REL Acoustics HT/1003 MKII

Overview

The REL Acoustics HT/1003 MKII is a 10 inch active subwoofer from REL's HT line, a range engineered specifically to deliver the impact, depth and speed that modern movie soundtracks demand. Where REL's music focused ranges chase seamless integration first, the HT line is optimized to reproduce the low frequency effects channel with authority, giving explosions, rumble and cinematic scale genuine physical weight in the room.

At its heart is a 10 inch long throw driver paired with high output Class D amplification, tuned to move air quickly and recover cleanly for tight, articulate bass. The HT/1003 MKII carries the familiar REL connection philosophy while being built around home theater use: a dedicated .1/LFE input lets it slot directly into an AV receiver or processor's subwoofer output, with continuously variable level and crossover so you can dial it in precisely to your room and mains. REL wireless is supported for a clean, cable free connection when running lines across a room is impractical.

This subwoofer is ideal for the enthusiast building a home theater who wants convincing cinematic bass without an oversized cabinet, and for those who may later add a second unit. REL subs are frequently run in stereo pairs or stacked to raise output, extend usable low frequency headroom and smooth in room response.

Key Features

• 10 inch long throw driver engineered for fast, deep home theater bass
• High output Class D amplification for effortless dynamic peaks
• Dedicated .1/LFE input for direct connection to an AV receiver or processor
• High level Speakon connection so the sub can also follow the main amplifier for music
• Continuously variable crossover, level and phase controls for precise room tuning
• Compatible with REL HT-Air MKII wireless for a cable free installation
• Can be run in stereo pairs or stacked to increase output and smoothness
• Compact, room friendly cabinet with a clean, understated finish

How the HT/1003 Compares

REL HT/1003 vs REL HT/1205 MKII

The HT/1205 MKII sits a step up in the HT line with a larger 12 inch driver and more amplifier power, aimed at bigger rooms and higher sustained output. The HT/1003 MKII delivers the same cinema first tuning in a more compact 10 inch cabinet that suits medium rooms and tighter placements. Choose the larger model when you want maximum scale, or the HT/1003 MKII when room size and footprint favor a smaller enclosure. See the REL HT/1205 MKII.

REL HT/1003 vs REL T/9x

The T/9x is a 10 inch subwoofer from REL's music focused T/x line, voiced above all for seamless blending with the main speakers and the timing of a two channel system. The HT/1003 MKII shares a similar driver size but is tuned for the impact and depth of the LFE channel in home theater. Pick the T/9x if music is your priority, or the HT/1003 MKII if movie bass drives the decision. See the REL T/9x.

REL HT/1003 vs REL Classic 98

The Classic 98 is a 10 inch subwoofer from REL's vintage inspired Classic line, combining retro styling with a warm, musical character. The HT/1003 MKII trades that heritage aesthetic for a purpose built home theater voicing focused on cinematic slam. Consider the Classic 98 for a music room with period style, and the HT/1003 MKII for a dedicated theater setup. See the REL Classic 98.

Recommended System Pairings

A subwoofer completes an existing system, so these picks pair the HT/1003 MKII with capable mains, amplification and REL's own connection and wireless options.

• Gauder Akustik Arcona 40 These refined floorstanders provide clean, detailed mains that the HT/1003 MKII can support below, filling in cinematic weight without muddying the midrange.
• MoFi SourcePoint 8 Center Channel A dedicated center anchors dialogue in a home theater, and the HT/1003 MKII handles the low frequency effects that a center is not designed to reproduce.
• Audiolab 6000A MKII This integrated amplifier drives the main speakers cleanly and provides the speaker terminals REL taps for its high level connection when you run the sub for music as well as movies.
• REL HT-Air MKII Wireless The HT-Air MKII gives the HT/1003 MKII a clean, cable free connection to your processor, ideal when the sub sits across the room from the rack.
• REL Commander .1/LFE Cable A dedicated .1/LFE cable makes a direct, low noise connection from your AV receiver's subwoofer output to the HT/1003 MKII for home theater duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the REL HT/1003 MKII designed for home theater or music?
It is part of REL's HT line, voiced primarily for home theater impact and low frequency effects. It also carries a high level Speakon input, so it can serve double duty in a music system when connected to the main amplifier.

What size driver does the HT/1003 MKII use?
It uses a 10 inch long throw active driver engineered for fast, deep bass with clean recovery.

How much amplifier power does it have?
It is powered by a high output Class D amplifier rated at approximately 300 watts, giving it strong dynamic headroom for cinematic peaks.

How do I connect it to my AV receiver?
Use the dedicated .1/LFE input connected to your receiver or processor's subwoofer output. A REL Commander or Commodore .1/LFE cable is ideal for this connection.

Can I connect it using REL's high level connection?
Yes. The HT/1003 MKII includes a high level Speakon input that taps the main amplifier's speaker terminals so the sub follows the character and timing of the mains for music.

Does the HT/1003 MKII support wireless connection?
Yes, it is compatible with the REL HT-Air MKII wireless system for a clean, cable free connection across the room.

What controls are on the subwoofer?
It offers continuously variable crossover, level (gain) and phase controls so you can precisely match the sub to your room and main speakers.

Can I use two of these in one system?
Yes. REL subwoofers are frequently run in stereo pairs or stacked to increase output, extend usable low frequency headroom and smooth in room response.

What is the low frequency extension of this subwoofer?
It extends to approximately 26 Hz at minus 6 dB in a typical room, delivering the deep bass needed for movie soundtracks.

How large is the HT/1003 MKII?
It has a compact cabinet measuring roughly 14.9 by 13.2 by 15.5 inches, making it easy to place in medium sized rooms.

What finish is available?
It is offered in a clean high gloss black finish that blends discreetly into a home theater.

What room size is it best suited for?
The 10 inch HT/1003 MKII is well matched to small and medium rooms. For larger spaces or higher sustained output, consider the HT/1205 MKII or adding a second HT/1003 MKII.

How is it different from REL's T/x subwoofers?
The T/x line is tuned above all for musical blending and timing, while the HT line, including this model, is optimized for the impact and depth of home theater bass.

Do I need a special cable for the LFE connection?
A dedicated .1/LFE cable such as the REL Commander or Commodore gives a clean, low noise link from your processor to the subwoofer.

Can it improve music playback too?
Yes. Through its high level Speakon connection it can follow the main amplifier and add depth and foundation to two channel music as well as movies.

Does the subwoofer come with a connection cable?
Yes, it ships with REL's high level Speakon cable. A .1/LFE cable and wireless kit are available separately for home theater setups.

What type of amplifier does it pair with for music use?
Any quality integrated amplifier with standard speaker terminals works, since REL taps the speaker outputs for its high level connection. Options in our catalog include several capable integrated amplifiers.

Is the HT/1003 MKII a sealed or ported design?
It uses a sealed cabinet with a forward firing active driver, a design chosen for tight, articulate bass and controlled response.

What warranty does the HT/1003 MKII carry?
It is covered by REL Acoustics for 3 years parts and labor for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer, so your HT/1003 MKII arrives brand new with full factory warranty and expert support. We help you match the right subwoofer, connection method and system pairings for your room.