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
- 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.
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HT/1205 MKII
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Manufacturer details
- Type: Closed box, front-firing driver
- Active Driver Size & Material: 12 in. (300mm) long-throw, CarbonGlas™ cone structure, inverted carbon fibre centre cap, steel chassis
- Low Frequency Extension: -6dB at 22 Hz
- Input Connectors: (2) Low Level RCA or (1) LFE RCA
- Output Connectors: Daisy Chain (2) Low Level RCA or (1) LFE RCA
- Power Output: 500 watts (RMS)
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Wireless Capability: HT-Air MKII (sold separately)
- Protection System: Fully Electronic
- Mains Input Voltage: 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets
- Fuses: 4 Amp semi delay 230b, 4 Amp semi delay 115b operation
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.25 in. x 15.25 in. x 17.25 in. (413mm x 387mm x 438mm)
- Net Weight: 43.2 lbs. (19.6kg)
- Finish: Horizontally Oriented Lined Grained Black Composite Cabinet, 15mm Top Plate, finished in 5 coats of Hand rubbed High Gloss Black Lacquer
Performance Home Theater
Serie HT is designed specifically to answer the challenge of creating affordably priced, exceptionally dynamic, pure home theater powered subwoofers. The HT/1205 MKII is the ideal combination of a lightweight, modern 12" CarbonGlas™ (300mm) driver coupled to a powerful 500W Class D amplifier that runs cool, producing extraordinary dynamics. Internally, we developed specially adapted home theater input filters that produce extremely flat bass down in the 20's.
We set out to build the loudest, relatively compact 12" unit available for pure home theater use, and at truly attractive pricing. You'll be the judge of how well we accomplished that goal, but critics are already lining up for reviews. We believe the HT/1205 MKII is destined to become a modern classic with svelte cabinet dimensions finished in an attractive, yet purposeful line grained black aluminum-look and topped by a 12mm thick beautifully polished top that serves to damp vibrations on the critical top surface of the cabinet.
For REL owners already enjoying our Reference, Serie S and T/i subwoofers designed for both 2-channel and theater use, the HT/1205 MKII is designed to supplement their system's .1/LFE output to produce extremely high output for chest rumbling home theater special effects.
Designer Exterior
The beautiful new cabinetry is bespoke; it has new te...
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:
- 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.
Select products
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.
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Used
REL
What if you spend more?
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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.
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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
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
Our take on the brand
Massive bass, minute distortion levels, just as we intended. Grills are optional.
MODEL D12s Subwoofer: Small footprint, big sound. Benefiting from many of the technologies of our flagship subs, these sealed subs generate amazing performance in the smallest footprint. Low Q, shallow rolloff response geared for sound quality and smoothly integrating into the listening room. Also, a great choice for using multiple subs to optimize in room response and smooth out seat-to-seat variation.
The smallest subwoofer in the series, yet packs enough punch to be certified THX Dominus using a pair of D12s subs. Powered by our 1.5kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.
Ground up drivers developed by our team of engineers. Carbon fiber composite diaphragms, multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multi-layer Nomex spiders and lightweight aluminum voice coil wire are the key ingredients – Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques allow us to simulate all these components and then optimize for real world driver performance – free air and in box. Further refinement is done with the aid of Klippel laser measurements to dial things in.
All D-Series subs share our 2.4" LCD touchscreen display and ability to control advance settings using our App.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The D12s is Perlisten's smallest subwoofer, but still delivers impressive performance, especially considering its sealed design
- Features a powerful 1.5kW amplifier, a 32-bit processor, and a TI DSP
- Has an intuitive mobile app for controlling settings like gain, EQ, and parametric EQ
- The D12s produces clear, fast, and tight bass, making it very musical and integrating well with various systems
- Offers parametric equalizations, with each one giving you 10 parametric equalization bands
- Requires a spare preamplifier output since it only has XLR and RCA inputs, unlike some active subs that use high-level outputs
Product Considerations
- The D12s is quite heavy, weighing around 90 pounds
- One reviewer noted a spike around 60Hz in their room
- Might not be ideal for very large rooms or those who prefer very bass-heavy music like dub—unless paired with larger units
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS-2000 Pro, the D12s has significantly lower THD at 20Hz, even at higher SPLs
- Vs Arendal 1723-1V, the D12s sounds clearer, faster, and tighter
- Vs Velodyne DD12+, the D12s is comparable in dynamic bass performance, but has more modern technology
- Vs REL offerings, the D12s performs similarly in terms of speed and clarity but has more power
Takeaway: The Perlisten D12s is a high-quality subwoofer that offers a combination of power, precision, and advanced features, resulting in a detailed and immersive listening experience for both music and movies. Its versatile design and user-friendly controls make it a great addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
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
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent integration with main speakers, blending seamlessly and extending the bass without overpowering or sounding detached
- Fast and detailed bass response, allowing it to keep up with fast musical transients and reveal subtle textures in bass notes
- Enhances the overall soundstage, opening up the width and depth of the image
- High build quality with quality materials and a premium finish
- High-level connectivity via a Neutrik Speakon connector, allowing it to take on the sonic characteristics of the amplifier for better integration and timing
Product Considerations
- Suitable for smaller home theater rooms, it may have limitations for the most demanding movie soundtracks in notably large rooms due to its low-frequency extension
- Lacks digital signal processing (DSP) and mobile app control, which some users may prefer
- With certain songs, it may not improve the original bass, and in some cases may 'destroy' the bass texture
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs REL Strata III: The T/7x is cleaner, more dynamic, and has faster transients than the Strata III, despite having similar bass extension
- Vs SVS SB-3000: The REL T/7x blends more naturally with the main speakers and offers greater detail, timbre, and contour in bass frequencies
- Vs SVS PB-2000 Pro: The SVS PB-2000 Pro offers more air movement
- Vs JL Audio d108: The JL Audio d108 lacks a speaker-level audio input
Takeaway: The REL T/7x is a great choice for those who want a musical subwoofer that adds detail and space to their audio system. Its ability to integrate well with speakers and provide fast, accurate bass makes it a worthwhile addition to any audiophile setup.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful, museum-quality design and build, especially the limited edition red finish
- Delivers dimensionality, a larger and taller soundstage, and more air to the system
- Musical and refined, blending well with the stereo system and acting as an extension of the current speakers
- Fast, nimble, tight, and agile bass performance, with excellent bass extension
- High-level input allows it to become an extension of the main speakers
Product Considerations
- The T/9x SE may not be a major upgrade for existing T/9x owners
- Some reviewers could not test the T/9x for home cinema performance
- Cannot be stacked, limiting options for those seeking 'serious kick in bass'
- Lacks carry handles, requiring care when moving the subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to lower-cost subs from brands like SVS, KEF, and Klipsch, the REL T/9x is more musical and refined
Takeaway: The T/9x is a beautiful and refined subwoofer that enhances the musicality of any system, providing a deeper and more dimensional sound. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing speakers makes it a valuable addition for those seeking a more immersive audio experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ultra-tight bass and LFE with sublime impact
- The 15-inch driver pushes vast chunks of air, while maintaining speedy movement for tight and punchy bass
- The 1,000W Class A/B amplifier provides more power and headroom than its predecessor
- It excels at conveying percussive sounds and stylized impacts with no overhang or bloom
- The relatively compact size for a 15-inch subwoofer makes it suitable for various room sizes
Product Considerations
- Lacks remote control or any EQ system
- Absolute low-frequency depth and ability to resolve similar bass notes may be lacking for stereo music setups
- There is no adjustment, twiddly feet or spike mounts in the rails, so if there is an uneven floor, the Predator is never going to sit level
- The HT/1510 is more focused on home theater LFE and lacks REL's signature Neutrik-based speaker-level connection
- At times, the LFE level can feel too low
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PB4000: The PB-4000 delivers on big impact and big sounds that are right up front, while subtle, snappy, sharp, precise sounds are where the HT/1510 shines
Takeaway: The HT/1510 Predator is a home cinema-centric subwoofer that delivers fast, tight, and impactful bass, making movies and shows more engaging. Its power and precision make it a worthy upgrade for any home theater enthusiast.
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