeking cutting-edge performance, it's a versatile powerhouse adept at delivering both in music and home theatre settings, ensuring a comprehensive sonic experience.
For those with a penchant for pure home theatre applications, REL's Serie HT is the go-to choice. Crafted for peak .1/LFE performance, it's the epitome of cinematic immersion, ensuring every scene is felt as much as it's seen.
Leading the Charge with Wireless: At the heart of the REL brand is a commitment to pushing boundaries. Their wireless technology stands as a testament to this, leading the industry in both innovation and performance. REL don't just prioritize dynamic range; they ensure it's delivered with zero compression. This dedication results in top-tier sound quality paired with user-friendly operation. For the Classic 98, REL offer two cutting-edge wireless options tailored to diverse needs.
AirShip II Wireless: Crafted for REL's Reference models, AirShip II is a beacon of advanced wireless technology. Operating at 5.8 GHz, it supports both High-Level Connection and .1/LFE, even simultaneously. This ensures peak theatre performance, making it the choice for those who demand the very best.
HT-Air MKII Wireless: A nod to REL's HT models, the HT-Air MKII offers an elegant and cost-effective wireless solution. Transmitting at 5.8 GHz, it flawlessly conveys either stereo low-level or .1/LFE signals without compression. However, it's worth noting that High-Level Connectivity isn't supported with the HT-Air MKII.
REL Classic 98 Review
"In the 1990s, a Welshman called Richard Lord had an idea about bass. That idea became the REL (after 'Richard E Lord') range of subwoofers. Those first subs – Strata, Stadium, Stentor – put REL on the UK map. But the product that 'broke' REL internationally was the Strata III in 1998. And REL's latest model is the Classic No 98, essentially the Strata III brought up to date.
This could have gone one of three ways. REL could have simply remade the Strata III once again. It could have made a poor pastiche of the Strata III. Or it could take that classic product and see what modern-era REL could do with the design. REL took the high-ground option and viewed 1998 through 2023's design lenses.
The company could have 'raided' the driver from its T9X design but has instead made its own paper driver unit specifically for the 98. REL of 2023 knows its way around Class D amps, and a new 300W model is used in the 98.
The No 98 has a deep matt walnut veneer finish and rolled edges, especially on the top and bottom plates.
Setting up a REL is the same as it always was. For audio, use the high-level settings (the supplied cable helps, and there is an upgrade that is worth treating yourself to). Connect this cable to the loudspeaker terminals. Now turn the subwoofer down until it is at the limits of audibility (then turn it down one more notch for good measure). A good way of checking this is to use a well-recorded piece of music with a solid walking bass. Adjust until the REL sub makes that bass come alive but doesn't thicken or slow the sound. Check back in a few weeks; you'll probably turn the sound down more.
What REL has done here is successfully blend old and new. REL subs were a revelation for music lovers wanting to add some reinforcement to the sound, but they probably weren't the deepest or most neutral subs around. However, some still crave that early REL warmth… or at least the idea of it. Most find them a little too warm for today's systems and want something with some of that characteristic old-REL performance, but with the speed and depth of modern designs. The Classic 98 balances those demands well.
There's some of that lovely warmth still in effect. The first REL designs gave the midrange more space but there was always a sense of adding a bit of creamy richness too. The 98 doesn't have that warming-up effect to anything like the same effect, but it sounds more direct and deeper than its 1990s archetype.
More importantly, though, the Classic 98 has the speed of modern REL designs. That paper cone driver moves a lot of air at very great speed; faster than I remember its 1990s predecessors doing.
While the cabinet remains unbraced, the thicker wadding, the more controlled, more dynamic cone and a lot more power on tap all make for a faster, tighter, and deeper sound, with just a trace of that warmth.
I find this the perfect foil to the Revival Audio Atalante 3 two-way stand-mounts tested in issue 216. The easy roll-off of these loudspeakers – reminiscent of classic British BBC-style loudspeakers of the last century – is a perfect blend with the REL Classic 98. Bass reinforcement from this subwoofer is more in line with REL's long-standing guidelines of just enough to underpin the sound, thereby letting the midrange and treble of the main loudspeaker shine through.
While the Classic 98 can do good bass 'oomph', like the Strata III of a quarter of a century ago, that's not the point. This is sound reinforcement, not simply confined to bass, and that's what makes this great for audio.
Richard passed away in 2017, aged 78. He would be extremely pleased about the Classic 98. It's a distillation of his ideas, combining what made the Strata III such a hit 25 years ago, with what REL does so well today. It's so much more than just a rose-tinted view of the past; it honours what made REL the company it is today. And finally, for classic speaker lovers, you can do no wrong with the Classic 98." Hi-Fi Plus
Or Take On The REL Classic 98 Subwoofer
There hasn't been a REL subwoofer like this for a long time. Some of us still have a REL Stadium or Stampede which look like the Classic 98's older cousins. And, it's a good thing because the current REL range is unapologetically modern in styling. This, of course matches modern looking speakers but can look a little bit out of place if you have some classic Harbeths or Wharfedales that you want to add a sub to. They've even given the Classic 98 a sound which is more aligned to those classic speakers which means they not only look right together but also sound right which is even more important. This really is a nice surprise and, we hope, the first of many such 'classic' REL's to be released.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Active 10" Down Firing 300 Watt Subwoofer
- Active Driver Size & Material: 10" (254mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper, Down Firing Inverted Cone, Steel Chassis
- Low Frequency Extension: 27Hz at -6 dB
- Input Connectors: Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level RCA, LFE RCA
- Power Output: 300 Watts (RMS)
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Wireless Capability
- HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II (Sold separately)
- Protection System
- Fully Electronic Set Safe
- C. Fault
- Output Short
- Mains Input Voltage: 220-240 Volts
- Fuse: 2.5 Amp semi delay
- Included Accessories: Mains Power Cable, 10m Neutrik Speakon Hi-Level Signal Lead, User Manual
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to an IsoTek Power Cable for better performance
- High Level Cable Upgrade: The REL Bassline Blue is the perfect way to improve the sound quality of your REL subwoofer
- Finish: Walnut veneer
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 350 x 470 x 298.5mm
- Weight: 18.1kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE