REL CLASSIC 98

Vintage-look, air-suspended powered subwoofer. 25cm long-throw woofer with inverted dome cellulose cone and steel basket. Floor-firing. 300W Class D power. Volume and crossover frequency adjustment. Phase 0-180°. Wireless capability with optional AirShip II or HT Air MKII Wireless external adapters. Inputs: stereo RCA, separate RCA LFE, and high-level Neutrik. Cabinet dimensions (WxHxD): 35x47x29.8cm. Vintage walnut finish with grain.

Other features

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 feature

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, rather than the speed, affects the room's saturation. 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 to the music. Its classic natural walnut veneer and mid-century modern styling complement a wide range of decor. It's also easy to position and use. One reviewer aptly called it "the audiophile's ultimate guilty pleasure."

Iconic design

The Classic 98 reinterprets the essence of Rel's famous 10" down-firing floorstanding models from the late 1990s. The natural walnut veneer exudes warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of 1970s stereos. 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 matte background adds a contemporary touch.

Construction technology

The Classic 98 uses a 25cm floor-firing woofer, constructed using the traditional paper cone technique. Lighter, heat-pressed paper forms the outer two-thirds of the cone, while the internal inverted dome is made of a higher-quality, air-dried paper, which stiffens the speaker, allowing the Classic 98 to outperform many past products. The natural butyl surround smoothes the dynamics, maintaining them consistently accurate over time. This driver was designed to handle the abundant power delivered by the internal amplifier. In the 1990s, offering a 300W amplifier at an affordable price was a virtually impossible challenge. Today, with current technology, REL has simply leveraged one of its most recent amplifier designs: a high-current, lightning-fast Class D amplifier. This results in sound that is not only powerful, but also high-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°. Additionally, 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 dynamics without any compression. For the Classic 98, you can choose between two wireless models based on 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.

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

Technical features

Type: Air suspension with floor outlet

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

Maximum bass extension: 27Hz at -6dB

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

Potenza: 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