Audio T Verdict
The REL Classic 98 combines the warmth and visual character of REL’s late-1990s designs with the power, control and reliability of a modern active subwoofer.
Its down-firing 250mm paper-cone driver and closed-box cabinet produce a broad, natural foundation that is deliberately a little softer and more relaxed than the faster, more incisive presentation of REL’s modern Serie T/x models.
A 300W Class D amplifier gives the Classic 98 considerably greater depth and dynamic ability than its vintage inspiration, while REL’s High Level connection helps it follow the tonal character and timing of the main amplifier and loudspeakers.
It is particularly appealing for traditional stereo systems, heritage-style loudspeakers and rooms where a high-gloss contemporary subwoofer would look out of place.
REL Classic 98 Subwoofer
The REL Classic 98 is a music-focused active subwoofer inspired by the company’s celebrated designs of the late 1990s.
Its upright proportions, gently rounded edges, natural walnut veneer and down-firing driver recall classic REL models, while the amplifier, filters and protection systems are thoroughly modern.
The result is a subwoofer intended to add warmth, scale and room-filling depth without losing the ease and natural character associated with traditional loudspeakers and analogue-based systems.
Classic REL Character with Modern Engineering
The Classic 98 is not simply a modern REL placed inside a retro cabinet.
REL has deliberately tuned it for a slightly softer and more generous presentation than models such as the
REL T/9x
.
This voicing creates a broad foundation beneath the music, adding body and scale while complementing loudspeakers that already have a warm, natural or heritage-inspired character.
Modern amplification and filtering ensure that this warmth is accompanied by greater control, extension and reliability than would have been practical in an original late-1990s design.
250mm Amended Pulp-on-Paper Driver
A bespoke 250mm down-firing active driver forms the heart of the Classic 98.
Its Amended Pulp-on-Paper cone uses a traditional material valued for its natural damping and tonal character, but with construction developed to withstand the output of the modern 300W amplifier.
Paper helps the driver produce bass with texture, warmth and a naturally integrated character rather than concentrating solely on maximum impact.
The inverted cone fires towards the floor, distributing low-frequency energy across the room while keeping the driver visually concealed.
Closed-Box Acoustic-Suspension Cabinet
The Classic 98 uses a sealed enclosure without a reflex port or passive radiator.
A closed-box design provides a controlled and gradual low-frequency roll-off, helping bass notes retain their pitch and shape while avoiding port noise.
The cabinet and driver work together as an acoustic-suspension system, using the enclosed air volume to help control the movement of the cone.
The feet and floor clearance must remain unobstructed so the down-firing driver can operate correctly.
27Hz Low-Frequency Extension
REL specifies low-frequency extension to 27Hz at the stated minus 6dB point.
This allows the Classic 98 to reinforce bass guitar, piano, drums, orchestral instruments and electronic music while revealing low-frequency ambience contained within the recording.
Its objective is not to create the deepest or hardest-hitting bass in the REL range. It is designed to add an inviting sense of body, scale and musical ease.
300W Class D Amplifier
A high-current Class D amplifier delivers 300W RMS to the down-firing driver.
Modern Class D technology provides the power and efficiency required for substantial bass output without the large external heatsinks associated with a similarly powerful traditional amplifier.
REL combines the output stage with fast analogue input filters and dedicated protection systems to maintain control as musical demands increase.
PerfectFilter and LimitLess Protection
The Classic 98 uses dedicated versions of REL’s PerfectFilter and LimitLess technologies.
PerfectFilter is designed to support useful low-frequency extension while preserving the transition between the subwoofer and main loudspeakers.
LimitLess protection monitors the operating demands placed on the amplifier and driver, helping the system remain controlled during unusually large signal peaks.
The filters remain within REL’s analogue signal path rather than passing the High Level music connection through digital processing.
REL High Level Connection
For most conventional stereo systems, REL recommends connecting the Classic 98 to the main amplifier’s loudspeaker outputs using the Neutrik Speakon High Level input.
This allows the subwoofer to receive the same signal being delivered to the main speakers, including the tonal and timing characteristics of the amplifier’s output stage.
The High Level input has a very high impedance and senses the amplifier signal without drawing meaningful power away from the loudspeakers.
A nominal ten-metre High Level Speakon cable is supplied. The
REL Bassline Blue
provides a dedicated cable development option for compatible systems.
Confirm the Correct High Level Wiring
Conventional Class A/B amplifiers, balanced designs, Class D amplifiers and monoblock systems can require different High Level connection methods.
Identify the amplifier’s output topology and follow the correct REL wiring guidance before attaching the cable.
Low-Level RCA Input
A low-level RCA input allows the Classic 98 to receive a suitable line-level signal from a pre-amplifier output, integrated-amplifier output or compatible active loudspeaker system.
This provides an alternative where the High Level connection cannot be used.
High Level and low-level inputs share the main crossover and level controls, so they are alternative music connections rather than two independently adjustable signal paths.
Dedicated RCA LFE Input
A separate RCA LFE input connects to the subwoofer output of a compatible home cinema receiver or surround processor.
This input reproduces the dedicated low-frequency effects channel contained within film and multichannel soundtracks.
The LFE connection has its own level control, allowing cinema impact to be adjusted independently from the High Level or low-level music connection.
Music and Home Cinema Together
The High Level and LFE inputs can be used within the same system.
This allows the Classic 98 to support the main loudspeakers during two-channel listening while also reproducing the dedicated effects channel during home cinema playback.
The musical balance and cinema level can be adjusted separately, avoiding the need to change the principal subwoofer settings whenever the system changes source.
Wireless Connection Options
The Classic 98 can be used with optional REL wireless systems where running a long signal cable across the room would be impractical.
REL HT-Air MKII
- Supports low-level or RCA LFE transmission
- Does not carry REL High Level
- Uses a fast, uncompressed 5.8GHz connection
- Suitable where a line-level signal is available
- Complete transmitter and receiver system
View the REL HT-Air MKII
REL Airship II
- Supports REL High Level wirelessly
- Also accepts low-level and LFE signals
- High Level and LFE can operate together
- Provides balanced XLR LFE input at the transmitter
- Designed for more comprehensive installations
View the REL Airship II
Wireless transmission carries the audio signal only. The Classic 98 and the wireless equipment continue to require their appropriate power connections.
Room Positioning
Subwoofer position has a major influence on output, extension and integration.
Begin near a suitable corner behind the main loudspeakers, then move the Classic 98 gradually to find a position that provides strong and even bass without overexciting one room resonance.
Keep the down-firing driver clear of obstructions and retain access to the rear controls and connections.
The final position should add scale and warmth without making the physical location of the subwoofer obvious.
Phase, Crossover and Level Setup
Establish the preferred 0 or 180-degree phase position before finalising the crossover and level controls.
The correct phase setting is normally the one that produces the fullest and strongest bass at the listening position, indicating that the REL and main loudspeakers are reinforcing rather than cancelling one another.
The crossover can be adjusted to suit a wide range of compact and floorstanding loudspeakers. Keep it low enough to avoid thickening voices and upper bass.
Increase the level gradually until the system gains weight, depth and soundstage scale without making the Classic 98 obvious as a separate source.
Single Classic 98 or Stereo Pair?
Single Classic 98
- Supports both stereo channels from one cabinet
- Simplest room-placement arrangement
- Requires one mains and signal connection
- Suitable for many traditional stereo systems
- Provides warm, room-filling reinforcement
Stereo Pair
- One matching Classic 98 supports each channel
- Can improve bass balance across the room
- May increase width and spatial scale
- Provides additional dynamic headroom
- Each subwoofer should be positioned and tuned individually
The Classic 98 is intended for conventional floor placement and is not designed for vertical REL line-array stacking.
Classic 98 or Classic 99?
REL Classic 98
- 250mm down-firing paper driver
- 300W Class D amplifier
- 27Hz low-frequency extension
- 350 x 470 x 298.5mm cabinet
- 18.1kg net weight
- More compact Classic design
REL Classic 99
- 305mm down-firing paper driver
- 450W Class D amplifier
- 24Hz low-frequency extension
- Larger cabinet and greater output
- Better suited to larger rooms and systems
- Retains the same walnut Classic styling
View the REL Classic 99
Classic 98 or T/9x?
REL Classic 98
- Closed-box design
- Single down-firing paper driver
- Warmer and more relaxed presentation
- Natural walnut veneer
- Ideal for vintage and heritage-inspired systems
REL T/9x
- Front-firing active driver
- Down-firing passive radiator
- Faster and more modern presentation
- Greater clarity and dynamic impact
- High-gloss contemporary cabinet finishes
View the REL T/9x
Natural Walnut Veneer
The Classic 98 is finished in genuine walnut veneer, with radiused edges and mid-century-inspired proportions.
Natural wood varies in grain, shade and colour, so each cabinet will have an individual appearance.
Use a clean, soft cloth for routine care and avoid abrasive cleaners, household sprays and excessive moisture.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Music-focused two-channel systems
- Vintage and heritage-inspired loudspeakers
- Modern speakers with a naturally warm balance
- Small and medium-sized listening rooms
- Vinyl and analogue-based systems
- Combined stereo and modest cinema installations
- Single and stereo-pair arrangements
Check Before Installation
- The down-firing driver must remain unobstructed
- High Level wiring depends on amplifier design
- The High Level connector adds cabinet depth
- The walnut veneer varies naturally
- Wireless systems require separate equipment
- The Classic 98 is not designed for stacking
- Larger rooms may suit the Classic 99
Setup Guidance
- Confirm amplifier compatibility before wiring
- Begin near a suitable room corner
- Establish phase before final adjustments
- Keep crossover and level settings conservative
- Tune the music and LFE connections separately
- Retain access to the rear controls
- Allow the driver clear space above the floor
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,
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Key Features
- Music-focused active subwoofer
- Vintage-inspired REL design and voicing
- Closed-box acoustic-suspension cabinet
- 250mm down-firing Amended Pulp-on-Paper driver
- Steel driver chassis
- 27Hz low-frequency extension at minus 6dB
- 300W RMS Class D amplifier
- Fast analogue input filters
- REL PerfectFilter technology
- REL LimitLess protection technology
- Neutrik Speakon High Level input
- RCA low-level input
- Dedicated RCA LFE input
- Separate music and LFE level adjustment
- Compatible with REL HT-Air MKII or Airship II
- Natural walnut veneer
- Nominal ten-metre High Level Speakon cable included
- Three-year REL warranty, subject to current terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the REL Classic 98 supplied individually?
Yes. One unit is a complete active subwoofer. A second matching Classic 98 can be added for stereo operation.
What makes its sound different from other REL models?
The sealed cabinet and paper-cone driver are deliberately tuned for a slightly warmer, softer and more relaxed presentation than REL’s modern Serie T/x subwoofers.
Can it be used for home cinema?
Yes. A dedicated RCA LFE input allows connection to a compatible home cinema receiver or surround processor, although the Classic 98 is primarily voiced for music-focused systems.
Is a High Level cable included?
Yes. A nominal ten-metre Neutrik Speakon High Level cable is included.
Can the Classic 98 connect wirelessly?
Yes. It supports optional REL HT-Air MKII or Airship II systems. HT-Air MKII carries low-level or LFE signals, while Airship II can also carry REL High Level.
Can two Classic 98 subwoofers be used together?
Yes. A stereo pair can improve bass balance, spatial scale and dynamic headroom, with each subwoofer positioned and tuned independently.
Can Classic 98 subwoofers be stacked?
No. The Classic 98 is intended for conventional floor placement and is not designed for REL vertical line-array installation.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures approximately 350 x 470 x 298.5mm and weighs 18.1kg. Allow another 44.5mm of depth when the High Level connector is fitted.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- REL and loudspeaker system-matching advice
- Comparison with the Classic 99 and T/9x
- High Level wiring guidance for different amplifiers
- Stereo and home cinema demonstrations
- Room-positioning and phase-setting assistance
- Crossover and level-tuning support
- Single and stereo-pair system planning
- HT-Air MKII and Airship II compatibility guidance
- Cable and connection recommendations
- Ongoing subwoofer and system-development support
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss positioning, connecting and tuning the REL Classic 98 within your stereo or home cinema system.