REL Planar Series Subwoofers: PL-1 vs PL-2 Buying Guide

The REL Planar Series at a Glance

REL Acoustics is a British specialist that builds sub-bass systems engineered to integrate with full-range speakers, for two channel music as well as home theater. The Planar series brings that philosophy to a focused pair of active powered subwoofers, the REL Planar PL-1 and the REL Planar PL-2. Both are designed to be flexible, easy to place, and faithful to the REL approach of blending seamlessly with your main speakers rather than calling attention to themselves.

Specifications compared

The Shared REL Design in This Range

What ties the Planar models together is REL's signature connectivity and control set. Both the PL-1 and PL-2 offer the High Level Speakon connection, a Neutrik cable taken from your power amplifier's speaker terminals so the subwoofer receives the same amplified signal and tonal character as your main speakers. This is the heart of REL's reputation for musical integration, because the sub effectively hears exactly what your speakers hear.

Both models also provide a low level RCA input for line level sources and a dedicated .1/LFE input for home theater bass management, so a single sub can serve double duty in a system that plays both music and movies. Each carries an on board dedicated amplifier and continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls, which give you the adjustment range to dial in a smooth handoff to your speakers in your specific room. Both are also compatible with REL's optional wireless systems, so if a wired run across the room is impractical you can transmit the signal instead. Remember that a wireless transmitter makes no sound on its own and must be matched to a compatible subwoofer, so confirm the pairing before you buy.

Comparing the Two Models

REL Planar PL-1

The REL Planar PL-1 is the more compact entry into the series. With High Level Speakon, low level RCA, and .1/LFE inputs, plus continuously variable crossover, gain and phase, it delivers the full REL connectivity story in an easy to place package. It suits smaller and medium rooms and pairs naturally with compact monitors and slim floorstanders where the goal is to extend the low end with speed and articulation rather than to overwhelm the space.

REL Planar PL-2

The REL Planar PL-2 steps up within the same Planar family. It shares the identical input options, the same continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls, and the same wireless compatibility, but its forward firing driver orientation and high gloss finish position it as the larger and more capable sibling. Moving up the ladder within a REL range like this generally brings more output and the ability to fill a larger room with authority while retaining the family's musical character. If you have a bigger listening space or larger floorstanders, the PL-2 gives you more headroom to work with.

Which Should You Buy by Scenario

You listen mostly to two channel music

Both Planar models are built for music first, thanks to the High Level connection that keeps the sub tonally matched to your speakers. If you have bookshelf speakers or compact floorstanders in a small to medium room, the PL-1 is a natural fit. If your speakers are larger or your room is more generous, the PL-2 offers the additional output to keep pace.

You have a small or medium room

The PL-1 is the easier match for tighter spaces, where its compact footprint and speed integrate cleanly without overloading the room.

You have a larger room or bigger speakers

Choose the PL-2 for the extra headroom and scale. Its greater output helps a large room feel effortless.

You run a combined music and home theater system

Either model works, because both include the .1/LFE input for movie bass management alongside the High Level connection for music. Match the model to your room size and main speakers, and let the crossover, gain and phase controls fine tune the blend for both duties.

You want even more output later

Two or more RELs can be stacked in a line array for greater output and a larger soundstage. Starting with a single Planar and adding a second matching unit down the road is a well established path to more scale, so consider your long term plan when you choose.

Come Listen in Timonium

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 us to arrange a listen or to help match a REL Planar subwoofer to your speakers and room. We are happy to talk through your system and make sure you land on the right model and the right connection for how you listen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which should I choose if I listen mostly to two channel music?
Both Planar models are built for music first, thanks to the High Level connection that keeps the sub tonally matched to your speakers. If you have bookshelf speakers or compact floorstanders in a small to medium room, the PL-1 is a natural fit. If your speakers are larger or your room is more generous, the PL-2 offers the additional output to keep pace.

Which should I choose if I have a small or medium room?
The PL-1 is the easier match for tighter spaces, where its compact footprint and speed integrate cleanly without overloading the room.

Which should I choose if I have a larger room or bigger speakers?
Choose the PL-2 for the extra headroom and scale. Its greater output helps a large room feel effortless.

Which should I choose if I run a combined music and home theater system?
Either model works, because both include the .1/LFE input for movie bass management alongside the High Level connection for music. Match the model to your room size and main speakers, and let the crossover, gain and phase controls fine tune the blend for both duties.

Which should I choose if I want even more output later?
Two or more RELs can be stacked in a line array for greater output and a larger soundstage. Starting with a single Planar and adding a second matching unit down the road is a well established path to more scale, so consider your long term plan when you choose.