Audio T Verdict
The REL Planar PL-2 brings serious low-frequency performance to rooms where a conventional box-shaped subwoofer would be difficult to accommodate. Its unusually shallow cabinet can be mounted against a wall or partnered with the optional Planar Cart, while the included Airship Direct system allows the audio signal to reach the subwoofer wirelessly.
With a 550-watt Pure Class D amplifier, an 8-inch FlatPiston active driver and a 10-inch passive radiator, the PL-2 has the scale and authority needed for larger listening rooms, open-plan spaces and more demanding music or home cinema systems.
Key Features
- Ultra-thin cabinet measuring just 144mm deep
- 8-inch FlatPiston active long-throw driver
- 10-inch rear-firing passive radiator
- 550-watt RMS Pure Class D amplifier
- Low-frequency extension down to 24Hz in-room
- Airship Direct wireless system included
- High-level, low-level and LFE connections
- Wall-mounting hardware included
- Optional colour-matched Planar Cart
- Optional Premium Wood Grille
- Gloss Piano Black or Gloss White Lacquer
- Available individually or as a stereo pair
Designed for Larger Spaces
The increased amplifier power, larger passive radiator and greater cabinet volume make the PL-2 particularly well suited to medium and large rooms, open-plan environments and systems that need greater physical scale.
Flexible Installation
Install the PL-2 against a wall using the supplied mounting system or select the optional Planar Cart when floor placement and occasional repositioning are preferred.
Powerful Bass Without the Usual Cabinet
Subwoofers capable of filling a larger room are normally substantial boxes that require considerable floor space. REL developed the Planar range to offer a different solution. The PL-2 measures only 144mm deep and uses the wall boundary as part of its acoustic design, delivering substantial bass while remaining visually discreet.
Its proportions make it suitable for wall mounting behind or beside furniture, between architectural features or wherever a traditional subwoofer would dominate the room. When mounted, the supplied right-angle mains cable helps keep the installation close to the wall.
8-Inch FlatPiston Active Driver
The front-firing 8-inch FlatPiston driver was developed specifically for the space restrictions of the Planar cabinet. Its shallow long-throw construction allows REL to retain the speed and control expected from its conventional subwoofers while keeping the enclosure remarkably slim.
The rigid steel chassis helps maintain accurate driver movement under demanding conditions, giving bass notes clear attack and definition rather than allowing them to become soft or indistinct.
10-Inch Boundary-Coupled Passive Radiator
A rear-firing 10-inch FibreAlloy passive radiator works with the active driver and the nearby wall boundary to extend the PL-2's low-frequency performance. This carefully controlled interaction helps the subwoofer reach down to 24Hz in-room while avoiding the cabinet depth normally required for this level of bass.
The result is useful output across the lowest musical octaves, together with the weight and impact required by modern film soundtracks.
550-Watt Pure Class D Amplifier
The PL-2 is powered by a 550-watt RMS Pure Class D amplifier. Its high efficiency is particularly valuable inside a shallow enclosure, where heat management and available space are important considerations.
Generous power reserves allow the amplifier to control the FlatPiston driver precisely while providing the dynamic headroom needed for sudden orchestral peaks, electronic bass and home cinema effects.
REL High-Level Connection
REL's preferred high-level connection takes its signal from the same speaker-level output that feeds the main loudspeakers. This allows the PL-2 to follow the tonal character and timing of the complete amplifier and loudspeaker system, helping the subwoofer blend naturally with the main speakers.
Low-level RCA and dedicated LFE RCA inputs are also provided. In a combined music and home cinema system, the high-level and LFE connections can be used together, with independent level adjustment for each signal.
Airship Direct Wireless System Included
Airship Direct wireless connectivity is supplied as standard rather than being an additional upgrade. The receiver is already installed inside the PL-2, while the supplied transmitter can accept high-level, low-level or LFE signals from the system.
This makes it possible to position the subwoofer where it performs best without running a long signal cable across the room. Both the transmitter and subwoofer still require mains power, and wired and wireless signal inputs should not be used simultaneously.
Wall Mounting with Vibration Isolation
The supplied mounting system is designed to secure the PL-2 close to a suitable wall while helping to isolate unwanted vibration. A mounting template, brackets and the necessary hardware are included with the subwoofer.
The structure and condition of the wall must be checked before installation, and suitable fixings should always be used. If there is any uncertainty, installation should be completed by an experienced professional.
Optional Planar Cart and Premium Wood Grille
The PL-2 includes a cloth grille and wall-mounting hardware as standard. The colour-matched Planar Cart and Premium Wood Grille are optional extras and should be selected separately when ordering.
Planar Cart
The optional Planar Cart supports the PL-2 in a free-standing position, allowing thoughtful placement without permanently attaching the subwoofer to a wall. It is available in Gloss Piano Black or Gloss White to coordinate with the selected cabinet finish.
The supplied anti-fall restraint should be fitted when the subwoofer is used with the Cart. The Cart is intended for placement and occasional repositioning rather than frequent movement while the subwoofer is operating.
Premium Wood Grille
The optional Premium Wood Grille replaces the supplied cloth grille with a real wood veneer design. It protects the drivers without altering the PL-2's intended performance and is available in versions chosen to complement the black or white cabinet.
As real wood is used, natural variations in grain and colour are an expected part of the finish.
Choosing Your PL-2 Configuration
- Cabinet finish: Choose Gloss Piano Black or Gloss White Lacquer.
- Quantity: Select a single PL-2 or a matched stereo pair.
- Grille: The standard cloth grille is included. Select the Premium Wood Grille as an optional upgrade.
- Placement: Wall-mounting hardware is included. Select the matching Planar Cart for a free-standing installation.
Please check that the Cart and Premium Wood Grille match the cabinet colour and PL-2 model before completing your order.
Music and Home Cinema Performance
For music, a correctly adjusted PL-2 can improve more than bass extension. By reinforcing the lowest frequencies, it can help a system reproduce a more convincing sense of scale, space and rhythmic foundation while leaving the main loudspeakers sounding open and natural.
In a home cinema system, the dedicated LFE input handles the low-frequency effects channel independently. This provides the impact required for film soundtracks without compromising the high-level settings used for two-channel listening.
PL-2 or PL-1?
The PL-1 is the more compact option and is particularly suitable for smaller rooms or installations where space is at its tightest. The PL-2 adds greater amplifier power, a larger passive radiator and deeper low-frequency extension, making it the stronger choice for larger rooms and systems that need higher output.
Room size, listening level and the capabilities of the main loudspeakers all affect the best choice. Your local Audio T store can help compare the two models and recommend suitable placement.
System Matching and Demonstration
Subwoofer performance depends heavily on positioning, crossover adjustment and level matching. We recommend discussing your system and room with your local Audio T team before ordering, particularly if you are considering wall mounting, a stereo pair or integration into a combined music and cinema system.
Where practical, a home demonstration is the most reliable way to confirm how the PL-2 will perform in your own room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the wireless system included?
Yes. Airship Direct is supplied with the PL-2, and its receiver is pre-installed inside the subwoofer.
Does the PL-2 include a grille?
Yes. A cloth grille is included as standard. The Premium Wood Grille is an optional alternative.
Is the Planar Cart included?
No. Wall-mounting hardware is included, but the colour-matched Planar Cart is an optional extra.
Can the PL-2 be used without wall mounting?
Yes. The optional Planar Cart allows the PL-2 to be installed in a free-standing position. The recommended anti-fall restraint should be fitted.
Can I use the PL-2 for both music and home cinema?
Yes. The high-level connection can be used for music while the LFE input handles the cinema effects channel, with separate level controls for each.
Can two PL-2 subwoofers be used as a stereo pair?
Yes. Matching PL-2 subwoofers can be used as a stereo pair for improved channel-specific bass reproduction and more even coverage across the listening area.
How far does the PL-2 project from the wall?
The cabinet is 144mm deep. The wall-mounting bracket adds approximately 39mm, giving an installed depth of around 183mm before allowing for the wall and installation tolerances.
Related REL Products and Advice
Why Buy From Audio T?
Audio T has been helping customers build better music and home cinema systems since 1966. Our experienced store teams can advise on subwoofer choice, system matching, positioning and setup, including whether wall mounting, the optional Cart or a stereo pair is most appropriate for your room.
We can also discuss a part exchange and help arrange a demonstration through your local Audio T store.