Rel acoustics Classic 99 subwoofer 450 W walnut wood grain

Classic 99 – Design, Power and Grace

The Rel Classic 99 subwoofer builds on the great achievements of the Classic 98, which revived the vintage classic in the subwoofer category. However, this Classic 99 is 40% larger in volume and features a new 450-watt Class D amplifier with fully analog PerfectFilter™, driving a robust 30 cm pulp cone driver with a full 51 mm of excursion, radiating to the floor. The cone, made of multiple hot-pressed layers of pulp, is lightweight for maximum speed of movement, yet rigid to avoid warping at high power. The cabinet has 32 mm thick walls, a natural walnut veneer. All these elements combined create a low-frequency sound experience that is deep, bold and full of character, offering a warm, reliable, first-class sound.

The Classic 99 is designed for large rooms, paired with large speakers. The air-suspended cabinet, the floor-firing woofer, and the high power, simplify installation in the room. The Classic 99 can also be connected wirelessly with REL's Airship II or HT-Air MkII technology (optional).

Construction technology

The Classic 99 uses a 30cm floor-firing woofer, made with the traditional paper cone technique. A lighter, hot-pressed paper forms the outer 2/3 of the cone, while the inner inverted dome is a higher-quality, air-dried paper that stiffens the driver, allowing the Classic 99 to outperform many past designs. The natural butyl suspension smooths out the dynamics, keeping them true over time. This driver was designed to handle the abundance of power delivered by the internal amplifier. In the 1990s, offering a 450W amplifier at an affordable price was a near-impossible challenge. Today, with today's technology, REL has simply leveraged 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 99 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°. Furthermore, purely analogue LimitLess™ and Perfect Filters™ are used on the input, ensuring that the Classic 99's amplification 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 99, 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: 30cm paper cone, inverted dome, steel basket

Maximum bass extension: 24Hz @ -6dB

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

Power: 450 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): 40x53.4x35cm

Weight: 22.4 Kg