REL Acoustics Planar PL-2

Overview

The REL Acoustics Planar PL-2 is a powered subwoofer from REL's newest design generation, built to deepen and extend a full-range music and home theater system rather than simply add rumble. Like every REL, its defining trait is the signature high-level Speakon connection, which takes a feed from your main amplifier's speaker terminals so the subwoofer inherits the exact character, voicing and timing of that amplifier. The result is a subwoofer that blends seamlessly for music first, filling in the foundation beneath your main speakers with speed and coherence.

The Planar PL series represents a fresh engineering approach for REL, pairing a rigid driver platform with responsive on-board amplification and continuously variable controls for crossover, gain and phase. That flexibility lets you dial the PL-2 into a wide range of rooms and speaker pairings, from compact standmounts that need low-end reinforcement to larger floorstanders that benefit from added weight and scale. Alongside the high-level input, a dedicated .1/LFE input handles home theater duty, so a single sub can serve both music and movies.

The PL-2 is ideal for the listener who wants genuine low-frequency extension without sacrificing musicality, and who values REL's proven approach to integration. It also supports REL wireless options for a clean, cable-free installation and can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays as a system grows.

Key Features

• REL signature high-level Speakon connection so the sub follows the character and timing of your main amplifier for music first
• Dedicated .1/LFE input for home theater use alongside the high-level and low-level inputs
• Part of REL's new Planar PL design generation with an updated driver and amplifier platform
• Continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls for precise room and speaker integration
• On-board amplification tuned for fast, coherent low-frequency reproduction
• Compatible with REL wireless systems for a clean, cable-free connection
• Can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays as your system expands
• Forward-firing driver arrangement engineered for tight, musical bass
• Premium finish and build from a British subwoofer specialist founded in 1990

How the Planar PL-2 Compares

REL Planar PL-2 vs REL Planar PL-1

The Planar PL-1 sits one step below the PL-2 in the same new design family and shares the music-first philosophy and high-level Speakon connection. The PL-1 is aimed at smaller rooms and compact main speakers, while the PL-2 offers more output and greater low-frequency reach for larger spaces or speakers that ask for more foundation. Both integrate with the same REL wireless and cabling options, so you can choose by room size and desired scale. See the REL Planar PL-1.

REL Planar PL-2 vs REL S/550

The S/550 belongs to REL's high performance S line, voiced for serious two-channel and reference-grade home theater integration. The Planar PL-2 represents REL's newest Planar design approach, prioritizing musical blending and coherence. Choose the S/550 if you want the established S line character, or the PL-2 for the latest Planar engineering. See the REL S/550.

REL Planar PL-2 vs REL T/9x

The T/9x is REL's music-focused mid range subwoofer with a 10 inch active driver and a friendly footprint for most listening rooms. The Planar PL-2 comes from REL's new Planar series and is aimed at listeners wanting the latest design generation. Both use the high-level Speakon connection to blend for music first, so the decision comes down to series character and the scale you need. See the REL T/9x.

Recommended System Pairings

A subwoofer adds to an existing system, so these picks pair the PL-2 with mains it can reinforce, an amplifier for those mains, and REL's own wireless and cabling for a clean connection.

• Spendor Classic 4/5 This compact standmount delivers refined midrange but naturally rolls off low bass, making it an ideal partner for the PL-2 to fill in the foundation beneath it.
• Klipsch Heresy IV The Heresy IV is a dynamic Heritage floorstander that benefits from added low-end extension; the PL-2 completes the bottom octaves while following the amplifier's character via high-level connection.
• Yamaha A-S1200 A powerful integrated amplifier to drive your mains, and its speaker terminals feed the PL-2's high-level Speakon input so the sub inherits the amp's exact voicing and timing.
• REL AirShip II Wireless REL's wireless system delivers a clean, cable-free connection to the PL-2, ideal when the sub sits across the room from your amplifier.
• REL Bassline Blue High Level Cable An upgraded high-level Speakon cable that gets the most from the signature REL connection for the tightest, most coherent musical blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the REL Planar PL-2?
It is an active powered subwoofer from REL's new Planar PL design generation, built to extend and deepen a full-range music and home theater system while blending seamlessly with your main speakers.

What makes REL's high-level connection special?
REL's high-level Speakon connection takes a feed from your main amplifier's speaker terminals, so the subwoofer follows the exact character, voicing and timing of that amplifier and blends for music first.

Can the PL-2 be used for home theater?
Yes. In addition to the high-level connection it has a dedicated .1/LFE input, so it can handle movie soundtracks and low-frequency effects as well as music.

Does the PL-2 support wireless connection?
Yes, the PL-2 is compatible with REL wireless systems for a clean, cable-free installation when running a cable is inconvenient.

Can I run two PL-2 subwoofers together?
Yes. REL subwoofers are frequently run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for greater output, smoother room response and improved musical scale.

What controls does the PL-2 offer?
It provides continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls, allowing precise integration with a wide range of rooms and main speakers.

What speakers pair well with the PL-2?
It complements standmounts like the Spendor Classic 4/5 that roll off in the bass, and floorstanders such as the Klipsch Heresy IV that benefit from added low-end weight and extension.

How does the PL-2 compare to the Planar PL-1?
The PL-1 sits one step below in the same Planar family and suits smaller rooms, while the PL-2 offers more output and deeper reach for larger spaces or speakers that need more foundation.

How does the PL-2 differ from the S/550?
The S/550 is from REL's high performance S line with its established character, while the PL-2 represents REL's newest Planar design approach focused on musical blending.

Do I still need my amplifier for the PL-2?
Yes. A subwoofer adds to an existing system; you connect it to your main amplifier via the high-level Speakon input so it follows the amplifier's character.

What connection inputs does the PL-2 have?
It offers the high-level Speakon input, a low-level RCA input, and a dedicated .1/LFE input, plus compatibility with REL wireless systems.

Is the PL-2 better for music or movies?
It is designed to excel at both. The high-level connection prioritizes musical integration, while the .1/LFE input serves home theater duty.

What amplifier should I use to feed the PL-2?
Any quality integrated or power amplifier works; the Yamaha A-S1200 is a strong catalog choice, and its speaker terminals feed the PL-2's high-level input directly.

Which REL cable should I use for the high-level connection?
The REL Bassline Blue High Level Subwoofer Connection Cable is an upgraded option that maximizes the performance of the signature high-level connection.

Can the PL-2 fit in a small room?
Yes, though for very small rooms the Planar PL-1 may be a more appropriately scaled option. The PL-2's variable controls help tune output to the space.

Does the PL-2 blend well with high-efficiency speakers?
Yes. Because it follows your amplifier via the high-level connection, it integrates naturally with efficient designs like the Klipsch Heresy IV.

Is REL a reputable subwoofer maker?
REL Acoustics is a British subwoofer specialist founded in 1990, known for its music-first design philosophy and signature high-level connection.

What is the warranty on the PL-2?
The Planar PL-2 carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty from REL Acoustics for the original owner.

Can I add a second PL-2 later?
Yes. You can start with one and add a second later to run a stereo pair or stacked array for greater output and smoother response.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer, so your Planar PL-2 arrives with full factory warranty support and expert setup guidance. We help you integrate the sub properly with your speakers and amplifier for the best musical result.