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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Littora 1000
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 25 Hz - 500 Hz
- Minimum impedance: 4 Ω
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
- Recommended amplifier power: 100 - 300 W
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Depth behind surface: 4.87 in
- IP rating: IP65 (ASTMB117)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Focal monitors are noted for their "mid-forward" sound, guiding users toward balanced mixes, particularly in the midrange frequencies, which aids in crucial EQ and dynamics decisions.
- They integrate an inverted dome tweeter crafted from Aluminum/Magnesium or Beryllium, optimizing high-frequency dispersion and minimizing distortion through back wave absorption.
- Focal frequently employs flax or "W" composite sandwich cones in their mid-bass drivers, providing a lightweight yet rigid diaphragm construction that delivers exceptional definition and controlled bass.
Select products
Theva
- Positioning: The entry-level series in Focal's high-fidelity lineup.
- Description: Features Focal's signature technologies like the TNF tweeter for clear treble. Compared to the Aria Evo X, offers a more budget-friendly option with simpler cabinet designs. While it lacks the advanced materials found in the Kanta series, still provides a solid performance for its price range, suitable for basic home audio setups.
Aria Evo X
- Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of Focal's lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Features flax cone technology, providing natural sound and excellent dynamics. More refined than Theva, offering better build quality and soundstage.
Kanta
- Positioning: A premium series, offering advanced technology and design.
- Description: Known for their innovative design and use of materials like the Flax sandwich cone and Beryllium tweeter, delivering precise and detailed sound. They offer a more sophisticated sound profile than Aria Evo X, with enhanced clarity and warmth.
Sopra
- Positioning: A high-end series, just below the flagship Utopia line, focusing on compactness and performance.
- Description: Excels in sound transparency and precision, featuring technologies like the Infinite Horn Loading system for improved treble. They offer a richer harmonic experience than Kanta.
Utopia III Evo
- Positioning: Focal's flagship series, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
- Description: Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and luxurious design, incorporating technologies like the Beryllium tweeter and W composite sandwich cone. They surpass Sopra in every aspect, offering groundbreaking soundstage and detail, ideal for large dedicated listening rooms and those with no budget constraints.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Focal
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- True audiophile performance with pinpoint imaging and a huge soundstage from an in-wall footprint rivaling free standing speakers
- Reference-grade materials such as inverted beryllium dome tweeter and W Cone sandwich drivers
- Pivoting midrange assemblies allow for fine-tuning imaging at the listening position
- Utopia models feature a slick, modular, expandable design to fit a variety of installations
- Utopia models can handle LFE to the mains
Product Considerations
- Dog ears are finicky and may have issues when installing multiple sheetrock layers near max thickness rating
- Connection plates adhering to the joints and ends of the grilles don't always sit completely flat
- IWSUB Utopia models lack a vibration damping suspension system
- Requires an equally capable processor with advanced EQ and amplifier stable into low impedance loads to maximize performance potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Revel Ultima2 Salons: The IWLCR Utopias delivered the sense of larger images and a larger soundstage versus the Salon2, while the Salon2's soundstage was deeper, more pinpoint, and transparent compared to the IWLCR Utopia
Takeaway: The Focal delivers audiophile-grade audio with a zero-footprint design, giving a lifelike soundstage and effortless musical presentation. Its flexible installation options make it great for spaces where floor-standing models aren't practical.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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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.
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
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
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
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
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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
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
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
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