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REL

REL Classic 98

REL Classic 98

Regular price $1,499.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,499.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Setup

Timeless Warmth. Natural Depth. Pure Musical Ease.
Classic 98 brings expressive acoustic-suspension bass to a more compact footprint, balanced, inviting, and beautifully integrated into any room or system.

  • Smooth dynamics from a 300-watt Class D amplifier
  • Warm, expressive bass from a 10" pulp-on-paper driver
  • Tight, natural response via an acoustic-suspension cabinet
  • Classic walnut veneer for an elegant, enduring finish

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.”

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.

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.

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.

The Freedom of Clean Connection

The future meets the past in REL Acoustics wireless offerings, now centered on HT-Air MKII Wireless. Designed for seamless integration, it supports Left or Right Low Level Connection or .1/LFE. High-Level Connectivity is not supported with the HT-Air MKII. 

Operating on a 5.8 GHz platform, HT-Air MKII delivers uncompressed, stable wireless performance with carefully engineered front-end components for maximum signal integrity. The result is clean, reliable transmission without cable clutter, preserving both sound quality and living space aesthetics. 

It’s a simple, affordable way to bring REL’s trusted wireless performance into more systems—delivering freedom, flexibility, and purity of connection.

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

-6dB 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

DIMS

W x H x D
13.75 in. x 18.5 in. x 11.75 in.
(350 x 470 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)

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