REL Acoustics Classic 98

Overview

The REL Acoustics Classic 98 is a vintage inspired active subwoofer built around a 10 inch driver and REL's music first design philosophy. Part of the Classic line, it revives the warm aesthetics and mid century cabinet styling of REL's heritage while delivering modern engineering underneath. The signature feature remains REL's high-level Speakon connection, which takes signal directly from your main amplifier's speaker terminals so the subwoofer follows the exact tonal character and timing of your amplifier. The result is bass that integrates seamlessly with your main speakers rather than sounding like a separate box.

Engineering highlights include a down-firing inverted cone active driver, along with on-board amplification and continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls for precise room integration. Alongside the high-level Speakon input, the Classic 98 offers a low-level RCA input and a dedicated .1/LFE input for home theater duty, so a single subwoofer serves both stereo music and movie systems. REL wireless options such as AirShip II allow a clean, cable-free connection when placement demands it.

The Classic 98 is for the listener who wants authentic musical bass, tactile foundation and the charm of a vintage inspired cabinet. It suits small to medium rooms and pairs naturally with bookshelf and compact floorstanding speakers, filling in the octaves below them. Like all REL subs, it can be run in stereo pairs or stacked for even greater scale and pressurization.

Key Features

• Vintage inspired Classic line cabinet with heritage styling
• 10 inch down-firing inverted cone active driver for musical, articulate bass
• Sealed cabinet tuned for musical, articulate low frequency output
• REL high-level Speakon connection follows the character and timing of your main amplifier
• Dedicated .1/LFE input for seamless home theater integration
• Continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls for precise room setup
• Low-level RCA input for flexible connection options
• Compatible with REL wireless systems such as AirShip II
• Can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for greater scale

How the Classic 98 Compares

REL Classic 98 vs REL Classic 99

The Classic 99 sits one step up in the vintage inspired Classic line with a larger 12 inch driver for greater output and deeper extension. The Classic 98 keeps the same music first Speakon philosophy and heritage styling in a more compact 10 inch package suited to smaller rooms. Choose the 99 if you want more scale and low-end authority; choose the 98 for tighter spaces and nimble, agile bass. See the REL Classic 99.

REL Classic 98 vs REL T/9x

The T/9x is REL's music focused mid range 10 inch subwoofer with modern styling and a filter set tuned for that line. The Classic 98 shares the same 10 inch class and high-level connection but wraps it in a vintage inspired cabinet with a heritage character. Pick based on the aesthetic and voicing you prefer, as both are designed to integrate with music first. See the REL T/9x.

REL Classic 98 vs REL HT/1003 MKII

The HT/1003 MKII is optimized for home theater, prioritizing raw LFE impact and effects driven output. The Classic 98 is voiced for music first integration through the high-level Speakon connection while still offering a .1/LFE input for movies. Choose the HT model for a dedicated theater room and the Classic 98 for a two channel system that also plays films. See the REL HT/1003 MKII.

Recommended System Pairings

A subwoofer augments an existing system, so these picks pair main speakers, an amplifier and REL connection accessories that let the Classic 98 blend seamlessly.

• Mission 700 Loudspeakers These compact standmounts have a warm, musical character that pairs naturally with the Classic 98, which fills in the low octaves below them for a full-range presentation.
• LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier The Classic 98's high-level Speakon takes signal from the amplifier's speaker terminals, so a characterful integrated like the Stereo 230 defines the tonal signature the sub follows.
• KLH Model Three The vintage inspired KLH Model Three shares an aesthetic and tonal warmth with the Classic 98, and the sub adds foundation and weight beneath them in medium rooms.
• REL AirShip II Wireless AirShip II provides a clean, cable-free connection when placement is awkward, keeping the Classic 98 flexible without long runs of wire across the room.
• REL Bassline Blue High Level Cable Upgrading the high-level Speakon cable to Bassline Blue improves the wired connection that carries your amplifier's character to the sub for the tightest integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the REL Classic 98?
It is a vintage inspired active subwoofer with a 10 inch driver from REL's Classic line, designed for music first integration using REL's high-level Speakon connection.

What size is the driver?
The Classic 98 uses a 10 inch down-firing inverted cone active driver.

What is REL's high-level connection?
It is a Speakon cable taken from your main amplifier's speaker terminals, so the subwoofer follows the exact character and timing of your amplifier and blends for music first.

Can I use the Classic 98 for home theater?
Yes. It has a dedicated .1/LFE input for movies, so a single subwoofer can serve both stereo music and home theater duties.

Does it support wireless connection?
Yes, the Classic 98 is compatible with REL wireless systems such as AirShip II for a clean, cable-free connection.

What inputs does it have?
It offers a high-level Speakon input, a low-level RCA input and a .1/LFE input.

What controls are on the subwoofer?
It has continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls for precise room integration.

Can I run two Classic 98 subs together?
Yes. Like all REL subs, they can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for greater scale and even pressurization.

What amplifier class does it use?
The Classic 98 uses on-board Class D amplification.

What speakers pair well with it?
It complements bookshelf and compact floorstanding speakers such as the Mission 700 or KLH Model Three, filling in the low octaves below them.

How does it compare to the Classic 99?
The Classic 99 steps up to a 12 inch driver for more output and deeper extension, while the Classic 98 offers the same music first design in a more compact 10 inch form for smaller rooms.

How does it differ from the T/9x?
Both are 10 inch music focused subs with high-level connection, but the T/9x has modern styling while the Classic 98 features a vintage inspired cabinet and heritage character.

Is the Classic 98 good for small rooms?
Yes. Its 10 inch driver and compact vintage inspired cabinet make it well suited to small and medium rooms.

Do I still need speaker cable if I use the high-level connection?
The high-level connection uses a dedicated Speakon cable from your amplifier's speaker terminals, and upgrading to a cable like the REL Bassline Blue can improve integration.

Can I use it with an integrated amplifier?
Yes. The high-level Speakon connects to the speaker terminals of an integrated amplifier such as the LEAK Stereo 230, and the sub follows its tonal character.

Does the Classic 98 come with a connection cable?
Yes, a high-level Speakon connection cable is included in the box along with a power cable.

How do I set the crossover?
Use the continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls to blend the sub with your main speakers, adjusting until the bass integrates seamlessly.

What is the warranty?
The Classic 98 is covered by REL Acoustics for 3 years parts and labor for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized REL dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer, so your purchase includes full manufacturer support and warranty coverage.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
As an authorized REL Acoustics dealer in MD, All Elite Audio offers genuine products with full warranty, expert setup guidance and knowledgeable support to help you integrate the Classic 98 into your system.