REL Classic 99 Subwoofer: Powerful Bass for Larger Retro Speakers

The REL Classic 99 subwoofer delivers deep, tight bass and elevates overall sound quality, perfect for larger retro speakers and music enthusiasts.

Introduction to the REL Classic 99

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of adding a subwoofer to your audio system, you’ve likely heard of REL Classic 99 subwoofer. Their new Classic 99 model, released earlier this year, caught our attention immediately, so we made sure to get one for a hands-on review.

The Classic 99, priced around $1,899, builds on the Classic 98’s foundation. While the Classic 98 was designed for compact, high-quality retro speakers like the LS3/5a, the Classic 99 aims at bigger retro speakers such as the Wharfedale Linton and JBL L100 Classic. It’s about 30% larger than its predecessor and features a 12-inch downward-firing paper driver instead of the 10-inch driver found on the 98. The built-in amplifier is pushed up to 450 watts, compared to 300 watts on the Classic 98. And if you’re a fan of walnut finish, you’re in luck — that’s the only finish available for this model.

REL started out in Bridgend, Wales, back in 1990. The company was born from Richard Edmund Lord’s dissatisfaction with the subwoofers available then. He created REL’s signature ‘High Level’ connection system, a unique approach to integrating the subwoofer with your main speakers. By 2005, John Hunter, owner of high-end US distributor Sumiko, took over with Donal Brody, bringing REL’s design to the US while moving manufacturing to China.

The Unique High Level Connection

Setting up a REL subwoofer is straightforward but different from other subs. Instead of just plugging into the preamp or subwoofer output on your amplifier, the Classic 99 taps the positive speaker output terminals of your amplifier or speakers. The supplied cable plugs into a Neutrik socket on the back of the subwoofer.

This approach means the Classic 99 receives the same signal as your main speakers, which helps it blend seamlessly with the rest of your system. UK sales director Rob Hunt emphasizes that the best results come from using the High Level connection.

Interestingly, REL steers clear of digital signal processing (DSP), which many subwoofers use to flatten frequency response. They believe DSP is too slow to maintain their priority: a lightning-fast impulse response. As owner John Hunter puts it:

“I say to people ‘do you know how slow DSP is?’ Our subwoofers are blindingly fast. If we’re not faster than the [main] speakers, then we’re holding the parade up.”

Rob Hunt guided me through the setup process. First, adjust the phase (mine worked best at 180º). Then tweak the gain (I found five clicks up from zero perfect in my 19ft x 13ft room paired with Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister amplifier and Russell K Red 120Se speakers). Finally, set the crossover frequency, which REL doesn’t disclose but for me was two clicks up. Don’t stress about these settings — your retailer can handle it, or you can check out helpful videos on REL’s website.

Epiphany in Sound Quality

For a long time, I didn’t pay much attention to subwoofers, thinking, “I don’t need more bass.” But a demo by Rob at a local retailer changed my mind. The Classic 99 didn’t just add bass; it improved the entire musical experience, even making delicate cymbal and hi-hat patterns easier to follow. A subwoofer improving cymbals? That was eye-opening and made me eager to test the Classic 99 in my own system.

When I asked John Hunter how their subs enhance more than just bass, he explained that rolling off frequencies beyond 40Hz loses many musical fundamentals and harmonics. Every note has a low-frequency component, and capturing that is crucial for music’s fullness.

Proof in the Listening Experience

Right from the first notes on every track I played, the Classic 99 made a noticeable difference. Take Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Streets” from Darkness on the Edge of Town — the piano felt more real and spacious, Springsteen’s voice cleaner and more emotive. Rimshot drums were crisper, and the bass line was deeper, tighter, and easier to follow.

Then I tried Stephen Fearing’s Fear of Climbing, which features just voice and acoustic guitar — no bass guitar or synth. On “Red Lights in the Rain,” his voice became more open, revealing subtle vibratos and how he emphasized certain notes. The guitar sounded more substantial, with audible finger movements and even slaps on the guitar body.

Linda Ronstadt’s “Lo Siento Mi Vida” intro guitars gained presence and space, and her vocals felt more natural, with nuanced delivery and less harshness.

On saxophonist Dave Koz’s track, I heard more detail in the shaping of notes and fine percussion elements. The bass line gained weight and tightened up, moving the song along effortlessly. This clarity also shone through on Peter White’s “I Can See Clearly Now” from Groovin’, where fast note runs became distinctly clearer.

More Than Just Bass

Sure, the Classic 99 excels at bolstering your system’s bass — but it doesn’t stop there. It enhances the whole sound picture, bringing new life to percussion, drums, sax, guitar, and vocals on tracks you thought you knew inside out.

John Hunter sums it up perfectly:

“We are talking about wholesale improvements of the entire system. Just making deeper bass would be a thousand times easier than what we do.”

At just $1,899, the Classic 99 offers remarkable performance — you could easily spend twice that on cables alone! If you haven’t yet experienced what a subwoofer can bring to your setup, the Classic 99 is a fantastic place to start. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Specifications & Pricing

• Type: Sealed box subwoofer with built-in amplifier
• Driver: 12-inch amended pulp-on-paper downward-firing woofer with steel chassis and carbon fiber center cap
• Frequency Response: -6dB at 24Hz
• Input Connectors: High Level Neutrik Speakon, low-level RCA, LFE RCA
• Amplifier: 450 watt Class D
• Wireless Capability: HT-Air MkII wireless or AirshipII (sold separately)
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 534mm x 400mm x 350mm (21" x 15.7" x 13.8")
• Weight: 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs)
• Finish: Walnut veneer only
• Accessories Supplied: Mains lead, 10m Neutrik Speakon lead
• Price: $1,899 (£1,799, €2,199)
• Manufacturer: REL Acoustics Ltd

Final thoughts

Have you ever experienced how adding the right subwoofer can completely transform your favorite music? The REL Classic 99 is a testament to the fact that bass isn’t just about volume — it’s about clarity, presence, and overall musicality. What would your go-to track be to test out a subwoofer like this?

• What makes the REL Classic 99 different from other subwoofers?
  It uses a unique High Level connection that takes the same speaker signal as your main speakers, ensuring seamless integration and superior impulse response without digital signal processing.
• Can the Classic 99 be used with modern speakers?
  Absolutely! While it’s designed with larger retro speakers in mind, it works well with many speaker types thanks to its versatile inputs.
• Is setup complicated?
  Not at all. REL provides clear instructions, and retailers often assist. The process involves adjusting phase, gain, and crossover settings, which can be customized for your room.
• Does the Classic 99 improve more than just bass?
  Yes, it enriches the entire frequency range, enhancing percussion, vocals, guitars, and more, making your music sound fuller and more detailed.
• What wireless options are available for the Classic 99?
  You can add wireless capability via the HT-Air MkII or AirshipII kits, sold separately, for a cable-free setup.

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