Meet the REL Classic 99
The REL Classic 99 is a vintage inspired sub-bass system that carries REL's music first philosophy into a warmly styled cabinet. Finished in vintage inspired walnut and voiced to disappear beneath your main speakers, it pairs a forward-firing 12 inch active driver with an efficient Class D amplifier. The result is a subwoofer that feels equally at home reinforcing a two channel system for music and adding weight and scale to films.
What sets the Classic series apart from REL's more contemporary designs is the character of the presentation. This is a subwoofer engineered to sound organic and tuneful, honoring the retro aesthetic while delivering the tight, agile low end that REL is known for. The Classic 99 can run in either a closed or reflex configuration, giving you flexibility to tune output and extension to your room.
The REL Design and Technology
The High Level connection for music
REL's signature approach to music integration is the High Level connection using a Neutrik Speakon cable taken directly from your power amplifier's speaker terminals. Because the Classic 99 receives the same amplified signal that feeds your main speakers, it inherits their tonal character and timing. Rather than sounding like a separate box adding bass, it extends the foundation of your existing speakers so the whole system sounds bigger, deeper, and more effortless.
The Classic 99 also offers a low-level RCA input and a dedicated .1/LFE input, so you can choose the connection that best suits your setup. Many owners use the High Level connection for stereo listening and the LFE input for home theater, and the Classic 99 accommodates both.
Driver and output character
The 12 inch forward-firing driver moves plenty of air while retaining the speed that makes bass feel natural rather than boomy. The Class D amplifier provides the control and headroom to start and stop the driver crisply, which is essential for the articulate, musical bass REL prizes. Continuously variable crossover, gain, and phase controls let you dial the Classic 99 into your speakers and room with precision, blending the transition so the sub is felt more than heard.
Room and Speaker Matching
The Classic 99 suits a wide range of small to medium rooms, and its choice of sealed or ported operation lets you adapt to the space. In a smaller room a sealed configuration often yields the tightest, most controlled result, while a reflex setup can add reach and output in larger spaces.
On the speaker side, the High Level connection makes the Classic 99 an excellent partner for integrated amplifiers and traditional speaker setups. Pair it with the LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier or the Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier and take the High Level feed straight from the amplifier's speaker terminals. For the speaker connection itself, quality cable such as the Audioquest Rocket 88 BiWire keeps the signal path clean, and if you are pursuing the last measure of resolution the Audioquest Brave Heart is a superb choice for the main speaker run.
If your system is built around a self powered speaker like the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB, reach out to AEA and we can advise on the ideal connection method for your particular configuration.
Completing the Hookup: Wireless and Cabling
The Classic 99 supports REL's optional wireless systems, which can free you from running a long cable across the room. The REL HT-Air MKII and the REL Arrow transmit the signal to a compatible subwoofer without a wired run. Keep in mind that a wireless transmitter makes no sound on its own; it serves a specific compatible sub, so confirm the match with us before ordering.
For a home theater LFE connection, the REL Commander LFE cable completes the tidy hookup from your processor or receiver. If you prefer to explore other cabling options for the LFE run, AEA also carries a range of subwoofer cables including the Audioquest Husky (RCA), the Audioquest Husky (XLR), the Audioquest Boxer, the Audioquest Irish Red, and the Audioquest Greyhound. These differ in construction and character, so the right one depends on your system and personal preference.
Where It Sits in the REL Range
The Classic 99 lives in REL's Classic series, a range voiced for music and dressed in retro inspired styling. Within the series the closely related REL Classic 98 offers an alternative for those matching the sub to a different room size or system scale. If you are weighing the two, the choice comes down to the output and extension your space calls for, and we are happy to walk you through it.
Should you require greater output for a larger room or a bigger soundstage, remember that two RELs can be stacked in a line array. This is a hallmark of the REL approach and lets you scale the system over time rather than replacing it.
Ideal System and Use Case
The Classic 99 is a natural fit for the music lover who also enjoys movies and wants a single subwoofer that honors both. Its vintage inspired walnut cabinet looks at home in a living room or a dedicated listening space, and its dual talents mean it integrates seamlessly with stereo systems via High Level while still delivering satisfying LFE slam through the .1 input for film nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the REL Classic 99?
The REL Classic 99 is a vintage inspired sub-bass system that carries REL's music first philosophy into a warmly styled cabinet. Finished in vintage inspired walnut and voiced to disappear beneath your main speakers, it pairs a forward-firing 12 inch active driver with an efficient Class D amplifier. The result is a subwoofer that feels equally at home reinforcing a two channel system for music and adding weight and scale to films.
What cables and connections does the REL Classic 99 need?
The Classic 99 supports REL's optional wireless systems, which can free you from running a long cable across the room. The REL HT-Air MKII and the REL Arrow transmit the signal to a compatible subwoofer without a wired run. Keep in mind that a wireless transmitter makes no sound on its own; it serves a specific compatible sub, so confirm the match with us before ordering.
Where does the REL Classic 99 sit in the range?
The Classic 99 lives in REL's Classic series, a range voiced for music and dressed in retro inspired styling. Within the series the closely related REL Classic 98 offers an alternative for those matching the sub to a different room size or system scale. If you are weighing the two, the choice comes down to the output and extension your space calls for, and we are happy to walk you through it.
Who is the REL Classic 99 best suited to?
The Classic 99 is a natural fit for the music lover who also enjoys movies and wants a single subwoofer that honors both. Its vintage inspired walnut cabinet looks at home in a living room or a dedicated listening space, and its dual talents mean it integrates seamlessly with stereo systems via High Level while still delivering satisfying LFE slam through the .1 input for film nights.
Arrange a Listen
AEA is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so we invite you to contact AEA to arrange a listen or to help match the Classic 99 to your speakers and room. We are glad to help you build a system that sings.