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Editor's Choice Award 2024 – hi-fi+ Magazine
A Reimagining of the Classic Subwoofer
REL's new Classic 98 powered subwoofer is a symphony of mid-century charm and state-of-the-art technology. Drawing from the golden age of stereo, this masterpiece is more than just a nod to iconic REL designs. It’s a reimagining, blending the past’s aesthetics with today’s technological prowess and performance.
Award-Winning Performance
England's hi-fi+ magazine honored the Classic 98 with an Editor's Choice Award for 2024.
"The Classic 98 is a nostalgic tribute to the past and distillation of Richard Lord's ideas and the evolution of REL as a company."
"The Classic 98 blends classic warmth and modern performance. It delivers a tight and dynamic sound, with improved control over the bass. Although directed at audio users, the REL Classic 98 is a worthy investment for those seeking a subwoofer for home cinema, too."
"The Ultimate Guilty Pleasure"
"The REL Classic 98 might just be the ultimate audiophile guilty pleasure," reports Jeff Dorgay in TONEaudio magazine. "Aside from this being a product that completely hits the mark, I really enjoy that this was a labor of love project for John Hunter. It’s perfectly executed, yet affordable and approachable. This is something the high end needs more of."
"I have really enjoyed my time with the Classic 98 and if I didn’t own an S/510 I would seriously consider the 98 for my own system as honestly, I think it suits my room better than the mighty S/510," notes Steve Huff, STEVEHUFF Reviews, September 7, 2023. "It’s fun to look at, and to listen to. It offers up tight and punchy bass that has a rounder feel and vibe to it, and it can kick some serious bass energy into your room. I love the tonal colors coming out of this box and it suits my preferences perfectly. It’s such a beautiful sub."
For Mid-Century Modern Lifestyles
The new Classic 98 holds a distinctive place within the REL pantheon. Wit is the ideal solution for anyone who owns and loves vintage audio gear, or its modern 'retro' equivalents.
Classic 98 offers a slightly softer touch than other REL subwoofers, delivering a broad carpet of room-filling bass. While it might trade off a touch of the speed, clarity, and deepest bass that REL's 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."
A Sense of Iconic Design
Classic 98 channels the essence of REL's 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.
The Heart of the Classic 98
The 10" down-firing driver, crafted using the 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.
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.
Amplifier Excellence
Back in the 90s, offering a 300W amp at an affordable price was a significant challenge. Today, REL has harnessed one of its 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
REL 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, REL 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
REL's wireless technology leads the industry in both innovation and performance. WREL doesn't just prioritize dynamic range. It ensures it's delivered with zero compression. This dedication results in top-tier sound quality paired with user-friendly operation. For Classic 98, REL offers two cutting-edge wireless options tailored to diverse needs.
Crafted for REL's 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.
A nod to REL's 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.
