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CLASSIC

Classic 98

$1,399

4 Reviews

Effortlessly blending timeless design with cutting-edge technology for unparalleled performance.

300-watt Class D Amplifier
10" Pulp-on-Paper Driver
Acoustic Suspension Cabinet Design
Classic Real Walnut Veneer

Classic 98

Single Subwoofer

$1,399

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3 Year warranty

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Classic 98

Classic 98 holds a distinctive place within the REL pantheon. While not a part of any regular line of REL products, instead, it is its very own solution for anyone who owns and loves vintage audio gear, or its modern equivalents that we refer to as retro. With different aspirations, Classic 98 offers a slightly softer touch, delivering a broad carpet of room-filling bass. While it might trade off a touch of the speed, clarity, and deepest bass that our standard models, like the T/9x, are known for, it compensates with its inviting warmth. Classic 98 beckons you to put on a record, pour a cherished drink, recline in a comfortable chair, and relax into the music. Its classic natural walnut veneer and mid-century modern styling complements a wide range of decors. It’s also easy to place and use. One reviewer aptly dubbed it as “the audiophile‘s ultimate guilty pleasure.”

Design

Designed to Warm the Heart

Classic 98 channels the essence of our renowned 10” down-firing designs from the late 90s. The rich, natural walnut veneer exudes warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of the mid-century stereo gear. The radiused curve, accentuated by a subtle reveal line, showcases modern craftsmanship while honoring past design. The rear amp panel, with its white gold silk screening and contrasting knobs, evokes memories of the era, while the glossy black logo set against a matte background adds a contemporary touch.

Driver

Drive To Survive

The Heart of Classic 98:

The 10” down-firing driver, crafted using our traditional paper cone technique, revives the vintage REL sound. This driver, built to handle the abundance of power offered in Classic 98, ensures a sound that's not just powerful, but pure and deeply resonant. While Classic 98 maintains the aesthetics of our historical models, it plays louder and deeper, offering an audio experience that marries the reliability and technology of modern RELs with a retro look and sound.

Paper Cone Mastery:

Hot-pressed, lightweight paper forms the outer 2/3 of the cone. The inner cap is a premium air-dried paper that stiffens the driver, allowing Classic 98 to outperform many of our products from the past. A natural butyl surround produces a gentle, period-correct dynamic that endures.

Amplifier

Unlimited Power Used Wisely

Amplifier Excellence:

Back in the 90s, offering a 300W amp at an affordable price was a significant challenge. Today, we've harnessed one of our latest amp designs – a high-current, lightning-fast Class D amp. This modern powerhouse is not only dynamic but also stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier performance without compromising on affordability.

High-Level Connectivity & Filters

: We've paired this powerhouse with the High-Level connectivity and modern input filter technology. These filters, with their swift 8ms response, are intuitive and efficient. And if you were wondering about the old, confusing ABC filters, well, some things are best left in the past! To further enhance the experience, we've incorporated unique versions of the LimitLess™ Limiters and Perfect Filters™, ensuring that Classic 98's amplifier is a harmonious blend of the modern and the vintage.

Wireless

Leading the Charge with Wireless

At the heart of our brand is a commitment to pushing boundaries. Our wireless technology stands as a testament to this, leading the industry in both innovation and performance. We don't just prioritize dynamic range; we ensure it's delivered with zero compression. This dedication results in top-tier sound quality paired with user-friendly operation.

For Classic 98, we're proud to offer two cutting-edge wireless options tailored to diverse needs:

AirShip II—Crafted for our Reference models, AirShip II is a beacon of advanced wireless technology. Operating at 5.8 GHz, it supports both High-Level Connection and .1/LFE, even simultaneously. This ensures peak theatre performance, making it the choice for those who demand the very best.

HT-Air MKII Wireless—A nod to our HT models, the HT-Air MKII offers an elegant and cost-effective wireless solution. Transmitting at 5.8 GHz, it flawlessly conveys either stereo low-level or .1/LFE signals without compression. However, it's worth noting that High-Level Connectivity isn't supported with the HT-Air MKII.

Explore HT-Air MKII Wireless

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Type

Closed Box, down-firing driver

Active Driver Size & Material

10 in. (250mm) Amended Pulp-on-Paper, Downfiring Inverted Cone, Steel Chassis

Passive Radiator Size & Material

Low Frequency Extension

-6 dB at 27Hz Low Frequency

Input Connectors

High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level RCA, LFE RCA

Output Connectors

N/A

Power Output

300 watts (RMS)

Amplifier Type

Class D

Wireless Capability

HT-Air MKII Wireless or AirShip II, Sold separately

Dual Parametric Filter

N/A

Finish

Walnut veneer

Protection System

Fully Electronic Set Safe

Yes

D.C. Fault

Yes

Output Short

Yes

Mains Input Voltage

220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets

Fuses

2.5 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 5 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation

Supplied Accessories

Mains Lead

Yes

Neutrik Speakon

10 Meters (33’6”) Nominal

Interconnect

User Manual

Yes

In the interest of product development, REL Acoustics Limited reserve the right to vary these specifications without notice.

Dimensions

W x H x D

13.75 in. x 18.5 in. x 11.75 in.
(350mm x 470mm x 298.5mm) Add 1.75in
(44.5mm) in depth when using a High Level connector

Net Weight

40.0 lbs. (18.1 kg). Shipping weight: 48.5 lbs. (22.0 kg)

Awards & Industry Reviews

"REL Acoustics Classic 98. A brilliant fusion of past and present. Aside from this being a product that completely hits the mark, I really enjoy that this was a labor of love project for John Hunter. It's perfectly executed, yet affordable and approachable. This is something the high end needs more of."

- TONEAudio

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" the best upgrade you can buy for that kind of money, when I say best I mean the most noticeable upgrade that you could buy for that kind of money in terms of the dollars spent and what you're feeling from the sound of music in your room. Absolutely. "

- Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac

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"It's a mix of vintage and a mix of modern, and that creates a beautiful looking sub with a beautiful sound, and one that is really easy to set up."

- Steve Huff Photo & HiFi

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"It’s so much more than just a rose-tinted view of the past; it honours what made REL the company it is today. And finally, for classic speaker lovers, you can do no wrong with the Classic 98."

- hi-fi+

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Subwoofer Winner 2023

"This is sound reinforcement, not simply confined to bass, and that's what makes this great for audio."

- hi-fi+

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"The bass overall from the Classic 98 was fast, nimble, light on its feet. Very versatile because you could have big bold pressure in dance music, with just as much as quality as big guitar or double bass on other music."

- Pursuit Perfect System

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Stand Out Product

"The REL Classic 98 Subwoofer... worthy of a stand out"

- Pursuit Perfect System

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"REL has fulfilled the brief here to produce a subwoofer that pays homage to its legacy of products, not only esthetically but by offering a warmer tone to the bass. The Classic 98 does so, whist offering modern day performance."

- A British Audiophile

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