REL Classic 98 Subwoofer

The REL Classic 98 is a unique homage to the golden age of hi-fi, blending a timeless mid-century modern aesthetic with the reliability and power of 21st-century engineering. It is designed for the listener who loves the warmth and natural character of vintage audio but demands modern performance. The Classic 98 delivers a rich, room-filling carpet of bass, prioritizing tonal richness and a slightly softer, more inviting touch over the razor-sharp speed of REL's modern T/x line. It features a custom-designed 10-inch down-firing paper-cone driver, a powerful 300-watt Class D amplifier, and a gorgeous natural walnut cabinet. It’s the perfect sonic and aesthetic partner for classic and modern-retro systems alike.

Key Features

• Vintage Mid-Century Design: A beautifully crafted, hand-oiled natural walnut veneer cabinet with radiused curves, designed to evoke the classic hi-fi components of the 1990s.
• 10” Down-Firing Paper-Cone Driver: A custom-designed 10-inch driver using a hot-pressed, lightweight paper cone and a natural butyl surround to deliver a warm, rich, and "period-correct" dynamic.
• 300W High-Current Class D Amplifier: A modern, lightning-fast 300-watt (RMS) Class D amplifier provides the power, control, and reliability that vintage designs could not achieve.
• Legendary High Level Input: Features REL's High Level Neutrik Speakon input, allowing for a perfect blend with your main speakers by feeding them the same sonic signature.
• Dual-Purpose Connectivity: Includes separate inputs and volume controls for High Level (music) and .1/LFE (movies), allowing for ideal settings for both without re-adjusting.
• Optional Wireless Connectivity: Fully compatible with the optional REL AirShip II or HT-Air MKII wireless systems for flexible, cable-free placement.

A Nod to Iconic Design

The Classic 98 is a visual tribute to REL's renowned 10-inch down-firing designs from the late 1990s. The cabinet is wrapped in a rich, natural walnut veneer, exuding a warmth and authenticity that is the perfect partner for classic stereo gear. The radiused curves, a rear amplifier panel with vintage-style white gold silk screening, and a classic top-mounted REL logo all honor the past, while the modern craftsmanship and flawless finish are pure 21st-century REL.

The Heart of a Classic Sound

To capture the "vintage REL sound," engineers crafted a new 10-inch down-firing driver using traditional paper cone techniques. The cone is formed from hot-pressed, lightweight paper with a stiff, air-dried paper inner cap. This unique combination, paired with a natural butyl surround, produces the gentle, rolling, and deeply resonant bass character that made classic subwoofers so inviting. It’s a driver built to deliver warmth and texture, not just slam.

Modern Power, Wisely Applied

While the driver is vintage-voiced, the engine is pure modern power. The Classic 98 is driven by a high-current, 300-watt Class D amplifier. This fast, reliable, and efficient powerhouse provides the control and headroom needed to drive the 10-inch cone to its full potential, delivering bass that is far deeper and more powerful than the vintage originals. This is all governed by REL’s modern input filters, including unique versions of the LimitLess™ Limiter and PerfectFilters™, ensuring the amplifier delivers its power with both vintage warmth and modern composure.

Seamless System Integration

The Classic 98 is designed to disappear into your system, not dominate it. It features the legendary High Level Neutrik Speakon connection, which connects directly to your amplifier's speaker terminals. This ensures the subwoofer receives the exact same signal and sonic character as your main speakers, allowing it to seamlessly blend and add a true, full-range foundation. For modern convenience, it also features separate inputs and volume controls for High Level and .1/LFE, so you can dial in the perfect level for both music and movies without ever touching the controls.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications