REL Planar PL-2
The REL Planar PL-2 is an ultra-thin powered subwoofer built for rooms where traditional cabinets take up too much space, yet full-scale bass performance is still essential. Designed to work in close relationship with the wall behind it, the PL-2 uses boundary effect coupling to project deep, room-filling bass with impressive scale, control, and musicality from a slim enclosure that occupies very little floor space. Its newly developed 8-inch FlatPiston active driver, 10-inch rear-firing passive radiator, and 550-watt RMS Pure Class D amplifier combine to deliver fast, powerful low-frequency performance for both music and home theater systems. With built-in Airship Direct wireless, flexible near-wall or on-wall placement, and REL’s VIMAR vibration-control system, the Planar PL-2 offers premium bass performance in a form that suits modern living spaces.
What It's Good At:
- Delivering deep, room-filling bass from an ultra-thin cabinet that fits where conventional subwoofers cannot
- Using boundary effect coupling and wall integration to create bigger, fuller low-frequency performance
- Blending speed, control, and impact for both two-channel music systems and home theater setups
- Providing clean, flexible installation with built-in Airship Direct wireless and concealed rear-panel integration
- Supporting near-wall, on-wall, and optional cart-based placement for better room integration
- Preserving bass clarity and control with REL’s VIMAR mounting system and all-analog filtering approach
REL Planar PL-2 Full Specifications:
- Product Name: Planar PL-2
- Product Type: Powered subwoofer
- Series: Planar
- Tagline: Maximum Performance. Minimal Space
- Type: (1) front-firing active woofer, (1) rear-firing passive radiator
- Active Driver Size & Material: 8 in. (205 mm) FlatPiston active long-throw, steel chassis
- Passive Radiator Size & Material: 10 in. (250 mm) FibreAlloy cone, steel chassis
- Low Frequency Extension: -6 dB at 24 Hz, in room
- Power Output: 550 watts (RMS)
- Amplifier Type: Pure Class D
- Input Connectors: HIGH-LEVEL Neutrik SpeakOn, LOW-LEVEL RCA, LFE RCA
- Output Connectors: None
- Wireless Capability: Built-in wireless
- Wireless System: Airship Direct wireless built in, receiver unit pre-installed
- Dual Parametric Filter: N/A
- Finish: Gloss Piano Black or Gloss White Lacquer
- Placement Options: Near-wall placement, on-wall placement, optional cart placement
- Cabinet Design: Ultra-thin cabinet
- Mounting System: REL VIMAR (Vibration Isolation Material and Resonance Control)
- Protection System: Fully Electronic Set Safe
- D.C. Fault Protection: Yes
- Output Short Protection: Yes
- Mains Input Voltage: 100-240 volts, selectable
- Fuses: 4A for 230V operation, 8A for 120V operation
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 25.6 x 18.9 x 5.7 in.
- Metric Dimensions (W x H x D): 650 x 480 x 144 mm
- Additional Depth for On-Wall Bracket: Add 1.5 in. (39 mm)
- Net Weight: 44.6 lbs. (20.25 kg)
- Mains Lead: Yes, 90-degree to permit on-wall mounting
- Neutrik Speakon: Yes, 1.5 m cable intended for use with Airship Direct transmitter
- Interconnect / Supplied Accessories: Power adapter, HIGH-LEVEL cable, X2 RCA cable
- User Manual: Yes
- What's in the Box:
- Planar PL-2 subwoofer
- Cloth grille
- Airship Direct wireless system with receiver unit pre-installed on subwoofer
- Right-angle power cord and control panel cover
- Wall mounting template, brackets, and hardware to mount Planar to the wall
- User manual and warranty information
- Setup Options:
- Single subwoofer
- Stereo pair
- Optional Accessory: Planar Cart
REL Planar PL-2 Q&A:
- How does the Planar PL-2 differ from the Planar PL-1?
- The Planar PL-2 is designed for larger rooms and more demanding systems, offering greater output, deeper bass extension, and a larger sense of scale while maintaining the speed, control, and musicality REL is known for.
- What is REL’s VIMAR system and why does it matter?
- VIMAR stands for Vibration Isolation Material and Resonance Control. It is built into the mounting brackets to reduce unwanted energy transfer into the wall, helping preserve bass speed, balance, and overall low-frequency control.
- What driver does the Planar PL-2 use?
- The PL-2 uses a newly developed 8-inch FlatPiston active driver engineered for high output and control from an ultra-thin cabinet, delivering bass that feels powerful, precise, and composed.
- Why does the Planar PL-2 use wall integration?
- The PL-2 uses the wall as part of its acoustic system. By firing the passive radiator toward the wall behind it, it reinforces low frequencies and creates a larger, fuller, more immersive bass presentation.
- What room sizes is the Planar PL-2 best suited for?
- The PL-2 is best suited for medium to large rooms, open-plan spaces, and systems that need more bass scale and output without using a traditional large subwoofer cabinet.
- Can the Planar PL-2 be used in a home theater system?
- Yes. The PL-2 works very well in both music and home theater setups, and its flexible placement options make it especially useful for distributed bass and immersive multi-subwoofer systems.
- Does the Planar PL-2 support wireless operation?
- Yes. It includes built-in Airship Direct wireless technology for cleaner installation, easier placement, and strong performance without visible signal cable runs.
- Can the Planar PL-2 be integrated with other REL subwoofers?
- Yes. The PL-2 can be integrated with other REL models in compatible setups. For stereo applications, matching PL-2 units are required, while multiple units can improve room coverage, bass consistency, and immersion.
