Classic 98 channels the essence of our 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.
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REL Classic 98

The REL Classic 98 powered subwoofer blends vintage-inspired musicality with modern REL engineering, making it especially well suited to high-fidelity stereo systems, vintage speakers, and modern loudspeakers with classic voicing. Inspired by REL designs from the late 1990s and early 2000s, Classic 98 uses a closed-box acoustic-suspension cabinet and a 10-inch down-firing amended pulp-on-paper driver to produce a rich, natural, slightly softer bass character with in-room low-frequency extension to 27Hz at -6dB. Its hot-pressed lightweight paper cone, premium air-dried inner cap, natural butyl surround, and steel chassis are engineered to combine period-correct warmth with greater output, depth, and reliability than REL's historic designs.

A high-current 300-watt RMS Class D amplifier supplies the power, supported by modern REL filter technology, LimitLess™ Limiters, Perfect Filters™, and high-level connectivity designed for seamless integration with the character and timing of the main speakers. High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level RCA, and dedicated .1/LFE RCA connections provide flexibility for stereo and home theater systems, while High-Level and .1/LFE inputs can be used simultaneously. The Hi/Low Level crossover is adjustable from 30-120Hz, phase can be switched between 0° and 180°, and the amplifier provides an 80dB gain-control range.

What It's Good At:

• Rich, music-first bass: Delivers the warm, broad, naturally weighted low-frequency presentation associated with vintage REL designs while extending to 27Hz in room.
• Seamless stereo-system integration: REL High-Level connectivity allows Classic 98 to receive the same signal and sonic character supplied to the main speakers.
• Powerful performance from a compact cabinet: A 300-watt RMS Class D amplifier drives the 10-inch down-firing paper-cone woofer with ample output and control.
• Flexible stereo and theater connectivity: High-Level, Low-Level RCA, and .1/LFE RCA inputs make it adaptable to integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, powered speakers, receivers, and surround processors.
• Premium vintage-inspired design: Real walnut veneer, softly radiused cabinet details, and understated controls give Classic 98 an authentic mid-century appearance.
• Expandable system options: Optional wireless operation and support for stereo-pair configurations make it easier to optimize placement, imaging, and bass consistency.

REL Classic 98 Full Specifications:

• Model: REL Classic 98
• Product Type: Powered Sub-Bass System / powered subwoofer
• Cabinet Type: Closed box / acoustic-suspension design
• Driver Orientation: Down-firing
• Active Driver: 10 in. (250mm) amended pulp-on-paper driver
• Driver Construction: Down-firing inverted cone with steel chassis
• Cone Construction: Hot-pressed lightweight paper outer section with premium air-dried paper inner cap
• Surround: Natural butyl
• Passive Radiator: None / N/A
• Low-Frequency Extension / In-Room Response: -6dB at 27Hz
• Amplifier Power: 300 watts RMS
• Amplifier Type: Class D
• Gain-Control Range: 80dB
• Hi/Low Level Crossover Range: 30-120Hz
• .1/LFE Filtering: Dedicated .1 signal path with 120Hz fourth-order filter; the .1/LFE signal does not pass through the adjustable crossover
• Phase Adjustment: 0° or 180°
• High-Level Input: Neutrik Speakon
• Low-Level Input: RCA
• LFE Input: RCA
• Output Connectors: N/A
• High-Level Input Impedance: 150,000 ohms
• Simultaneous Connection Capability: High-Level and .1/LFE inputs can be used simultaneously
• Input / Filter Technology: Modern input filters with approximately 8ms response, LimitLess™ Limiters, Perfect Filters™, and REL Natural RollOff™ circuitry
• Wireless Capability: Optional REL HT-Air MKII or AirShip II; sold separately
• AirShip II Wireless: 5.8GHz; supports High-Level and .1/LFE connections, including simultaneous use
• HT-Air MKII Wireless: 5.8GHz; supports stereo Low-Level or .1/LFE transmission without compression; does not support High-Level connectivity
• D.C. Fault Protection: Yes
• Output-Short Protection: Yes
• Thermal Overload Protection: Yes
• Standby Behavior: Enters low-power standby after approximately 30 minutes without detected audio when Standby mode is selected
• Standby Power Draw: Listed in the operating manual as >0.5 watts
• Idle Power Draw: 10 watts
• Power Modes: Standby or Always On
• Finish: Walnut veneer
• Dimensions, W x H x D: 13.75 x 18.5 x 11.75 in. (350 x 470 x 298.5mm), including feet and rear-panel controls
• Additional Depth with High-Level Connector: 1.75 in. (44.5mm)
• Net Weight: 40.0 lb. (18.1kg)
• Shipping Weight: 48.5 lb. (22.0kg)
• Supplied Mains Lead: Yes
• Supplied AC Power Cord: 6 ft.
• Supplied Neutrik Speakon High-Level Interconnect: 10m (33 ft. 6 in.) nominal in the technical specification/manual; the product-page box contents list it as 32 ft.
• User Manual: Included
• What's in the Box: Classic 98 Subwoofer, AC power cord, Neutrik Speakon cable, user manual, and warranty information
• Available Setup Configurations: Single subwoofer or stereo pair

REL Classic 98 Q&A:

What improvements can the REL Classic 98 bring to a stereo system?

Classic 98 adds rich, full-bodied low-frequency extension while reinforcing the scale, weight, and musical foundation of a stereo system. Its down-firing 10-inch paper-cone driver and 300-watt Class D amplifier are voiced for natural, slightly warm bass rather than an overly aggressive presentation. Its walnut cabinet and vintage-inspired styling also make it particularly appealing for systems built around classic or retro-influenced loudspeakers.

Is the REL Classic 98 suitable for both music and home theater?

Yes, although Classic 98 is primarily designed as a music-first subwoofer. Its warm tonal balance and High-Level connection are especially well suited to two-channel listening, while the dedicated .1/LFE input allows it to provide additional low-frequency impact in a home theater system. High-Level and .1/LFE inputs can also be operated simultaneously.

Can the Classic 98 be used with other REL subwoofer models?

Yes. Classic 98 can be integrated with other REL subwoofers, with the most natural results generally coming from models with compatible musical voicing. Proper placement, level, phase, and crossover calibration become increasingly important when combining multiple subwoofers.

Does the REL Classic 98 support wireless connectivity?

Yes, with an optional wireless accessory. AirShip II supports wireless High-Level and .1/LFE connections and can carry both simultaneously, while HT-Air MKII supports stereo Low-Level or .1/LFE transmission but not High-Level connectivity. Both wireless systems are sold separately.

What room size is the Classic 98 best suited for?

REL describes Classic 98 as well suited to medium-to-large rooms of approximately 150-400 sq. ft. (14-37 sq. m.). Its 10-inch down-firing driver, 300-watt amplifier, and closed-box cabinet can generate broad, room-filling bass while maintaining a natural musical character. Final performance will also depend on room acoustics, speaker choice, placement, and listening level.

Can REL Classic 98 subwoofers be vertically stacked into a line array?

No. Classic 98 is intended for conventional floor placement rather than vertical line-array stacking. For higher-performance two-channel systems, a stereo pair of Classic 98 subwoofers can improve clarity, soundstage definition, transparency, and bass balance; REL's Serie S and Reference models are better suited to dedicated line-array applications.\

REL Classic 98 Downloads:

REL Classic 98 Manual