Reviews
Unbelievable upgrade
"I cannot express how much the classic 98 has improved the sound reproduction in my system. As with many I have the balancing act of limited space and life partner versus sound quality. Floor standing speakers being a non starter. I opted for the Super Dentons and was very happy with the results. After seeing a few reviews the REL Classic 98 seemed to be a good path for upgrade but I had my doubts on whether it would be a step change. In truth I cannot even consider playing the system now without the REL. The most impressive aspect of the upgrade is the whole sound has improved npt just the bass. The music has ,more depth and texture. Even my wife has agreed it is a massive improvement and that is a reflection on how good it is now. Don’t have doubts just go for it. You will not regret your investment. Richard"
— Richard I. (5/5)
A Most Significant Upgraded
"I received the REL Classic 98 from REL yesterday. Immediately fired it up (replacing a Velodyne D-15) in my system consisting of Krell MD-1 CD transport, Volumio Rivo+ streaming transport, Volumio Preciso dac, Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Ultimate preamp, a temporary 6L6 SET amp, and Cain & Cain BEN Horns, I have to say this Classic 98 sub is the most significant upgrade of my system in a long while. With the Classic 98, the treble, mid, and bass have been comprehensively upgraded. Music has become so airy too. It is just beautiful sound that caresses your soul. Thank you REL Acoustics."
— Darren F. (5/5)
Immersive Experience
"I experimented with placement and settings while using the album Apollo by Brian Eno as the music sample. This aspect of the experience was actually kind of fun. I did watch a lot of Youtube vids on how to do this making the process flow well. I am typically not a patient person. However, once I settled in after finding the subwoofers sweet spot, I listened through three albums without getting up. The experience was nothing short of amazing. Fully immersive. I plan to buy a second one."
— James (5/5)
Emotional vibration
"Sorry, it took me a while to think about writing this review. There are a few things to say: 1) About 50 years ago, I had KLH speakers. In my various moves since, I shifted to Canton shelf speakers and a subwoofer, due to small room size. Then, after years with no sound at all, I now have KLH Model 5 speakers. The Classic 98 liberates them and greatly enhances the clarity and crispness of the midrange. 2) I am emotionally impacted by the richness of the sound of the bass, particularly when listening to acoustic bass in traditional bluegrass or jazz/blues. I had forgotten about this emotional dimension of music. It is beautiful. 3) Depending on the music, I am overwhelmed by the physical feeling of the bass in my body, it is delightful. I can feel it in my belly. 4) Unfortunately, sometimes, again depending on the music I am listening to, the bass can come across as a wall of sound. This may also be related to the less than optimal acoustics in my room and location of the sub. 5) It took me some time and effort to set up (e. g. crossover and volume) and the settings really need to vary based on the music I am listening to at the time due to the variation in bass in the music. These adjustments somehow need to be made easier. I'm not techie on how to do this, but it would be nice to be able to do that without getting up and adjusting the back of the sub. The wood look fits well with my furniture and the size works too. Very pleased with the classic 98 - maybe the 99 would be better? :)"
— Bill W. (5/5)
Not Just for Classics!
"I had been shopping for the perfect subwoofer for my listening room and of course I always start with REL, but the question is which REL? I have a pair of Sonus faber Sonetto V speakers that needed just the "right" subwoofer and when I tried the Classic 98 it was a match made in audio heaven. I was amazed at how well and quickly I was able to find a very good location for the Classic 98, and too, how great the music sounds with the 98 in the mix. My Sonus speakers have a touch of warmth that I like as it sounds (to me) more accurate, like real music and the Classic 98 has that same amount of warmth. It is a good thing and never detracts from the music but more importantly, adds to the enjoyment of the listening pleasure. And not only is the Classic 98 a marvel of subwoofer performance but it is also gorgeous to look at. The wife was very happy to have something in the home that is very appealing to see and not "black and shiny" as she put it. I had an earlier REL (Strata III) from the late 1990's that eventually died and it was a great sub but this Classic is all that was and more. Bravo REL! You hit a home run with this beauty!"
— Robert J. (5/5)
Classic 99
"My new classic 99’s sound fantastic . But, now that I have them I want more. . I think I might up grade to the S series 810 to run along side my Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII’s . . tethered off my MAC7200. The classic 99’s are absolutely beautiful. I don’t know what to do. . GO REL SUBS…"
— Douglas W. (5/5)
The Big Girls & Little Fellas.
"There are many, many awesome stereo speaker & subwoofer combinations out there. This one is mine. I have paired stereo classic 98’s with my 1978 Belle Klipsch. The classic 98’s support the Belle’s beautifully. By support, I mean they provide a deep bass foundation that elevates the Belle’s to a new level. I purchased the first classic 98 the first week they went on sale. I became aware immediately that the improvement to the stereo was all that I had hoped for. I also realized that there would be a second classic 98 addition soon. Now When I put on a record and close my eyes, it’s as if I’m at a live event. Any where from Springsteen at a theater to Yo-Yo Ma at a concert hall. It’s just effortless. The soundstage is broad and deep. Thank you REL!"
— Scott H. (5/5)
REL Classic 98: Beautiful/Musical: REL Support and Jacob Van Sickle's World Class Service
"06/07/2024 I could not be happier with my first few days with my new REL Classic 98. Although, I initially received a T/5x by mistake the Recovery and REL's ongoing communications were excellent and professional. The Classic 98's packaging and quality are outstanding. It is more than enough for my listing room. I will likely ad a second Classic 98 to complete a pair, but honestly, that can wait. The imaging and detail I hear in my records and tapes from either set of speakers I have tried is far beyond what they could do before. I have been enjoying music at much lower volumes and not constantly wanting to turn it up. That is not to say it prevented this. When cranking up the volume a huge smile occurs. This is only a 2 day review! Since receiving the Classic 98, I have not made it out to the BAR yet! I have order food in and just keep spinning different records. This beautiful and musical piece of equipment makes you want to play your music more, and that is what this is about! This is truly a Classic product; that is stood behind by a World Class Service Team! TMC"
— Todd C. (5/5)
Great product, great people!
"I have the Classic ‘98 and couldn’t be happier with it. With the amp plate facing a wall and the bottom firing woofer invisible and protected from pets and kids, it looks like fine furniture. But most importantly, it rocks my 300sqft living room like a rock concert!"
— Dirk S. (5/5)
Great for hi-fi
"I was considering an older wooden cabinet REL for my hi-fi system (which is made up of all Walnut components), and as I was getting ready to pick up a used one, they announced the Classic 98. The timing was perfect. After a couple of conversations with the folks at REL, I decided that this was the way to go, and I'm pretty astounded by its performance. I have it paired with a JBL Metregon, powered by vintage McIntosh MC30 mono blocks, and a McIntosh C22 pre-amp, running a Thorens TD 160 turntable. In my opinion, it's just about the most perfect vintage hi-fi combination paired with a modern "retro" subwoofer to achieve sub-bass frequencies. I am also planning to play with swapping out the Metregon for my Altec Model 19's, which should sound even better. Fun stuff, beautiful craftsmanship, and looks perfect with all of the old Walnut veneers. Thank you, REL!"
— Dylan B. (5/5)
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