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.
Product Strengths
- Very sturdy product with excellent build quality and a beautiful finish, available in black ash or high gloss black
- The driver uses proprietary Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA) technology to reduce distortion and improve transient response
- Produces fast, tight, and articulate bass that is well-controlled, delivering visceral impact when needed
- Surprisingly powerful amplifier (1200W RMS) for its compact size
- The controls (volume, crossover, phase, polarity) are conveniently located on top of the cabinet
Product Considerations
- It may not dig as low as rivals with bigger drivers and may require multiples to fill larger spaces
- The gloss black finish might be distracting in a dedicated home theater
- Lacks a parametric EQ, though most users will look to their AV receivers or processors for this
- Some reviewers feel that JL Audio recommends that crossover be set at 80Hz or higher, and feel it is too high
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus KEF KF92, the E110 plays louder and has a stronger leading edge with better defined note-to-note distinction, while the KEF KF92 has more extension at lower volumes
- Versus REL T9X, the E110 is more SPL-focused, extending lower and playing louder, while the REL T9X is more SQ-focused, emphasizing bass detail, tone, and texture
- Versus SVS SB2000 Pro/SB3000, the E110 subwoofers could do everything that the SVS subwoofers could do at a lower level
Takeaway: The JL Audio E-Sub e110 is a compact yet powerful subwoofer that delivers tight, articulate bass suitable for both music and movies. It's a well-engineered product with convenient features and a robust amplifier, making it a great choice for those seeking quality and performance in a smaller package.
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E-Sub e110
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Manufacturer details
- Enclosure Type: Sealed
- Enclosure Finish: Black Gloss
- Frequency Response (Anechoic): 25 - 116 Hz (±1.5dB), -3 dB at 23 Hz / 120 Hz, -10 dB at 18 Hz / 165 Hz
- Effective Piston Area (Sd): 58.78 sq in / 0.0379 sq m
- Effective Displacement: 131 cu in / 2.1 L
- Amplifier Power: 1200 W RMS short-term
- Width (W): 13.5 in / 343 mm
- Height (H): 14.24 in / 362 mm
- Depth (D): 16.51 in / 419 mm
- Net Weight: 52.7 lb / 23.9 kg
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:
- JL Audio subwoofers are designed and built in-house, allowing meticulous control over every aspect of performance, from driver design to amplifier circuitry.
- They utilize patented technologies, such as DMA (Dynamic Motor Analysis), VRC (Vented Reinforcement Collar), and FCAM (Floating Cone Attach Method), for reduced distortion and superior transient response.
- The brand's subwoofers strike a balance of power, extension, and control, suiting both demanding home theater setups and hifi two-channel music systems.
- JL Audio offers proprietary room optimization technology, DARO (Digital Automatic Room Optimization), using multiple bands of digital equalization to effectively compensate for problematic room acoustics.
Select products
Dominion:
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a powerful Class D amplifier, making it ideal for small spaces and budget-conscious buyers. Features a DMA optimized driver for precise sound, unlike the E-Sub which offers more power and size options. This makes it suitable for users who need a subwoofer for a small room or desktop setup without compromising on quality.
E-Sub:
- Positioning: Mid-range line, balancing performance and value.
- Description: Provides a robust performance with a long excursion driver and a proprietary switching amplifier, delivering high-quality sound in a compact form. Compared to the Dominion, offers more power and a refined design. Its top-mounted controls and finish options add to its versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Fathom v2:
- Positioning: High-performance line, designed for larger spaces and demanding applications.
- Description: Equipped with ultra-long throw W7-HT drivers and a powerful amplifier, offering exceptional low distortion and deep bass. This series is more powerful than the E-Sub, making it ideal for larger rooms or home theaters where high output and clarity are essential. Its advanced DSP and room optimization features enhance sound precision and dynamic range.
Gotham v2:
- Positioning: Flagship line, offering the ultimate in performance and luxury.
- Description: The pinnacle of JL Audio's subwoofer lineup, featuring dual 13W7-HT drivers and a 4,500-watt amplifier for groundbreaking power and control. It surpasses the Fathom series with its superior build quality and advanced technologies like D.A.R.O. Its exquisite craftsmanship and performance justify its premium price.
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Product Strengths
- Powerful output for a compact model
- Employs a Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system that deploys eighteen bands of digital equalization to tame room acoustics
- Can be linked with another f110v2, where one acts as the master, and the other as an extension
- The f110v2 adds a sense of ease to the music, subtle sweetness, and improved ambient information retrieval
- The JL Audio drivers are extremely impressive and have a very distinct and clean sound, and quite powerful for their size
Product Considerations
- Lacks below-20Hz extension
- Gloss black finish attracts dust
- Setup required a little more time and attention to get them set up as accurately as possible
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Fathom line of subwoofers are considered in home theater and hifi circles to be some of the best
- The Fathom f110v2 is a relative bargain compared with the company's super-premium Gotham v2 subwoofer
- Installing a pair of high-level REL subs is a bit easier and with smart placement integrate beautifully into MG-1.7i's with stereo coherence, smoothness, and grace
Takeaway: The JL Audio Fathom f110v2 is a compact but powerful subwoofer that can integrate well into high-end audio systems, enhancing the overall musical experience with its clarity and control. It is a good pick for those who want deep bass and a better sound, but don't want a huge sub taking up their space.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Delivers fidelity, dynamics, and pitch note definition, reproducing audio subtleties and intricacies
- Features digital automatic room optimization with an 18-band digital EQ, easily calibrating to the room's acoustics
- Front-mounted control panel allows easy access to adjustments, including on/off, auto on-off, and calibration
Product Considerations
- The deepest frequencies may cause structure-borne sound, potentially disturbing neighbors in shared buildings, unless adjusted
Takeaway: The Fathom delivers high-quality sound with advanced room optimization and easy-to-use controls. It is perfect for those who want the best possible audio experience and are willing to invest in it.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Powerful bass response and great musicality
- Integrates well with main speakers, making it hard to discern that the bass is coming from the ceiling
- The DSP (D.A.R.O. – Digital Automatic Room Optimization) effectively eliminates peaks and valleys in low-frequency response
Product Considerations
- Installation may require surgery to the ceiling if not done during new construction
- Requires purchasing a calibrated microphone separately (around $100) to fully fine-tune the DSP
- Unless walls use 2 x 6 construction, it must be mounted in the ceiling, as the enclosure is 5.13 inches thick
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Fathom ICS is more affordable than the JL Audio Fathom IWS (In-Wall Subwoofer)
Takeaway: The Fathom ICS subwoofer is a great solution for smaller living spaces, delivering impressive performance and allowing for seamless integration by hiding in the ceiling. It provides both powerful bass and musicality, making it a great addition to any audio system.
Video review
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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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible output and extension
- Astonishing levels of speed and precision, with perhaps the best start and stop behavior encountered in a subwoofer of this size
- Robust attack with deep extension during heavy heart-pounding action sequences
- Can produce audible sinewave-generated frequencies down to 20.7Hz
- Achieves a forceful and aggressive bass, with a strong attack and well-defined leading edge
Product Considerations
- Smaller motors and less robust moving elements compared to the E-series
- May be a little unsubtle compared with the best music subwoofers, lacking a little bass texture and timing
- Low Pass control is marked in increments of 20Hz, which makes it difficult to know precisely which frequency it's been set to
- The D-Series only goes up to 10-inch subs, so may not be sufficient for very large rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs JL Audio E110: The D110 gets you almost all the way there
- Vs REL T5: Bests the T5 handily in an AV setting, going louder, with more heft and drive in the low frequency effects
- Vs REL T5: REL performs with superior speed and agility as well as better rendered bass textures, but the D110 made a bigger sound
- Vs Pioneer SW-8MK2: The SW-8MK2 achieved only a shadow of the output and extension mustered by the D110
Takeaway: The Dominion D110 is a compact subwoofer that delivers forceful, deep, and fast bass, making it a great option for both music and home theater systems. It is a great choice if one wants a subwoofer with impact and the ability to move a lot of air.
Video review
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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
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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
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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.
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