REL Classic 99 Subwoofer

The REL Classic 99 is a stunning homage to the golden age of Hi-Fi, a "modern classic" that blends a timeless, mid-century modern aesthetic with REL's most advanced 21st-century engineering. It is designed for the music lover who craves both the warmth, texture, and "soul" of vintage paper-cone subwoofers and the power, speed, and deep-bass impact of modern design. The Classic 99 pairs a brand-new, front-firing 12-inch "paper-on-paper" driver with a modern 12-inch down-firing passive radiator, all driven by a formidable 450-watt NextGen5 amplifier. Housed in a gorgeous, hand-oiled natural walnut cabinet, it is the perfect fusion of past and present, delivering a rich, powerful, and deeply musical foundation for any high-quality audio system.

Key Features

• 12” Paper-on-Paper Driver: A new, front-firing 12-inch long-throw driver with a paper cone and paper center cap, engineered for a warm, natural, and soulful bass character.
• 12” Down-Firing Passive Radiator: A modern, T/x-derived 12-inch passive radiator provides deep, effortless, and room-filling extension down to 24Hz.
• 450W NextGen5 Amplifier: The same powerful, reliable, and efficient 450-watt Class D amplifier used in the modern Serie S for outstanding control and dynamics.
• Timeless Natural Walnut Enclosure: A beautifully crafted, hand-oiled natural walnut veneer cabinet that evokes the classic hi-fi designs of the 1970s and 80s.
• Legendary High Level Input: Features REL's High Level Neutrik Speakon input for a seamless, perfectly-timed blend with your main speakers.
• Optional Wireless Connectivity: Compatible with both the high-performance AirShip II and the convenient HT-Air MKII wireless systems (sold separately).

The Soul of a Classic Driver

The heart of the Classic 99 is its all-new 12-inch driver. In a deliberate return to a more "classic" sound, REL's engineers developed a unique "paper-on-paper" cone. The main cone is hot-pressed from a custom pulp, while the center cap is a second, lighter paper cone bonded in place. This composite design creates a driver that is inherently self-damping, fast, and remarkably textured. Unlike modern, stiffer materials, this paper cone imparts a warmth, naturalness, and "soul" to the bass that is incredibly musical and reminiscent of the most iconic vintage speakers.

Modern Power, Modern Depth

The Classic 99 masterfully pairs its vintage-voiced driver with a thoroughly modern engine. The 450-watt NextGen5 Class D amplifier—the same powerhouse found in the acclaimed Serie S/850—provides the massive power and iron-fisted control needed to deliver explosive dynamics.This power is channeled not just into the active driver, but also into a 12-inch down-firing passive radiator. This modern passive, taken from the T/x series, is what gives the Classic 99 its stunning low-frequency extension, allowing it to dig down to a deep 24Hz with the speed and authority that classic designs could only dream of.

Mid-Century Modern Artistry

This subwoofer is designed to be seen. The cabinet is a striking piece of mid-century modern furniture, wrapped in a hand-oiled, natural walnut veneer that is warm, rich, and timeless. The proportions are designed to mimic those of classic loudspeakers from the 1970s and 80s, right down to the modern, black-knit grille cloth. It’s a design that rejects the anonymous black box, offering instead a piece of audio art that complements any tastefully designed living space.

Seamless Integration

The Classic 99 is a true REL, meaning it is designed for perfect, seamless integration with your main speakers. It features REL’s legendary High Level Input, which connects directly to your amplifier's speaker terminals. This ensures the Classic 99 receives the exact same sonic signature as your main speakers, allowing it to blend perfectly and add a true, full-range foundation to your music. This method adds depth, richness, and an expansive soundstage, not just heavy, disconnected bass.

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