Сабвуферы — Rel Acoustics Classic 99

The Classic 99 is the larger of the two models in the Classic series by REL Acoustics, the British subwoofer specialist. REL describes the range as intended for anyone who owns and loves vintage audio gear, and the cabinet follows a mid-century modern form language, with hand-fitted walnut veneer and aluminium details chosen to suit period equipment. The US list price is USD 2,099, placing it above the Classic 98 at USD 1,499.

Key specs that matter

One 12 inch driver faces the floor. Its inverted cone is made of amended pulp-on-paper and is carried in a steel chassis. Power comes from a 450 W RMS Class D amplifier, and the stated low-frequency extension is -6 dB at 24 Hz. External dimensions are 400 mm in width, 534 mm in height and 350 mm in depth, with roughly 44 mm more depth once the high-level plug is fitted. The unit weighs 22.4 kg on its own and 27.4 kg in its 572 x 701 x 522 mm shipping box. Walnut veneer is the single finish, and REL gives no alternative colour or lacquer option.

Engineering and use context

REL uses a closed-box enclosure here, so there is no port or passive radiator and the down-firing driver works against a sealed air volume. The cabinet walls are 32 mm thick, which gives a stiff and heavy structure for a sub of this size. Its softly radiused feet are milled from solid billet rather than moulded, and the metal trim is aluminium in keeping with the vintage styling. Compared with the Classic 98, the Classic 99 adds a larger driver, 150 W more amplifier power and 3 Hz of added reach at the bottom, in a cabinet that is 50 mm wider and 64 mm taller. The contents of the box include a 1.8 m mains cord, a 10 m Neutrik Speakon lead, a user manual and warranty papers.

Pairing

Connection options cover a High Level Speakon input, a Low Level RCA socket and an LFE RCA socket. REL recommends the Speakon route, where the supplied cable takes signal from the speaker binding posts of the power amplifier or integrated amplifier, so the Classic 99 follows the same amplifier as the main speakers. A home cinema processor or receiver feeds its .1 channel into the LFE socket. Wireless operation is possible by adding an HT-Air MKII or AirShip II transmitter and receiver set, bought separately.

Alternatives

The REL Classic 98 is the smaller model of the Classic series, using a 10 inch paper cone and a 300 W Class D amplifier in a 350 x 470 x 298.5 mm walnut cabinet.