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REL Classic 99 Sub

I am seeking opinion from those who have stepped up from REL S or T series subs to Classic 99 subwoofer. Did you hear an improvement or was it a step backwards?

I currently own a pair of REL Carbon Limited’s which are rated at 500W. The only negative thing about CL’s is the black piano finish. I do not care for piano black finish. A pair of Classic 99’s in my dedicated acoustically treated room would replace the CL’s. The room dimensions are ~ 15’ D x 30’ W x 8’ H.

There is something about Classic 99 understated vintage vibe. I am naturally drawn to high quality wood finishes. it’s like a fine furniture that is timeless and last you a lifetime …thinking about retirement and end game system.

I am not interested in any other brand recommendations or REL vs other brands including DIY for cheap debates. To my ears, REL’s offers the most accurate bass extension and easy integration with main speakers.

https://rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/classic/classic-99/

lalitk
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,836 posts
 

@kmmd 

I really appreciate you for sharing your journey up the REL line—that’s quite the progression! I can only imagine what a pair of No.31’s must sound like, especially if they still feel powerful even turned down. Ever since Classic 99’s came out, I’ve been curious to see how the 99’s performs in my room. That said, your point about the Carbon’s carbon fiber driver really resonates with me—it’s exactly what led me to purchase them in the first place.

I’ve found the Carbons can be a bit overwhelming on certain material. What I’m hoping for with the 99’s is more of that steady texture, tone, coherence and depth that just works across the board. We’ll find out soon enough 🙂

 

kmmd's avatar
kmmd
81 posts
 

@lalitk 

 

I can understand the reasoning for trying the 99’s and the wood finish.  Piano black is a pain to maintain. I hand polish my subs with automotive and piano polishes.

Yes, certain material is overwhelming with my 31’s also.  However I like that there is a digital setup with these subs, and they can be adjusted in 1Hz increments by remote. Negative levels actually produce a lot of output from the 31 and much more than I anticipated.  The reference subs have a parametric equalizer that I’ll play around with soon.  

Luckily my dealer informed me of the price increase late July.  I ordered then, and the second came from TMR.  The Upscale Audio email I received this morning revealed a 20% increase for the 31 while the rest is 10%.
 

Hope it all goes well in your setup.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,836 posts
 

Update: After some listening with a single Classic 99 (awaiting delivery of the second next week), it’s evident the 99 is purpose-built for 2-channel music enthusiasts. In direct comparison to the Carbon Limited, the 99 conveyed faster transient response and greater articulation in the low end. It conveyed bass detail and nuance without masking or overwhelming the finer musical information.

Albums /tracks used in my comparison, 

the bassface swing trio, duende (live), fausto mesolella (live in alcatraz), diana krall (when I look in your eyes), tron (legacy), the dark night (why so serious?), Bach Starker (suites for unaccompanied cello), Stevie Ray Vaughn (tin pan alley) 

As far as placement, tried Classic 99 on carpet, but bass felt a bit soft. Placed it on a 2” Apple-Ply shelf from my Core Audio rack—huge improvement. Bass is punchier, cleaner, and integrates way better with the mains. This means, a solid wood spiked platform in walnut finish would complement and complete the finished look :-)

Pics posted in my virtual system - https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

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