Subwoofers — Rel Acoustics Planar PL-1

The Planar PL-1 is a slim powered subwoofer from REL Acoustics, a British manufacturer with a considerable reputation for serious subwoofer engineering, built with a remarkably thin cabinet profile. The Planar PL-1 brings REL's engineering to a space-efficient wall-mountable or discreet placement format.

Key specs that matter

Rated response reaches down to 31Hz. Internal amplification delivers 300W. At a remarkably slim 52.2 x 49.2 x 14.4cm and 18.9kg, the Planar PL-1's thin 14.4cm depth suits placement against a wall where a conventional cube-shaped subwoofer would be visually intrusive.

Sound and use context

Expect controlled, well-integrated bass reinforcement from a slim-profile design, reflecting REL's considered engineering applied specifically to this discreet, wall-mountable cabinet format.

Pairing

As a self-powered subwoofer, the Planar PL-1 connects to a preamplifier, integrated amplifier or AV receiver's subwoofer output directly, its slim profile suiting placement where a conventional subwoofer would be visually intrusive.

Alternatives

REL Acoustics' own Planar PL-2 sits above this model with somewhat greater scale and amplification, worth considering instead for buyers wanting a more substantial slim-profile subwoofer.