REL Classic 98: Retro Looks, Serious Musical Intent
The REL Classic 98 sits within REL Acoustics' Classic series, a range that deliberately nods to the warm, furniture-grade aesthetics of a bygone hi-fi era while delivering thoroughly modern sub-bass performance. If you have ever wanted a subwoofer that disappears into a tasteful listening room rather than shouting for attention, the Classic 98 was designed with exactly that sensibility in mind.
Built around a 10 inch (250 mm) forward-firing active driver paired with a down-firing passive radiator, and driven by a Class A/B amplifier, the Classic 98 is voiced first and foremost for music. That passive radiator arrangement lets the cabinet move a satisfying amount of air with a natural, tuneful character, which is exactly the balance the Classic line is chasing.
How the Classic 98 Integrates With Your System
The High Level connection for music
REL's signature approach is the High Level connection, a Neutrik Speakon cable run from your power amplifier's speaker terminals. Instead of tapping a separate line signal, the subwoofer receives the very same amplified signal your main speakers do, carrying the tonal fingerprint of your amplifier. This is why RELs are famous for blending so seamlessly with the main speakers on two-channel music. The Classic 98 includes this High Level Speakon input, so it can follow the timing and character of your amplifier rather than sounding like a separate box in the corner.
Low Level and .1/LFE for home theater
The Classic 98 also offers a low-level RCA input and a dedicated .1/LFE input. When you fold it into a home theater setup, the LFE input lets your processor or receiver handle bass management directly, delivering the low-frequency effects channel with authority. This dual personality, musical High Level plus a proper LFE path, means one subwoofer can serve both your record listening and your movie nights.
Dialing it in
Setup is refreshingly hands-on. Continuously variable crossover, gain, and phase controls let you tune the Classic 98 to your specific speakers and room. The crossover blends the sub with your mains, gain sets the overall level, and phase aligns the arrival of the bass so it reinforces rather than smears the midbass. Patience here pays off, and the reward is bass that feels like it is coming from your main speakers rather than a discrete subwoofer.
Performance Character
The Classic 98 leans toward musicality and finesse over sheer brute slam. The 10 inch driver combined with the down-firing passive radiator gives it a full, room-filling foundation with a relaxed, natural voicing that suits vinyl, jazz, acoustic, and full-scale orchestral material beautifully. It has plenty of output for real-world rooms, and its retro cabinet finish means it earns its place visually as well as sonically.
Where It Sits in the REL Range
Within the Classic series, the Classic 98 is the more compact expression of the family. If your room is larger or you want more output and lower extension while keeping that same vintage character, the REL Classic 99 steps up with a larger platform. Both share the Classic design language and music-first voicing, so the choice comes down to room size, desired output, and how much low-end reach you are after. For most small to medium rooms and for listeners who prize integration and style, the Classic 98 is a natural fit.
Ideal System and Use Case
The Classic 98 shines when reinforcing a musical, character-rich pair of speakers. It pairs gracefully with compact monitors like the Mission 750 Bookshelf Loudspeakers, extending their bottom end without disturbing their lovely midrange. Driven from an integrated amplifier such as the LEAK Stereo 130 or a network receiver like the Yamaha R-N800A, the High Level connection lets the Classic 98 inherit that same warm, engaging voice. For a bigger floorstanding setup, wiring your speakers with a cable like the Audioquest Rocket 44 BiWire keeps the whole signal path clean and coherent.
Even a self-powered system can benefit. If you are running powered speakers like the Klipsch The Fives II, the Classic 98's line-level and LFE inputs let you add a proper low-frequency foundation.
Completing the Hookup: Wireless and Cabling
The Classic 98 is compatible with the REL AirShip II wireless system, which is ideal when running a wired Speakon across the room is impractical. If you prefer other REL wireless options within the ecosystem, the REL HT-Air MKII and the REL Arrow are worth discussing, but always confirm the specific match to your subwoofer, since a wireless transmitter makes no sound on its own and must be paired with the compatible sub.
For a wired LFE run, the REL Commander is a purpose-built option. If you want to explore alternative subwoofer cable choices for your LFE or line-level connection, AEA also carries the Audioquest Husky (RCA), the Audioquest Husky (XLR), the Audioquest Boxer, the Audioquest Greyhound, and the Audioquest Irish Red. Each represents a different level of build and design goal, so the right one depends on your priorities and system. The REL cables are engineered specifically around REL connections, while the Audioquest options give you flexibility for line and LFE runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the REL Classic 98 sit in the range?
Within the Classic series, the Classic 98 is the more compact expression of the family. If your room is larger or you want more output and lower extension while keeping that same vintage character, the REL Classic 99 steps up with a larger platform. Both share the Classic design language and music-first voicing, so the choice comes down to room size, desired output, and how much low-end reach you are after.
Who is the REL Classic 98 best suited to?
The Classic 98 shines when reinforcing a musical, character-rich pair of speakers. It pairs gracefully with compact monitors like the Mission 750 Bookshelf Loudspeakers , extending their bottom end without disturbing their lovely midrange. Driven from an integrated amplifier such as the LEAK Stereo 130 or a network receiver like the Yamaha R-N800A , the High Level connection lets the Classic 98 inherit that same warm, engaging voice.
What cables and connections does the REL Classic 98 need?
The Classic 98 is compatible with the REL AirShip II wireless system, which is ideal when running a wired Speakon across the room is impractical. If you prefer other REL wireless options within the ecosystem, the REL HT-Air MKII and the REL Arrow are worth discussing, but always confirm the specific match to your subwoofer, since a wireless transmitter makes no sound on its own and must be paired with the compatible sub.
Let AEA Help You Match It
All Elite Audio is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so please reach out to arrange a listen or to let us help match the Classic 98 to your speakers, amplifier, and room. We are happy to walk you through the High Level connection, wireless options, and cabling so your new subwoofer integrates exactly the way REL intended.