Rel acoustics Classic 98 subwoofer 300 W vented walnut wood

John Hunter, owner and designer of REL Acoustics, is proud of his new creation, the Classic 98, calling it not only a tribute to the company's past, but a continuing testament to his dedication to audio perfection.

Sound Characteristics

The new Classic 98 is a far cry from the classic REL sound; it's designed to deliver a slightly softer sound than other subwoofers in the catalog. The bass is more about saturation than speed. The partial sacrifice of speed and bass intelligibility gives way to the warmth of an inviting sound. The Classic 98 invites you to put on a record, pour yourself a nice drink, lean back in a comfortable chair and relax with the music. Its classic natural walnut veneer and mid-century modern style will complement a wide range of decors. It's also easy to place and use. One reviewer rightly called it “the audiophile’s ultimate guilty pleasure”.

Iconic design

The Classic 98 reinterprets the essence of Rel’s famous 10” down-firing floor-firing models of the late 1990s. The natural walnut veneer exudes warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of 1970s stereo equipment. The amplifier’s rear panel also evokes memories of the era, with its white gold silkscreen and contrasting knobs, while the gloss black logo on a matt background adds a contemporary touch.

Construction technology

The Classic 98 uses a 25cm floor-firing woofer, constructed using the traditional paper cone technique. A lighter, heat-pressed paper forms the outer 2/3 of the cone, while the inner inverted dome is made from a more premium grade of paper, air-dried, which stiffens the driver, allowing the Classic 98 to outperform many products of the past. The natural butyl suspension smooths out the dynamics, keeping them correct over time. This driver was designed to handle the abundance of power delivered by the internal amplifier. In the 90s, offering a 300W amplifier at an affordable price was a virtually impossible challenge. Today, with today's technology, REL has simply exploited one of its most recent amplifier designs: a high-current, lightning-fast Class D amplifier. The result is a sound that is not only powerful, but also quality and deeply impactful. While retaining the aesthetics of the historic models, the Classic 98 sounds louder and deeper, offering an audio experience that combines the reliability and technology of modern RELs with a retro look and sound.

Connections and functions - REL has always offered a generous amount of connections.

High level, low level, .1/LFE all with their own volume pot and variable crossover frequency. There is also the possibility of varying the phase 0/180°. In addition, LimitLess™ Limiters and Perfect Filters™ are employed on the input, ensuring that the Classic 98 amplifier is a harmonious blend of modern and vintage.

Wireless

REL is also now famous for its wireless connection technology, which preserves the dynamics without any compression. For the Classic 98, you can choose between two wireless models according to your needs.

AirShip II is the most advanced, made for REL Reference models, operates at 5.8 GHz, supports both high-level and .1/LFE connection, even simultaneously.

HT-Air MKII, always transmits at 5.8 GHz, supports low-level or .1/LFE stereo connection. High level connectivity is not supported.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Floor-firing air suspension

Woofer: 25cm paper cone, inverted dome, steel basket

Maximum bass extension: 27Hz @ -6dB

Inputs: Neutrik Speakon high level, RCA low level, RCA LFE

Power: 300 watts (RMS)

Amplifier: Class D

Wireless: Compatible with Rel HT-Air MKII or AirShip II (optional)

Protection: Electronic against DC and short circuits

Finish: Natural Walnut

Dimensions (WxHxD): 35x46x30cm

Weight: 17 Kg