Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

QR Series

  • Positioning: The entry-level range, designed to offer high-quality sound at a more accessible price point.
  • Description: Uses an AMT tweeter with a gold-plated dispersion mesh, which provides a smooth and detailed high-frequency response, distinguishing it from the more advanced AMT tweeters used in the R Series. Additionally, features a compact design with a focus on delivering a balanced sound profile, making it ideal for smaller spaces compared to the larger and more powerful R Series.

R Series

  • Positioning: The high-end traditional tower offering, providing a step up in performance and technology from the QR Series.
  • Description: Uses advanced technologies like the Freedom Grounding Concept and SEC Air Motion Transformer, which enhance sound clarity and reduce distortion compared to the QR SE Series. This series also offers a modular upgrade path, allowing users to enhance their speakers over time, a feature not available in the QR Series.

Trapeze

  • Positioning: Represents Audiovector's high-end approach to a unique physical format—a revival of their 1979 classic "Trapeze."
  • Description: Features a unique wide-baffle design and proprietary drivers, offering exceptional clarity and dynamic range that surpasses both the QR and R Series. Its diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

Manufacturer's notes

The QR Sub sports an exceptionally controlled and powerful 10" bass driver in combination with a downward-firing passive driver for the very lowest frequencies. Via its powerful internal amplifier, it is extremely flexible and can be connected directly to your loudspeakers or amplifier.
The design goal of the QR SE series has always been to offer the most advanced technology in a perfectly finished and proportioned high-end package. The sound is big, bold, and dynamic, yet subtle and detailed when required—an excellent solution for all types of music.

With the addition of the powerful QR C SE, the detailed QR 1/3/7 SE, and the easily placed QR Wall SE, we are proud to deliver a very strong and powerful home cinema speaker solution.
  • Frequency Response: 20 - 180 Hz
  • Bass System: ARB Active/Passive
  • X-over frequencies: Variable from 40-180 Hz
  • Power handling: 350 W
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 38 x 35 x 38 cm
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Average Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used Products
21
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
138
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
16
Founded
1979

Our take on the brand

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
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What if you spend a bit more?

R Sub
3563
3563
/
1
Reviews
Audiovector

High level Speakon sub cable included 1 x 5 m.

At Audiovector we use only carefully selected real wood veneers. We offer a wide variety of custom paint finishes which are painted in Denmark. Availability on request. Standard matte finishes: African Rosewood, Black Ash, Italian Walnut, White Silk.

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
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Video review

Our take on the brand

Audiovector, a Danish speaker brand, stands out for the founder’s relentless rethinking of every component in their designs. Their use of unique materials, innovative technologies, and unconventional theories on sound results in speakers that genuinely sound distinct—especially in the R series. The flagship models in this series are known for creating exceptional soundstage depth, the kind you’d typically expect from dipole speakers, not cone-driver designs. Audiovector also focuses on minimizing harsh treble, ensuring smooth, fatigue-free vocals. Their speakers consistently receive high praise from reviewers and often win best-of-the-year awards.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
R Sub
page
Product Page
Classic 99
3699
3699
/
9
Reviews
REL

Classic 99

Nothing Continues to Says Lifestyle like Mid-Century Modern RELs

Classic 99 extends our Classic Line to loftier heights. Richer, bolder, and more powerful? Certainly. Yet 99 is also capable of far greater nuance, air, and resolution than its lesser brethren. For those with more capable systems and larger rooms, Classic 99 delivers advances on every front, while still maintaining the same easy-going, room-filling nature all Classic offerings possess. The high-grade genuine dark walnut veneer complements a variety of decors. Classic 99 delivers this in the same simple, comforting form of Mid-Century Modern design. Perfect for those who welcomed the original, yet were waiting for the next chapter to be written, those who crave even higher performance and the ability to fill larger, grander spaces with a broad carpet of deep bass. You'll still want to put on a record, pour a favorite drink, sink into your favorite chair, and relax into the music or movie of your choice. Classic 99, for those who waited for more.

Designed to Be Superior

Classic 99 adopts the form language introduced in its model 98 stablemate. As comfortable as a pair of well-worn loafers, it features solid cabinet walls as thick as 32 mm, clad in rich, warm walnut veneer, hand fitted with care. The simplest of natural aluminum badges and softly radiused feet milled from solid billet, blacked out to allow it to seemingly float, ensure that nothing, not even a grille disturbs the vibe. Yet, as with all RELs, the styling conveys far more than simple comfort. The down-firing 12" driver, while unseen, will surely be felt. Continuing to the rear panel, one finds the period-correct detailing extends to the amplifier panel, where all controls are finished in lovely white gold. Everything that one encounters has the heft of quality switch gear, even the click made by the phase switch is near perfection. Quality abounds everywhere one looks or touches. Don't be surprised if your children fight over it later in life.

Driven to be Louder. And Quieter.

As anyone familiar with REL will tell you, we always begin with the driver. In this case, a bespoke 12" long stroke driver that uses lightweight, stiff, hot-pressed paper to form the main body of the cone. Laid atop that is a stiff center cap made of hand-thrown paper; to randomize the fibres, ensuring that the driver has excellent self-damping. This is one of REL's secrets. Understanding that it is the quietness, that attention to bring the driver to complete silence, that produces the most startling dynamics. Whilst Classic 99 will play shatteringly loud, it's from the very black background that the loudest dynamics emerge to produce the sense of shock sought by great composers and directors.

More than Ample Amplification

Classic 99 is big, bold, and full of character, similar to the Stentor II of our youth, but at one-third the price. Of course, the 99 has a great amp. In order to generate deeper bass and significantly higher output, we turned to a tried-and-true Class D amplifier that we've already used in thousands of previous units. This 450 watt amplifier is fed by an all analogue PerfectFilter™ front end that extends useful output well into the low 20 Hz range – superb for a design of this size and price. It produces a sound that's both rich and richly detailed at the same time. Classic 99 borrows the best from current technology to deliver a sound slightly warmer and more like what we all imagine vintage sound to be, with superior reliability and performance than was ever available back in the day.

Classic RELs: What's The Difference

How does the Classic 99 stack up against the hot little Classic 98?

While they look similar, the newer Classic 99 is some 50 percent larger (by volume) delivering 450 watts of power (300w for CL98) into a 12″ driver (10″ for CL98). Those are significant upgrades in the basic spec of the Classic 99. Yes, the Classic 99 is more powerful, plays louder and goes deeper. It should. We walk you through the untold, less obvious story that makes the Classic 99 truly special even while appreciating the magic that is the original Classic 98.

Less Wiring?

How About Wireless Technology Only REL Offers

The future meets the past gloriously in REL's wireless offerings. For the ultimate, select our Airship II which encourages the use of REL's High-Level Connection PLUS .1/LFE should your listening tastes run toward movies. And these days who doesn't stream quality video content? This is our ultimate wireless design at 5.8 GHz and uses discrete components in the front end to transform your system's sound flawlessly into totally uncompressed wireless capable of eliminating the sprawl of cables across one's living space. On a tighter budget? We slip the exact same 5.8 gig master chip into an affordable system that allows for Low Level or .1/LFE to deliver across the same 35' with the same bulletproof signal delivery that we've become famous for over the past 15 years. HT-Air MKII Wireless is one of life's great bargains.

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful aesthetic with walnut veneer, fitting well with mid-century modern or classic speaker setups
  • Provides a warmer, richer, more textured, and room-filling bass, enhancing the musicality of the system
  • Capable of delivering more bass output at deeper frequencies compared to the Classic 98, beneficial for music and movies
  • Seamlessly integrates with speakers, creating a cohesive sound field, and improving vocals and soundstage

Product Considerations

  • The setup process can be tedious, as adjustments need to be made manually without an app
  • Limited phase adjustment options (0 and 180 degrees) may restrict integration flexibility in some rooms
  • May not be the best choice for systems that already sound warm or for those prioritizing punchy—fast bass
  • Substantial size may require careful placement in smaller rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Classic 98, the 99 has more bass output at deeper frequencies, and is faster and more nimble

Takeaway: The Classic 99 is a beautiful and musical subwoofer that enhances the overall warmth and richness of a sound system, making it more inviting and enjoyable, especially for those with smaller speakers or systems that could benefit from additional low-end texture. It delivers a smooth, tactile, and spacious bass experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Classic 99
page
Product Page
Anthra W12
3000
3000
/
8
Reviews
Monitor
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Deep, rich, punchy, and precise bass enhances the overall sound experience
  • Exceptional control and accuracy with articulate and precise bass notes avoids muddiness
  • A muscular amplifier pressurizes the room well, making movies sound huge
  • A user-friendly experience is offered via the MaestroUnite app for advanced configuration
  • Elegant design with a premium finish is available in Gloss Black or Satin White

Product Considerations

  • Substantial weight at 32.4kg
  • May be overkill for smaller rooms
  • Lacks auto EQ for self-calibration
  • Some people may miss high-level inputs

Takeaway: The Anthra W12 is a powerful subwoofer that brings depth and detail to both music and movies. With its precise bass and user-friendly features, it's a great addition to any serious hifi setup and will make any media experience more enjoyable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Anthra W12
page
Product Page
Digital Drive 18 Plus
4773
4773
/
6
Reviews
Velodyne
Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful, with great potential for room lock and shaking the listening room
  • Tuneful, clean, clear, and accurate bass
  • Deep bass extension
  • High build quality, with fine cabinetry
  • The on-board DSP with software offers flexibility with settings

Product Considerations

  • Expensive
  • Setup options can be overwhelming
  • Heavy, making it difficult to move around
  • The software may be complex to use
  • Built-in EQ may not be effective

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Velodyne DD-18, the Digital Drive Plus 18 (DD-18+) bettered it in raw power, transient articulation, pitch definition, and deep-bass extension
  • Compared to the JL Audio Fathom f113, the DD-18+ created room lock that a single Fathom f113 couldn't
  • Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins DB1, the sound was closest to DD-18+, but the blend with Quad ESL-989s wasn't as seamless

Takeaway: The Velodyne DD18+ delivers top-notch sound, deep bass, and plenty of power for an amazing listening experience, and it gets the job done in both home theaters and two-channel systems. Its flexible features and robust construction make it a great option for anyone looking for a serious subwoofer.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Digital Drive 18 Plus
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

T/9x
1762
/
Released
2021
REL
The T/9x is the flagship of the T/x Serie. The job of any range topper for REL is to deliver more of everything, particularly output and dynamics. The 9x delivers a level of intimacy, clarity and speed that means there are no longer trade-offs between the sonic balance of smaller models weighed against the power and scale of a model 9.
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REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality, suitable for music listening with great articulation and detail
  • Easier integration into a room visually, due to its compact/medium size
  • Attention to detail in the design, including the fit and finish, and quality components
  • Speed and transient response are praised, allowing it to start and stop quickly
  • Multiple connection options, including high-level, low-level, and LFE inputs, increasing its versatility

Product Considerations

  • May not provide the same level of 'body rock' and tactile feel as larger subwoofers
  • May not be ideal for very large rooms where more output is needed
  • The finish, while high quality, is only available in a limited number of colors
  • The TX range is not designed to be stacked, limiting options for increasing bass output

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The T/9x has slightly better fidelity, while the SVS Micro 3000 has more SPL and extension
  • The T/9x provides a more consistent experience overall, while the KEF KC62 is more versatile
  • Performance rivals REL S3.

Takeaway: The REL T/9x is a well-designed subwoofer that can enhance the sound quality of a music system, especially in small to medium-sized rooms. It brings detail, clarity, and extension to the bass, making it a worthwhile addition for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
T/9x
Page
Product Page
KC62
1949
/
Released
2021
KEF
KC62 is an incredibly compact subwoofer that delivers the might and magic of deep, accurate bass for a thrillingly immersive music, movie and gaming experience. Created using innovative KEF engineering including the ground-breaking Uni-Core ® technology, the football-sized KC62 features two 6.5inch force cancelling drive units powered by 1,000W RMS of specially designed Class D amplification.
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KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The KC62 is a compact subwoofer, described as tiny and about the size of a soccer ball or basketball, making it easy to accommodate in various rooms and spaces
  • Delivers incredible bass for the money and size
  • The KC62 provides powerful, deep, and accurate bass reproduction, especially in the lower frequencies
  • Features unique Uni-Core technology to fit two woofers into a small cabinet, reducing unwanted resonances

Product Considerations

  • The KC62's standby mode may not always engage, requiring manual volume adjustment to wake it
  • Small subwoofers can't do what bigger subwoofers can do, although capable
  • App control does not provide direct access to remotely control the sub's own manual settings, therefore, some adjustments still need to be made on the back
  • In a big room, it'll definitely lose some steam

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The KC62 extends quite a bit lower than the SVS Micro 3000 and is going to have really good extension, especially at lower volumes
  • The KF92 has a max SPL that's double the one offered by the KC62, making it a great option for larger listening rooms or home theaters
  • The KC62 has a faster response than the REL T/9x, which enhances the vibrancy of percussions in music or exciting moments in movies

Takeaway: The KC62 is a small but mighty subwoofer that delivers impressive bass for its size, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space who still want a great listening experience. Its stylish design and innovative technology make it a standout product that can enhance both music and movie enjoyment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
KC62
Page
Product Page
HT/1205 MKII
1132
/
Released
2022
REL
HT/1205 MKII establishes a new performance standard for affordable home theatre subwoofers. Avoiding electronic gimmickry in favor of properly balanced priorities; cabinets that are right-sized, solidly braced and beautifully finished. A sparkling new amp design that effortlessly delivers 500W into an all-new CarbonGlas™ 12" (300mm) driver. The sexy new black lacquer top plate has a subtle REL logo floating on top, while the expensively wrought black line-grained composite for the cabinet looks the business. HT/1205 MKII plays 50% louder than its predecessor, while also delivering more precision and subtlety. It is capable of output levels more commonly found in models well over $1,000/£1,000.
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REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Improved bass extension, control, and authority compared to the original HT/1205
  • Enhanced aesthetics with upgraded vinyl, gloss black top plate, and smaller logos
  • Defined clicks/adjustments on frequency and gain controls, improving setup precision
  • Clean bass output with good note distinction, start/stop behavior, transient response, tone, and texture
  • Capable of playing louder with a larger sense of scale than the original HT/1205

Product Considerations

  • Lacks high-level input
  • Some reviewers found the bass extension did not go as low as the Mark I version in certain infrasonic tests
  • The glossy top plate may be prone to fingerprints and micro-scratches

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Mark II plays louder, extends lower, has more authority and a larger sense of scale overall—with a slightly heavier tone—compared to the original HT/1205
  • Compared to the Arendal 1961 1S and SVS SB-2000 Pro, the HT/1205 is more articulate, clean, and clear with better note-to-note distinction and transient response
  • The HT/1205 is a more affordable alternative to the KEF KC62

Takeaway: The HT/1205 is a powerful and articulate subwoofer that offers great value for both music and home theater. Its improved design and performance make it a worthy upgrade and a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet capable bass solution.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
HT/1205 MKII
Page
Product Page
Classic 98
1636
/
Released
2023
REL
Introducing Classic 98 – a symphony of mid-century charm and state-of-the-art technology. Drawing from the golden age of stereo, this masterpiece is more than just a nod to iconic REL designs; it's a reimagining, blending the past's aesthetics with today's technological prowess and performance.
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REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a warm, full, and 'romantic' bass that evokes a vintage feel while maintaining modern REL quality
  • More affordable than higher-end REL subwoofers, while still providing excellent build quality and performance
  • Easy to integrate and blend with various speakers, especially classic or vintage models
  • Provides a tight, punchy, and expansive bass response that adds foundation to the music without sounding muffled
  • Features a smaller size and easier setup compared to some other REL subwoofers

Product Considerations

  • Does not reach the ultra-deep and refined bass of REL's higher-end S/510 model
  • The 'plumper, fuller' bass might not be ideal for those seeking ultra-tight and fast bass
  • Some reviewers note that while improved, older REL designs could have a lack of control over the bass

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Classic 98 is more affordable and easier to set up than the REL S/510, but the S/510 offers deeper and more refined bass
  • The Classic 98 is less warm, more direct, deeper, faster and tighter than the older REL Strata III

Takeaway: The REL Classic 98 is a good subwoofer for adding a vintage vibe and solid bass to a music setup, especially with classic speakers. It is easy to use, sounds good, and provides an enjoyable listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Classic 98
Page
Product Page
SUB10
1364
/
Released
2024
Buchardt
For many who follow us, this has been a project we have worked on for over 2 years now. We wanted a subwoofer that would be less intrusive in your typical home but, in typical Buchardt fashion, perform well beyond what users expect from its size. The SUB10 features a very powerful long-stroke 10" woofer that has been designed specifically for this exact enclosure and Hypex amplifier.
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Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Slim and sleek design allows for placement under furniture, against walls, or even on its back
  • Easy to set up and blend with main speakers, often within seconds
  • Can be used wirelessly via WISA with compatible Buchardt powered speakers
  • Can be tuned with master tunings for customized sound profiles
  • Built-in room correction via a smartphone app provides optimal bass response

Product Considerations

  • Output may not be sufficient for large home theaters or those seeking maximum bass output
  • Relies on DSP, which may not appeal to traditional analog audio enthusiasts
  • Some reviewers experienced issues pairing the sub wirelessly with the hub

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs REL Classic 99—Sub 10 is easier to set up and place with a different vibe and low-level connections, while the Classic 99 requires high or low level connections
  • Vs Kef KC62—Sub 10 has built-in room correction and a smartphone app, features lacking in the KC62, and the sound quality was slightly better
  • Vs SVS Micro 3000—The Sub 10 extends considerably lower with fuller bottom end
  • Vs Lyngdorf BW-2—Sub 10 is cheaper than the BW-2 and has features like XLR input, DSP and wireless connectivity

Takeaway: The SUB10 is a versatile and convenient subwoofer, offering ease of placement, setup, and blending with various speakers. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a musical and unobtrusive bass enhancement in small to medium-sized rooms.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
SUB10
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

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