REL HT/1205 MKII Serie HT 12 Inch Active Home Theater Subwoofer

The bestselling REL home theater subwoofer delivering remarkable output, speed, and value in a compact cabinet.

The New Standard for Affordable High Performance Bass

The REL HT/1205 MKII was designed to challenge assumptions about what an affordable home theater subwoofer can accomplish. Rather than relying on marketing gimmicks or excessive digital processing, REL focused on the fundamentals that matter most. A properly sized sealed enclosure, a powerful amplifier, an advanced long throw driver, and engineering refined through decades of subwoofer development.

The result is a subwoofer that performs far beyond what most listeners expect at its price point. The HT/1205 MKII delivers exceptional impact for movies while maintaining the speed and control required for music. It has become one of REL's most successful products because it offers a rare combination of performance, reliability, and value that is difficult to match.

A 12 Inch CarbonGlas Driver Built for Speed and Dynamics

At the heart of the HT/1205 MKII is REL's 12 inch CarbonGlas long throw driver. CarbonGlas combines a lightweight glass fiber cone with an inverted carbon fiber center cap. This construction creates an ideal balance of low mass, high rigidity, and excellent self damping characteristics.

The benefits are immediately apparent. Bass notes start and stop quickly. Explosions hit with authority without becoming bloated. Musical bass lines remain articulate and detailed. The driver is capable of substantial excursion while maintaining control, allowing the HT/1205 MKII to produce output levels that rival much larger and more expensive designs.

500 Watts of NextGen Performance

Powering the HT/1205 MKII is a 500 watt NextGen Class D amplifier specifically tuned for home theater applications. The amplifier delivers substantial current reserves while operating efficiently and reliably.

REL redesigned the amplifier platform for the MKII generation to improve dynamics and output capability. Combined with the updated CarbonGlas driver, the result is significantly greater performance than the original HT/1205. REL states the HT/1205 MKII is capable of substantially greater output than its predecessor while also improving accuracy and refinement.

PerfectFilter Technology

One of the most important technologies inside the HT/1205 MKII is REL's proprietary PerfectFilter system. Rather than applying heavy handed digital correction, PerfectFilter optimizes the relationship between the amplifier, driver, and enclosure.

This allows the HT/1205 MKII to reach deeper frequencies while maintaining excellent transient response. Movie effects have greater impact. Bass remains cleaner and more controlled. The result is a listening experience that feels larger, more dynamic, and more realistic than many competing subwoofers in the same price category.

Designed for Modern Home Theater Systems

The Serie HT lineup was developed specifically for home theater enthusiasts. The HT/1205 MKII reaches down to approximately 22 Hz and is capable of producing room filling bass that transforms movie watching into a more immersive experience.

Whether reproducing the deep rumble of a spacecraft launch, the impact of an explosion, or the subtle ambience of environmental effects, the HT/1205 MKII adds a level of realism that standard loudspeakers simply cannot achieve. It is equally at home in dedicated theaters, media rooms, and mixed use living spaces.

Remarkably Musical for a Theater Focused Subwoofer

Although the HT/1205 MKII was designed with home theater performance as the primary objective, it remains unmistakably a REL product. Speed, timing, and integration remain central to its design.

Many owners use the HT/1205 MKII successfully in systems that handle both music and movies. Bass guitars retain texture. Kick drums maintain impact. Acoustic recordings preserve natural tonal balance. The result is a subwoofer that delivers impressive versatility without sacrificing its theater focused mission.

Compact Cabinet, Serious Output

One of the most appealing aspects of the HT/1205 MKII is its ability to produce impressive output from a relatively compact enclosure. Measuring just over 16 inches wide and 15 inches tall, it integrates more easily into living spaces than many competing high output subwoofers.

REL's extensive internal bracing and cabinet engineering help reduce unwanted resonances while maintaining structural rigidity. This contributes to cleaner bass reproduction and improved long term reliability.

Single Subwoofer Today, Dual Subwoofers Tomorrow

Many owners begin with a single HT/1205 MKII and later add a second unit. Dual subwoofers often provide smoother bass distribution throughout the room, greater dynamic capability, and improved consistency across multiple seating positions.

For medium sized rooms, a pair of HT/1205 MKII subwoofers can deliver remarkably sophisticated performance that rivals much more expensive solutions while maintaining excellent value.

How the HT/1205 MKII Compares to the HT/1510 Predator

The HT/1510 Predator sits above the HT/1205 MKII in REL's home theater lineup. The Predator uses a larger 15 inch driver and a 1000 watt amplifier, allowing it to energize larger rooms and produce greater overall output.

The HT/1205 MKII remains the sweet spot for many systems. Its smaller cabinet simplifies placement, its pricing is considerably more accessible, and its performance is sufficient for the vast majority of media rooms and dedicated theaters. For listeners seeking the best balance of performance and value, the HT/1205 MKII is often the ideal choice.

Key Specifications Block

• Product: REL HT/1205 MKII
• Category: Active Home Theater Subwoofer
• Price: $999
• Series: Serie HT
• Nickname: The Cannon
• Type:
  • Sealed Enclosure
  • Front Firing Design
• Driver:
  • 12 Inch Long Throw CarbonGlas Driver
  • Inverted Carbon Fiber Center Cap
  • Steel Chassis
• Amplifier:
  • 500 Watt RMS NextGen Class D
• Low Frequency Extension:
  • 22 Hz at Minus 6 dB
• Inputs:
  • Stereo RCA Low Level
  • RCA LFE
• Outputs:
  • Stereo RCA Output
  • RCA LFE Output
• Wireless Capability:
  • Compatible with HT Air MKII
• Cabinet:
  • Internally Braced Construction
  • Sealed Design
• Finish:
  • Line Grained Black Composite
  • 15 mm High Gloss Top Panel
• Dimensions:
  • 16.25 x 15.25 x 17.25 Inches
  • 413 x 387 x 438 mm
• Weight:
  • 43.2 Pounds
  • 19.6 kg
• Included Accessories:
  • AC Power Cord
  • User Manual
• Warranty:
  • 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized dealer for REL and every brand we carry. Every product we sell is sourced directly through authorized distribution channels and includes full manufacturer warranty coverage and support.

Call: 443-402-5055

Text: 443-402-5064

Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

FAQ

What makes the HT/1205 MKII special?

The HT/1205 MKII delivers an unusual combination of output, speed, and value. Its 12 inch CarbonGlas driver and 500 watt amplifier provide performance that exceeds what many listeners expect from a compact sealed subwoofer. REL's engineering focus allows it to deliver impressive home theater performance while remaining musical and controlled. For many customers, it represents the sweet spot in the Serie HT lineup.

Why is it called The Cannon?

REL refers to the HT/1205 MKII as The Cannon because of its ability to produce substantial output from a relatively compact enclosure. The combination of a long throw driver and powerful amplifier allows it to generate impressive impact and room pressurization. Despite its size, it performs well beyond what most people expect. The nickname reflects both its output capability and its dynamic character.

Is the HT/1205 MKII good for music?

Yes. While it was developed primarily for home theater applications, the HT/1205 MKII performs surprisingly well with music. Its lightweight CarbonGlas driver maintains excellent speed and transient response. Bass remains tight, articulate, and well controlled. Many owners use it successfully in systems that handle both music and movies.

How large of a room can it handle?

The HT/1205 MKII works exceptionally well in small to medium sized rooms and can perform admirably in larger spaces when used as a pair. Room acoustics, listening levels, and speaker sensitivity all affect performance. In most media rooms and dedicated theaters, a single unit provides substantial output. Larger rooms often benefit from dual subwoofers.

What is CarbonGlas technology?

CarbonGlas combines a lightweight glass fiber cone with a rigid carbon fiber center cap. This design improves stiffness while keeping moving mass low. The result is faster response, lower distortion, and greater control during demanding passages. It allows the driver to produce both deep bass and excellent transient performance.

What does PerfectFilter do?

PerfectFilter is REL's proprietary filtering system designed specifically for the Serie HT range. It optimizes the interaction between the amplifier and driver while improving extension and control. This allows the HT/1205 MKII to reproduce low frequencies with greater authority and accuracy. The result is deeper, cleaner, and more impactful bass reproduction.

Should I buy one or two HT/1205 MKII subwoofers?

A single HT/1205 MKII delivers excellent performance in many systems. However, dual subwoofers generally provide smoother bass response, improved room coverage, and greater dynamic headroom. For dedicated theaters or larger rooms, two units are often the preferred solution. Many REL owners eventually expand to a pair.

How does it compare to the HT/1510 Predator?

The HT/1510 Predator uses a larger 15 inch driver and a 1000 watt amplifier, providing greater output and room pressurization. The HT/1205 MKII offers a more compact enclosure and lower price while still delivering impressive performance. For medium sized rooms, the HT/1205 MKII often represents the best value in the lineup. The Predator becomes the better choice for very large spaces and reference level listening.

Is wireless operation available?

Yes. The HT/1205 MKII is compatible with REL's HT Air MKII wireless system. This allows greater flexibility in placement while maintaining excellent performance. Wireless operation can be particularly useful when routing cables across a room would be difficult. Many installations benefit from the added convenience. REL HT Air MKII Wireless Transmitter/Receiver

Where can I buy the REL HT/1205 MKII?

You can purchase the HT/1205 MKII directly from All Elite Audio. As an authorized REL dealer, we provide expert system matching, setup guidance, manufacturer warranty support, and personalized assistance before and after the sale. Whether you are building your first home theater or upgrading to a dual subwoofer system, our team can help you select the right solution for your room and performance goals.

Call: 443-402-5055

Text: 443-402-5064

Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093