REL Classic 99 Subwoofer

A potent symphony of design, power, and grace. Building on the foundation laid by Classic 98, this model amplifies every attribute: more power, deeper bass, and a design that captures both the eye and the ear. With 450 watts driving a robust 12” paper-on-paper driver, Classic 99 not only plays louder and reaches deeper, but also adds layers of subtle textural enhancements that continuously impress.

Nothing Continues to Say Lifestyle like Mid-Century Modern RELs

Classic 99 extends our Classic Line to loftier heights. Richer, bolder, and more powerful? Certainly. Yet 99 is also capable of far greater nuance, air, and resolution than its lesser brethren. For those with more capable systems and larger rooms, Classic 99 delivers advances on every front, while still maintaining the same easy-going, room-filling nature all Classic offerings possess. The high-grade genuine dark walnut veneer complements a variety of decors. Classic 99 delivers this in the same simple, comforting form of Mid-Century Modern design. Perfect for those who welcomed the original, yet were waiting for the next chapter to be written, those who crave even higher performance and the ability to fill larger, grander spaces with a broad carpet of deep bass. You’ll still want to put on a record, pour a favourite drink, sink into your favourite chair, and relax into the music or movie of your choice. Classic 99, for those who waited for more.

Driven to be Louder. And Quieter.

As anyone familiar with REL will tell you, we always begin with the driver. In this case, a bespoke 12” long stroke driver that uses lightweight, stiff, hot-pressed paper to form the main body of the cone. Laid atop that is a stiff centre cap made of hand-thrown paper; to randomize the fibres, ensuring that the driver has excellent self-damping. This is one of REL’s secrets. Understanding that it is the quietness, that attention to bring the driver to complete silence, that produces the most startling dynamics. Whilst Classic 99 will play shatteringly loud, it’s from the very black background that the loudest dynamics emerge to produce the sense of shock sought by great composers and directors.

More than Ample Amplification

Classic 99 is big, bold, and full of character, similar to the Stentor II of our youth, but at one-third the price. Of course, the 99 has a great amp. In order to generate deeper bass and significantly higher output, we turned to a tried-and-true Class D amplifier that we’ve already used in thousands of previous units.  This 450 watt amplifier is fed by an all analogue PerfectFilter™ front end that extends useful output well into the low 20 Hz range – superb for a design of this size and price. It produces a sound that’s both rich and richly detailed at the same time. Classic 99 borrows the best from current technology to deliver a sound slightly warmer and more like what we all imagine vintage sound to be, with superior reliability and performance than was ever available back in the day.

Classic RELs: What's The Difference

How does the Classic 99 stack up against the hot little Classic 98?

While they look similar, the newer Classic 99 is some 50 percent larger (by volume) delivering 450 watts of power (300w for CL98) into a 12″ driver (10″ for CL98). Those are significant upgrades in the basic spec of the Classic 99. Yes, the Classic 99 is more powerful, plays louder and goes deeper. It should. We walk you through the untold, less obvious story that makes the Classic 99 truly special even while appreciating the magic that is the original Classic 98.

Less Wiring?

How About Wireless Technology Only REL Offers

The future meets the past gloriously in REL’s wireless offerings. For the ultimate, select our Airship II which encourages the use of REL’s High-Level Connection PLUS .1/LFE should your listening tastes run toward movies. And these days who doesn’t stream quality video content? This is our ultimate wireless design at 5.8 GHz and uses discrete components in the front end to transform your system’s sound flawlessly into totally uncompressed wireless capable of eliminating the sprawl of cables across one’s living space.

On a tighter budget? We slip the exact same 5.8 gig master chip into an affordable system that allows for Low Level or .1/LFE to deliver across the same 35’ with the same bulletproof signal delivery that we’ve become famous for over the past 15 years. HT-Air MKII Wireless is one of life’s great bargains.

Specifications
Type
Closed Box, down-firing driver

Active Driver Size & Material
12 in. (305mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper, Downfiring Inverted Cone, Steel Chassis

Passive Radiator Size & Material
Low Frequency Extension
-6 dB at 24Hz

Input Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level RCA, LFE RCA

Output Connectors
N/A

Power Output
450 watts (RMS)

Amplifier Type
Class D

Wireless Capability
HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II, Sold separately

Dual Parametric Filter
N/A

Protection System
Fully Electronic Set Safe
Yes

D.C. Fault
Yes

Output Short
Yes

Mains Input Voltage
220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets

Fuses
4 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 8 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation

Dimensions
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

Net Weight
49.3 Ibs. (22.4 kg). Shipping weight: 59.7 Ibs. (27.1 kg)

Finish
Walnut veneer

Supplied Accessories
Mains Lead
Yes

Neutrik Speakon
10 Meters (33’6”) Nominal

Interconnect
Users Manual
Yes