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What's unique about the brand
What reviewers are saying
We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:
- REL subwoofers often enhance midrange resolution and expand the sound field, rather than simply adding "more bass."
- The brand's signature high-level connection, using a Speakon connector, integrates the subwoofer with the main amplifier, preserving the sonic character of the system.
- REL emphasizes a balance between power and speed in their subwoofers, resulting in nimble bass articulation and definition of bass notes.
- The company delivers a high level of quality and attention to detail in the build and finish of its subwoofers, making them visually elegant additions to any system.
Our favorite reviewer quotes:
- "The mystique of the unexplainable. The quality of the bass. The extension. The "why can't I put my finger on it" moment. There's just something about the way the low-end extension is so pure, effortless, almost unreal." (https://www.soundstageaustralia.com/index.php/reviews/844-rel-acoustics-no-31-reference-series-subwoofer)
- "Add the the REL RED's set up well all of a sudden this track is a lively physical tangible event happening in your room rather than something you sit flat and listen to its now a musical experience. That's what having an extra amount of really great quality bass does to all music but not all speakers give you that and that's when subwoofers do become essential." (https://www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/rel-t9x-red-subwoofer-review)
- "During our evaluation, the sub demonstrated remarkable control, reaching down to a spine-tingling 18Hz (-6dB). The Continuous CastAlloy cone structure isn't just marketing speak - it's a technological marvel that ensures pristine bass reproduction without unwanted resonance." (https://www.theaudiotailor.com.au/blogs/reviews/rel-212-sx-subwoofer-review-a-new-benchmark-in-bass-performance)
- "The S/510's cabinet construction and drive units really and truly express bass so well that this review wasn't quite as difficult as I first believed it would be and as the new amplifier came into its own with the grip, drive and tactile nature of the sub proving again that REL's topology and design approach was a step above many other home subwoofers." (https://www.hifipig.com/rel-acoustics-s-510-subwoofer)
- "Where this product truly excels (like the other top RELs before it) is the level of definition and texture in the lower registers and the life they breathe into the upper ranges of your hifi system. No other sub I've reviewed does this to anywhere near this extent." (https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-rel-no-31-subwoofer)
- "The sound from this sub is tight, full, plump, fast, deep and at the end of the day this little guy shocked me with the way it reproduces bass with such class and composure. Bass is so much more than BOOM." (http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2023/11/11/the-rel-t9x-limited-edition-red-subwoofer-review)
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Products
Lineup comparison
We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.
Tzero MKIII
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Serie T lineup, designed for small spaces and budget-conscious users.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a new aluminum cone driver that enhances stiffness for better bass performance. Compared to other models like the T/9x SE, it is ideal for small rooms or apartments due to its size and affordability, but it lacks the power and depth of larger models.
T/9x SE
- Positioning: A special edition model in the Serie T/x lineup, offering enhanced aesthetics and performance.
- Description: Features a carbon fiber center cap for improved rigidity and speed, making it faster and more dynamic than the Tzero MKIII.
Classic 99
- Positioning: Part of the Classic series, offering a blend of vintage design and modern performance.
- Description: With a 12-inch paper-on-paper driver and 450 watts of power, delivers deeper bass and more power than the T/9x SE.
HT/1510 Predator
- Positioning: A high-performance model in the Serie HT lineup, designed for home theater enthusiasts.
- Description: Features a 15-inch CarbonGlas driver and a 1,000-watt amplifier, providing powerful bass and is perfect for large home theater setups. It offers more power and depth than the Classic 99.
Carbon Special
- Positioning: A premium model in the Serie S lineup, combining advanced technology with a compact design.
- Description: Includes a third-generation carbon fiber driver and a bespoke CSP passive driver for superior dynamics. Compared to the HT/1510 Predator, it offers a more refined sound for music lovers.
No. 32
- Positioning: The flagship model in the Reference Series, representing the pinnacle of REL's subwoofer technology.
- Description: With a 15-inch carbon fiber driver and a 1,000-watt NextGen 7 amplifier, delivers groundbreaking dynamics and tonal richness. It is ideal for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound quality.
Used
REL
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Similar
Subwoofers
brands
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Digital High-Gain Servo Control
Velodyne was a pioneer in integrating real-time servo-feedback control in subwoofers. This patented technology uses an accelerometer to monitor and correct the diaphragm's movement with extreme precision, reducing distortion to less than 0.5%. This level of accuracy results in exceptionally clean, accurate bass even at high output levels, something most competitors can’t achieve.
Auto-EQ Plus Room Calibration
We also stand out with our Auto-EQ Plus system, which adapts the subwoofer’s output to the acoustics of any given room. Using a microphone for measurement, the system automatically adjusts the bass response for optimal performance, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments.
What's your approach to customer support?
Customer support is extremely important to us. In most cases, customers should reach out to their local dealer or distributor first; they are trained to assist and provide fast, local solutions. However, our service team in Germany is always available for direct assistance when needed. We offer in-house repairs, spare parts (even for many legacy models), and we try to go above and beyond with trade-in options and consultation to keep Velodyne Acoustics products performing for decades.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
"Royals" by Lorde (for tight, controlled bass dynamics)
"Why So Serious?" by Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight OST) (for deep extension and subsonic detail)
"No Sanctuary Here" by Chris Jones (for weight and rhythm in lower registers)
What other products pair best with yours?
We often see fantastic synergy with Wilson Audio speakers. Their clarity and dynamic range complement our fast, articulate subwoofers beautifully. For two-channel and home cinema alike, it’s a powerful match.
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
There isn't really anything on the market like ours. We're combining end high, audiophile speaker technology with concert speaker technology to give people the best of both worlds. There are some companies selling pro audio type speakers for home theater but they not incorporating ultra-high-end components like we are. The company KEF makes some really nice point source speakers which are acoustically similar having a concentric mid and high frequency devices. The JTR's will provide all the detail but then also much more dynamic capability. Our speakers are voiced natural and neutral so they aren't recessed but also not forward sounding.
What's your approach to customer support?
Email support direct via JTR Speakers or call/email support via dealer networks.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Jeff likes Hotel California, but we usually demo with home theater content to show the dynamics of our speakers.
What other products pair best with yours?
JBL Synthesis is likely the closest match tonality.
