Meet the REL T/9x SE
The REL T/9x SE is a special edition refinement of REL's popular T/x line, a filter-less sub-bass system engineered to disappear into your music and come alive for film. It pairs a 10 inch (250mm) long-throw forward-firing active driver with a 10 inch (250mm) down-firing passive radiator, driven by a 300 watt Class A/B amplifier. That combination gives you genuine low frequency extension down to 27 Hz at -6 dB, delivered with the speed and tunefulness REL is known for rather than a bloated, one-note thud.
How a REL Integrates With Your System
The High Level connection for music
REL's signature is the High Level connection, a Neutrik Speakon cable taken directly from your power amplifier's speaker terminals. The sub receives the very same amplified signal your main speakers see, so it inherits their tonal character, timing and voicing. This is the reason a properly set up REL blends so seamlessly for two channel listening. Instead of sitting apart as an obvious source of bass, the T/9x SE extends what your speakers already do, adding weight, air and a larger sense of the recording space.
The LFE and Low Level inputs for home theater
For movies, the T/9x SE also offers a dedicated .1/LFE input via RCA, so your AV receiver or processor can send it the low frequency effects channel directly with bass management doing the crossover work. A standard Low Level RCA line input is provided as well. Many owners run both connections and switch as their listening calls for it, enjoying High Level integration for records and streaming and the LFE feed for cinema nights.
Dialing it in
Setup is handled with continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls. The forward-firing active driver and down-firing passive radiator help the T/9x SE load a room evenly, and a little patience with placement, typically starting in a corner and adjusting phase and crossover to taste, rewards you with taut, articulate bass that feels part of the music rather than added to it.
Performance Character
The T/x series is voiced to be fast and musical, and the SE treatment sharpens that further with refined finish and tuning. Expect nimble, tuneful low end that follows a bass line rather than smearing it, along with the pressurization and slam a well designed passive radiator provides for effects. Its 300 watt Class A/B amplifier keeps things composed and dynamic in small to medium rooms, and the high gloss lacquer cabinet is compact at roughly 372 x 313 x 393 mm, so it fits comfortably alongside real world speaker systems.
Where It Sits in the REL Range
Within the T/x family the T/9x SE is the range topping expression, offering the most driver area and lowest extension of the line. If your room is smaller or your speakers are more modest, the REL T/5x and REL T/7x step down in output and cabinet size while keeping the same musical DNA. The standard REL T/9x shares the platform, with the SE distinguished by its refined finish and tuning. Stepping up the ladder into REL's S, Classic, Reference and dedicated HT ranges brings greater output, lower extension or added refinement depending on your goals, so the T/9x SE is an ideal choice when you want serious musical integration in a form factor that stays right sized for the room.
Ideal System and Use Case
The T/9x SE is at its best reinforcing high quality bookshelf and compact loudspeakers, where it fills in the bottom octaves those cabinets cannot reach on their own. It is equally happy in a two channel music rig or a tidy home theater. Consider it alongside the KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speakers or the LEAK Sandwich 150 Bookshelf Loudspeakers, both of which love a REL beneath them to open up their sense of scale.
Amplifier pairings
The High Level connection works from your power amplifier's speaker terminals, so an integrated such as the Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated Amplifier makes a natural music partner. For home theater duty running the LFE input, the Yamaha RX-A4A AV receiver handles bass management neatly. If you prefer an all in one active approach, the Cambridge Audio L/R M active streaming speakers can be augmented by a REL as well.
Completing the Hookup
Every REL ships with its High Level Speakon cable, so you can integrate for music out of the box. If you want to avoid a wired run to the sub, the T/9x SE is compatible with REL's optional wireless systems, the REL Arrow and AirShip II. A wireless module makes no sound on its own; it simply transmits the signal to the matched sub, so confirm compatibility before ordering. The REL HT-Air MKII is another REL wireless option in the family to ask us about.
For the LFE run in a theater setup, the REL Commander is REL's own dedicated LFE cable. If you prefer to explore other quality subwoofer cabling, AEA also carries the AudioQuest range, including the AudioQuest Boxer, AudioQuest Greyhound, AudioQuest Irish Red, and the Husky in both RCA and XLR versions. These differ by construction and system preference, so we are happy to help you choose the right one for your connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the REL T/9x SE?
The REL T/9x SE is a special edition refinement of REL's popular T/x line, a filter-less sub-bass system engineered to disappear into your music and come alive for film. It pairs a 10 inch (250mm) long-throw forward-firing active driver with a 10 inch (250mm) down-firing passive radiator, driven by a 300 watt Class A/B amplifier.
Where does the REL T/9x SE sit in the range?
Within the T/x family the T/9x SE is the range topping expression, offering the most driver area and lowest extension of the line. If your room is smaller or your speakers are more modest, the REL T/5x and REL T/7x step down in output and cabinet size while keeping the same musical DNA. The standard REL T/9x shares the platform, with the SE distinguished by its refined finish and tuning.
Who is the REL T/9x SE best suited to?
The T/9x SE is at its best reinforcing high quality bookshelf and compact loudspeakers, where it fills in the bottom octaves those cabinets cannot reach on their own. It is equally happy in a two channel music rig or a tidy home theater. Consider it alongside the KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speakers or the LEAK Sandwich 150 Bookshelf Loudspeakers , both of which love a REL beneath them to open up their sense of scale.
What amplifier should I use with the REL T/9x SE?
The High Level connection works from your power amplifier's speaker terminals, so an integrated such as the Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated Amplifier makes a natural music partner. For home theater duty running the LFE input, the Yamaha RX-A4A AV receiver handles bass management neatly. If you prefer an all in one active approach, the Cambridge Audio L/R M active streaming speakers can be augmented by a REL as well.
What connections does the REL T/9x SE have?
Every REL ships with its High Level Speakon cable, so you can integrate for music out of the box. If you want to avoid a wired run to the sub, the T/9x SE is compatible with REL's optional wireless systems, the REL Arrow and AirShip II. A wireless module makes no sound on its own; it simply transmits the signal to the matched sub, so confirm compatibility before ordering. The REL HT-Air MKII is another REL wireless option in the family to ask us about.
Come Listen at AEA
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 reach out and we will arrange a listen or help match the T/9x SE to your speakers and room.