Product Design & Insights

This article shares the brief and colorful (groan) journey REL has taken to produce two gorgeous new finishes in our Special Edition versions of the T/9x. Last year, we reintroduced a red that for legal and political reasons we call Italian Racing Red. People who own cars with a prancing horse on their flanks will recognize it as Rosso Forza and yes, the brand starts with an “F” and ends with an “I”. This year, we’re pushing the boundaries of color even further with the introduction of two bold new shades: a striking yellow and a fiery orange. But these aren’t just any colors; they’re the result of a meticulous process inspired by some of the most legendary cars on the planet. Let’s face it – color is irresistible. It’s what draws us in, captivates us, and keeps us coming back for more. Just like how 4K pulls you into its vibrant world, our new T/9x colors are designed to grab your attention and never let go. No one knows this better than the billionaires who run F-1 Racing. For sheer retina-sizzling punch, the color schemes that are applied to each car’s body are designed to do one thing and one thing only: grab hold of your eyeballs and keep them fixed on their car. But it wasn’t always so. Ferrari’s racing red used to look more like burgundy. Here’s a picture of that color reissued in the late 90’s. When we decided to expand our palette to include a gorgeous and fresh yellow and a deep, richly-hued orange, we looked to exotic cars and race teams for inspiration. Why not, the work that goes into creating a unique hue for the world’s greatest cars runs into the millions. So, were we able to simply grab McLaren’s Orange in a rattle can and spray our subs? Believe me, there were days I wished we could. Just as with the subtle Grey T/9x, applying bright colors to a relatively modest-sized subwoofer like our T/9x requires careful scaling of the color in question. A color that looks incredible on a Lamborghini may not work on a subwoofer barely over one cubic foot (.0283 cubic meters) in size. We know, we tried. And we tried. And we tried about 20 more times. What works when applying paint to such a small object, is to interpret the color and intensity so that it reads correctly on the object. Take our Tangerine Dream orange color. We started out shooting samples in Porsche’s GT-3RS orange. Impossible to get the correct formula. The NSA doesn’t keep secrets as well as Porsche when it comes to this rare shade. So, we sprayed cabinet samples in McLaren’s Orange (over the years, there have been about 15 variations of what you may think is “McClaren Orange”).  Didn’t cut it. We shot versions using Porsche’s “standard” orange as used on, among other things, their 2008 Boxster Special Edition. For some reason, the way light struck the surface, it looked as though a vanilla milkshake had fallen into the paint can. So, we mixed a custom color we call Tangerine Dream, a half shade deeper than P-car’s orange, and a little brighter than McOrange. Unique, maybe a tiny bit like the 2008-12 Fire Orange M3 but with the flame banked a tiny bit. We could have called it REL Orange, but somehow Tangerine Dream better fits its personality. Then we turned to our fresh-as-Spring Yellow. By now, we had discarded trying to reuse anything directly from a factory. Same drill though, you think it’s going to be easy, and the more you think that, the more you’ll struggle. So, we went straight into the “We want the vividness of the C-6 Corvette Velocity Yellow, but without the “why did I leave my sunglasses home today” effect that color has. Also, it looked terrible in real living rooms. So, custom color matching again and we arrived at a wonderful yellow, a yellow so pretty that the first 6 women we showed it to all said (pretty much instantly) “I want to buy that!” I’m going to say that again v-e-r-r-y slowly… six women agreed on a color instantly. Without any prodding. Do you know how much money Dupont, PPG, Sikkens, and every other paint company would pay to get that reaction? Then we had to give it a name. With apologies to the Automobile Club de l’Oust who sanctioned the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, I hit on the only name it could possibly be. Le Mon Yellow, to bring it back to high-performance cars that inspire us. Of course, being a part of our Special Edition mini-series of T/9x’s we had to apply the full monte, so on went the triple chrome plated cast and machined solid billet feet. We use triple chrome plating; triple refers to the old-fashioned, more expensive method for chroming. We use pure copper, with nickel plating on top of the copper, and then finish with an extra-long bath in chromium to leave a deep lustrous chrome. Yes, it costs more. Yes, it looks about 100 times better than doing it the slapdash way. And, of course, all our drivers in the SE range are that next step beyond the standard T/x drivers. The use of 6000 series carbon fibre in the center cap produces incredible  stiffness yet reduces moving mass significantly. This alone is enough to add an extra 1.2 dB, not a huge increase in output, but a significant indicator that the amp is not having to work as hard to produce the same output, which means that it plays even louder than a standard T/9x. Look at it this way, the custom paint alone costs more than the $150 we charge for any of the SEs (last check red ran $735/gallon) the orange and yellow are within a stone’s throw of that. We  add the extra performance of the carbon fibre for free because we wanted there to be an audible improvement, not just a color upgrade. Thanks for riding along on this colorful adventure with us. Every time we push the boundaries—whether it’s through performance or design—we do it with one goal in mind: to bring you closer to the perfect sound experience. And with these Special Edition T/9x subs, we think we’ve done just that. Thank you for reading our latest blog. We strive to provide content that’s both entertaining and educational. If you have questions or suggestions for future articles, reach out to us at contactus@rel.net. We value your input and will do our best to respond within a few days. With over 160 years of combined experience, we’re committed to making your audio experience exceptional. If you found value in this piece, please share it with friends who might benefit.

It’s not what we do—it’s who we are.We build things that are beautiful because we can’t imagine doing it any other way. So, what’s our process?  Take, for example, our vibrant, high-impact lacquered colors, inspired by the world of Formula 1 and endurance racing. This project began because we love cars and audio gear, and we thought: “We’re not the only ones who love these two passions. Let’s find a way to bring them together.” Our first finish was a color reminiscent of Rosso Forza—a shade famously used on Italian race cars for decades. We simply call it Italian Racing Red. While Ferrari may now be the most recognized racing team in the world, the history of red as Italy’s racing color goes back nearly a century. In fact, Enzo Ferrari himself—yes, the man, not just the team—was Alfa Romeo’s team manager in the 1930s before founding his iconic brand. The Art of Getting It Right The secret behind these special finishes—and why they take so long to develop—lies in building multiple samples. Painting MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doesn’t produce the same result as painting metal or composite-bodied race cars. To make the color appear true on our subwoofer cabinets, we must first identify the right primers. Once the primers are sorted, we experiment with lacquers from various suppliers. Interestingly, the exact same paint code can look subtly different depending on the supplier—Sikkens of Germany, for example, versus PPG, an American company. After we’ve completed all the basic sample boards—flat panels about 6” x 10” (160mm x 250mm)—we select the closest match to the desired color. Then, we scale up and paint a full-size cabinet sample. Here’s where things can get tricky. A color that looks perfect on the several square meters of a curvy race car can look entirely different on a subwoofer cabinet, which has less than one square meter of surface area. Scale matters, and how light interacts with a flat subwoofer panel differs greatly from how it plays off the aerodynamically shaped surfaces of a race car—or even a flat sample board. The Final Call Ultimately, the responsibility of deciding what looks right often falls on me. If I’m unsure, I’ll consult my partner Alex, an exceptional photographer with a keen eye for design. Together, we fine-tune the paint formula, often revisiting earlier samples or switching to a different base formula entirely. The first Italian Racing Red finish took us over a year to perfect. Over time, we’ve refined our process, and we can now go from concept to final product in about six months. When Black and White Aren’t So Simple In the world of paint, nothing is more challenging than black—except ultra-high-gloss black. While we won’t disclose trade secrets, we use a pure polypropylene paint that is ultra-glossy, highly scratch-resistant, and offers excellent coverage. These qualities are crucial for products like ours, which are often placed on the floor where they’re prone to scuffs from shoes. The Natural Beauty of Wood Recently, we had the chance to work with wood again—and we couldn’t be more thrilled. So, why don’t we offer more wood finishes? It’s simple: subwoofers are meant to complement main speakers, and every brand has its unique finishes. For example, Bowers & Wilkins uses a black-and-orange hue for their rosewood, whereas Monitor Audio’s rosewood leans more toward a dark purple tone. It would be impossible to create a wood finish that satisfies customers of both brands equally. For our Classic models, walnut was the obvious choice. Nothing reads “authentically vintage” quite like walnut, and our cabinet supplier sourced a stunning walnut veneer with only minimal input from us. Yes, it’s significantly more expensive than off-the-shelf veneers, but the results speak for themselves. Almost every review of our Classic 99 and Classic 98 models highlights how this walnut veneer elevates the design beyond anything available “back in the day. Why We Do What We Do As I said at the beginning: it’s not just about what we do—it’s who we are. We love creating beautiful objects of enduring quality because we believe you love them too. We craft things that last—designs that feel as good as they look, enhance your living space, and, of course, sound incredible. We pour care and attention into every detail because we can’t imagine doing it any other way. It’s this passion and dedication that make a REL, well…a REL. Thank you for reading our latest blog. We strive to provide content that’s both entertaining and educational. If you have questions or suggestions for future articles, reach out to us at contactus@rel.net. We value your input and will do our best to respond within a few days. With over 160 years of combined experience, we’re committed to making your audio experience exceptional. If you found value in this piece, please share it with friends who might benefit.

"Unexpected Red Theory" blew up on TikTok earlier this year, but my interior designer, Cillesa Ullman, has been using this technique for the past 21 years. Many interior designers understand the value of creating contrast by introducing one or two bright, bold colors into an otherwise muted color palette. This trick creates interest, draws the eye, and allows the rest of the room to emerge around it. It’s a great way to add personality to any space, and it extends beyond just red. This is why we’ve released Italian Racing Red, Le Mon Yellow (pronounced like the famous 24-hour Le Mans race), and Tangerine Dream Orange. Whether used individually, as matching stereo pairs, or—my favorite—as mismatched pairs, these colors can brighten up music rooms and make them more fun. They create a lively environment to enjoy music, friends, and family. Even pets love it when their owners are enjoying life! While sonic performance will always be REL's top priority, we also lead the industry in recognizing that beautifully designed audio equipment enhances the experience even more. REL has long been known for producing high-performing, exquisitely-crafted subwoofers, available in finishes like piano black lacquer and high-gloss white. Recently, we added a lovely soft dove grey to the T/9x lineup, which fits seamlessly into homes that favor calm, muted tones. Now, with the addition of our stunning, racing car-inspired T/9x SEs, we’re taking it a step further. Consumers from all walks of life and every income bracket have increasingly embraced the idea of personalizing their spaces. In a complex, sometimes overwhelming world, we crave homes that reflect our individuality—a personal sanctuary where the only thing that matters is that YOU love everything in it. Everything you bring into your home should be beautiful (to you), feel good to the touch, and serve a purpose. And ideally, that purpose should bring multiple levels of joy. Take Dyson, for example. The vacuum cleaner—a household necessity—has become an object of design worthy of the Museum of Modern Art. Does it clean better than every other vacuum? Probably not. But it does its job well while looking unique, sparking joy every time its owner pulls it out of the closet. The same goes for their $400 hair dryer. So why not your subwoofers? For some, traditional black is the preferred choice, and that’s perfectly fine. Not everyone will appreciate the allure of brightly colored subs, but that’s why we offer choices, right? We want to give those who do appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and a deep lacquer finish, accented by genuine carbon fiber, the ability to express themselves through their subwoofers. (Yes, we really use genuine carbon fiber—you can see the warp and weave in the edges around the triple chrome-plated badge atop the painted surface.) So, the next time you’re looking to add something to your home, consider how it appeals to multiple senses. Of course, it should please the ears but don’t overlook the eyes and touch. Run the back of your finger (not the fingertips, to avoid transferring oils) gently along our paint—it feels soft and supple, almost as though it’s still wet. That’s what we mean by a museum-quality finish. Personally, I’m planning a retro, late-‘60s style room inspired by Stanley Kubrick, featuring a British Nytek pre-tuner and Lecson power amp that looks like a miniature exhaust stack from a nuclear reactor. It’s going to sound incredible, but more importantly, it’s going to look amazing—and that’s the whole point. Life is meant to be enjoyed using all our senses. Breathe it in deeply and savor it. At REL, we’re working hard on the full experience—sound, color, light, and texture. We want to bring it all to you. Thank you for reading our latest blog. We strive to provide content that’s both entertaining and educational. If you have questions or suggestions for future articles, reach out to us at contactus@rel.net. We value your input and will do our best to respond within a few days. With over 160 years of combined experience, we’re committed to making your audio experience exceptional. If you found value in this piece, please share it with friends who might benefit.

With the T/9x Special Editions, we’ve taken impressive performance even further. Much like the Carbon Special do for Serie S, these SE models add performance enhancements, including the introduction of carbon fibre into our drivers, resulting in scintillating performance with relatively modest price increases. Oh, and did we mention the $700+/gallon paint? That’s included at no extra cost. A brief review of the differences between one of REL’s best sellers of all time, our T/9x, and the T/9x SE is in order. In addition to the SE models being offered in several high-performance colors derived from noteworthy high-performance supercars, we added a performance enhancer, which we’ll explain in a moment. To achieve the visual effect and punch these models deserve, we tinkered with the color formulas just a touch, specifically to deliver the proper effect when used on such small surface areas. Compare a T/9x top panel with a modern supercar. A T/9x SE has roughly 1.3 cubic feet of paintable surface. Contrast that with a Lambo, or a McLaren-sized vehicle where we’re talking about 90-110 square feet of painted surface (8-9 sq.M). The way paint refracts light and announces its intensity doesn’t translate linearly, which means that we have to work with the paint formulas and the underlying primer (you DO know that all paint is translucent to one degree or another right?) to ensure that a small object “reads” with as much impact as the actual supercar that wears an almost-identical paint. Sure, the insanely gorgeous paint might catch your eye, but it’s the audible improvement over standard T/9x that will make you reach for your wallet. Our Director of International Markets, Kirill, recently performed a demonstration of a slightly better-than-entry model of a well-regarded European monitor. At just 2500 euros, they’re lovely and well-balanced but lacking in the bottom octave-and-a-half loudspeaker. He carefully dialed in a stereo pair of the Orange T/9x SEs underneath them and then the dealer compared that speaker system (a tad over 6,000 euros) with a new special edition speaker that said manufacturer brought out just a few months ago. It had very racy lines and looked the part and, at around 18,000 euros, was about three times the price of the smaller stand-mounted monitor and the pair of T/9x SE’s in Orange. In less than two minutes, the dealer, customer, and Kirill concluded that the far less costly REL T/9x SE with the modest speaker’s system, decisively outperformed the much larger and far more expensive floor-mounted speaker. Kirill noted that what he heard in the smaller system, augmented by RELs, was lucidity and clarity, a kind of snap focus, that one usually only encounters on speakers in the $30-50,000 range. It’s a compliment to the speaker designer that they were able to produce such a beautifully balanced smaller speaker that produced such a range of virtues. However, it was the combination of speed, attack, and deep-down weight produced by the T/9x SEs that won the day. Even trying to adjust the larger, more expensive speakers to even the score wound up producing more, but sloppier bass. Whereas the REL-based smaller monitor system preserved all the leading-edge transients that first-rank speakers aspire to, along with the body and substance as well as the massive soundstage that RELs seem to always deliver. The secret sauce in the SE is the development of a special pure carbon fibre center cap smack in the middle of the driver that ties all the shear vectors together and won’t let go. When a driver is under tremendous stress, as when asking a relatively small driver to make deep bass or to play exceptionally loud, there are lines of force that seek to stretch and tear the cone apart. The aluminum center cap we use in our standard 9x does a fine job at a very reasonable cost. But it’s significantly improved by the all carbon fibre center cap and it does so while shedding 10 grams of moving mass. Doesn’t sound like much? Imagine if you lost 15% of your body weight, how much quicker could you accelerate, or change direction, or, or, or…? Significantly, is the honest answer. Also, carbon fibre does a far superior job of eliminating the internal resonances and colorations that can creep into a paper cone. So, the benefits are in two complementary areas; one removes weight while the other ties the center of the cone together into a tougher, more resilient whole…all while making the driver itself quieter. All in all, the T/9x SE range is emerging as one of the coolest high-performance models we’ve ever launched. They’re wonderful fun to look at - my personal favorite is to build stereo pairs out of dissimilar colors. It’s a riot of fantastically brilliant colors—try a red and an orange, or an orange and yellow in one system. It sounds crazy, but looks brilliant. Best of all, they perform even better than they look. At a very achievable price –just $1650 in the United States as of this writing – these must be viewed as a bargain. Perhaps Steve Huff, the highly respected YouTube reviewer summed it up best. After first describing it as museum quality in its paint and fit and finish, he concluded by saying “I was blown away by the speed, the quickness, and the depths to which this sub plummets.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Enjoy! J Thank you for reading our latest blog. We strive to provide content that’s both entertaining and educational. If you have questions or suggestions for future articles, reach out to us at contactus@rel.net. We value your input and will do our best to respond within a few days. With over 160 years of combined experience, we’re committed to making your audio experience exceptional. If you found value in this piece, please share it with friends who might benefit.

<> The below text is a transcription of the video. Hi, John Hunter with REL here, and do not adjust your television sets if you were tuning in expecting to see a black or white, this really is a grey. Your monitor's just fine. Now, you've probably seen some of the special editions we've done over the years with Ferrari Red, you know, beautiful feet and more high performance drivers than even the standard T/9x has. This is part of our standard line. This will be available naturally with the white, the black. There's no difference in price between them. Why grey? Well, first of all, greys are enormously popular right now in design circles. I can't tell you how many new young friends have just bought their first apartment or their first home, and they always get them painted out in a nice crisp light grey on the interior with off-white crown moldings, off-white baseboards. It's a beautiful look. It's very crisp, it's very clean, it's very contemporary. Works with people who have traditional furniture types and works beautifully with modern too. So, it's sort of a one size catches all. This is so hard to get the colors right. This is not a huge item, right? This is a 300 watt 10 inch double 10 subwoofer. It's not enormous. And what happens when an object is not as big as, say a car or the wall in a home, is you have to really carefully titrate the colors to get it just right. It was amazing how many different samples we went through. I wanna say it was something like all total there, probably 30, I didn't even share with my team. It was somewhere in the 50-52 range before we got it zeroed in and really understood what would look good on this object in the home. It's a great piece of the gunmetal grey that's used for the standard badging and the standard feet, fits it to a T. It all just snapped together. Once we got the color just right, we always use five coats of a finish, usually typically two different primers underneath. We use a high build primer to just add a smoothing layer to the subtext underneath it, and then we use a finishing primer on top of that. Then we build up the five coats and of course, our factories spray double coats. So it's five coats horizontal, five coats vertical. It helps smooth things out. You don't get spray lines, you don't get that thing where you're looking at, is there something wrong with my eyes? It almost looks like there's a stripe in the middle. You never get that with ours. So one coat is to spray it horizontal. You let it tack dry and then you spray it vertically and go crazy with the sprayer and it gives this body and this uniformity that's just gorgeous. So this is really just a very simple piece. It's only available in the T/9x. It's not available currently on the T/7xs or the T/5xs, but this is really designed to take one of our best sellers worldwide and give that grey that sort of fits right in between the black and the white, and really is complimentary of so many people's lifestyles these days.