REL Acoustics
REL Acoustics Classic 98
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Nothing Says Lifestyle like Mid-Century Modern RELs
Classic 98
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 our 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.”
Designed to Warm the Heart
Classic 98 channels the essence of our 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 honoring 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 our traditional paper cone technique, revives the vintage REL sound. This driver, built to handle the abundance of power offered in Classic 98, ensures a sound that's not just powerful, but pure and deeply resonant. While Classic 98 maintains the aesthetics of our 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 Classic 98 to outperform many of our products from the past. A natural butyl surround produces a gentle, period-correct dynamic that endures.
Unlimited Power Used Wisely
Amplifier Excellence: Back in the 90s, offering a 300W amp at an affordable price was a significant challenge. Today, we've harnessed one of our 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 our commitment to delivering top-tier performance without compromising on affordability.
High-Level Connectivity & Filters: We've 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, we've incorporated unique versions of the LimitLess™ Limiters and Perfect Filters™, ensuring that Classic 98's amplifier is a harmonious blend of the modern and the vintage.
Leading the Charge with Wireless
At the heart of our brand is a commitment to pushing boundaries. Our wireless technology stands as a testament to this, leading the industry in both innovation and performance. We don't just prioritize dynamic range; we ensure it's delivered with zero compression. This dedication results in top-tier sound quality paired with user-friendly operation.
For Classic 98, we're proud to offer two cutting-edge wireless options tailored to diverse needs:
AirShip II—Crafted for our 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 our 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.
Technical Specifications
Type
Closed Box, down-firing driver
Active Driver Size & Material
10 in. (250mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper, Downfiring Inverted Cone, Steel Chassis
Passive Radiator Size & Material
-
Low Frequency Extension
-6 dB at 27Hz Low Frequency
Input Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level RCA, LFE RCA
Output Connectors
N/A
Power Output
300 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type
Class D
Wireless Capability
HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II, Sold separately
Dual Parametric Filter
N/A
Finish
Walnut veneer
Fully Electronic Set Safe
Yes
D.C. Fault
Yes
Output Short
Yes
Mains Input Voltage
220-240 volts, 1120-120 volts for certain markets
Fuses
2.5 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 5 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation
Mains Lead
Yes
Neutrik Speakon
10 Meters (33’6”) Nominal
Interconnect
-
User Manual
Yes
DIMS
W x H x D 13.75 in. x 18.5 in. x 11.75 in. (350mm x 470mm x 298.5mm) Add 1.75in (44.5mm) in depth when using a High Level connector
Net Weight
40.0 lbs. (18.1 kg). Shipping weight: 48.5 lbs. (22.0 kg)
Awards & Industry Reviews
SUBWOOFER WINNER 2023
"This is sound reinforcement, not simply confined to bass, and that's what makes this great for audio."
- HI-FI+
Read Article
PURSUIT PERFECT SYSTEM
"The bass overall from the Classic 98 was fast, nimble, light on its feet. Very versatile because you could have big bold pressure in dance music, with just as much as quality as big guitar or double bass on other music."
- PURSUIT PERFECT SYSTEM
Read Article
STAND OUT PRODUCT
"The REL Classic 98 Subwoofer... worthy of a stand out"
PURSUIT PERFECT SYSTEM
Read Article
What's in the box
- Classic 98 Subwoofer
- 6' AC Power Cord
- 32' Neutrik Speakon cable
- User Manual and Warranty Information
The Right REL for You
Specifications will never tell the whole story behind one of our subwoofers, but they can help to clarify the technical difference between them.
CLASSIC
Classic 99
W x H x D
15.75 in. × 21.0 in. × 13.8 in.
(400mm × 534mm x 350mm) Add 1.75in
(44.5mm) in depth when using a High Level connector
450 watts (RMS) Class D
-
-6 dB at 24Hz Low Frequency
CLASSIC
Classic 98
W x H x D
13.75 in. x 18.5 in. x 11.75 in.
(350mm x 470mm x 298.5mm) Add 1.75in
(44.5mm) in depth when using a High Level connector
300 watts (RMS) Class D
-
-6 dB at 18 Hz Low Frequency
SERIE T/x
T/9x
W x H x D
14.5 x 13.4 x 15.5 in.,
(370 x 340 x 393 mm)
300 watts (RMS) Class A/B
10 in. (250mm) long-throw, FibreAlloy™ cone, inverted alloy centre cap, steel chassis
-6dB at 27 Hz Low Frequency
