MUSIC FIRST Subwoofer with STYLE for Home Audio! REL Classic 99 Subwoofer review

[@Jayiyagi]

*Hey guys, thanks for stopping by! I forgot to mention that this subwoofer does come at a premium, just under $1900 per unit for the Classic 99 and 1400 for the Classic 98* REL Classic 98: rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/classic/classic-98/ REL Classic 99: rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/classic/classic-99/ Related Videos: REL TX Series Comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGLaaaVvdsd5o8ksi=WkXqMKS-syLeBktg REL High Level Connection instructions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJOWiaWtirdqnbcsi=C2oRSnDX0FsRVDiY Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 The New REL Subwoofer: Classic 99 2:28 How Do You Connect REL Subwoofers? 4:15 How To Set Up REL Subwoofers? 7:34 Is this the BEST REL Subwoofer?

[@alexxbobber71]

Actually Rel subwoofers are having a dedicated app😉

[@Jayiyagi]

@@alexxbobber71 sorry? As far as I know they don't have a dedicated app. Are they coming up with one?

[@alexxbobber71]

@@Jayiyagi actually, i think the app was for the speakers system to which the Rel was connected 🤦‍♂️

[@Jayiyagi]

@@alexxbobber71haha.. yea I was gonna say… hopefully they do add an app in the future

[@alexxbobber71]

@@Jayiyagi new in this game, I saw the no32s, 6 pices subs array at a demo in London, UK with some big kef speakers

[@NemoPropaganda]

Well said, REL Classic series is all about texture & richness.

[@jarekstorm6331]

The best benefit of adding a sub for me was the fullness at low volume. A sub can hit hard sure, but at lower listening levels it really brings a system to life.

[@Jayiyagi]

I have to agree!

[@I-tg4dr]

because you have weak amp and speakers

[@jungtarcph]

And midrange... Especially if you disregard REL recommendations of full range main speakers

[@Rocky-sn6fl]

​@@I-tg4drLOL. What??😂😂😂😂

[@carlitomelon4610]

Good to see REL went all the way back to their roots for these classic models: Made In Bridgend Wales (UK:-) Personally I hate piano lacquer and welcome this return to the furniture grade veneer! Thanks for the professional approach to the review Jay 🎵🎶😊👍🎶🎵

[@garyporter8454]

Easily one of best / most useful discussions on different and optimal voicing, effect(s) and pairing of various subwoofers and where this one fits best. Well done and thanks much Jay!

[@toddcovington1172]

Love my Classic 98. It arrived the day they anounced the Classic 99. Love this piece! Set it up high level with the aid of a friend who is a professional musician and music producer. Paired it with vintage Ess AMT 1 B's. I will likely add another 98 in the future as an upgrade. Absolutely Beautiful!

[@raymondanthonysayo2001]

As of now i can't afford a REL subwoofer but it's just a few weeks ago that i used my home theater sub via high input from my tubes. I was shocked how music became more balanced with the sub assisting in the music. Hopefully one day i can own eithet a REL or Velodyne.

[@svalbard01]

Idea: because you tend to review gear that's not cheap, and just to mess with Randy, you should make video starring "Expensive Audio Man." Talk about how the equipment is a "dwarf killer" and how it "easily competes with gear 3x or even 5x less expensive." And definitely talk about how it bests Fosi Audio gear in head to head comparisons. That would be funny... Kidding aside - great review. The classic sub looks great - wish they had a compact option in that lineup.

[@Jayiyagi]

Haha 😂

[@high-captain-BaLrog]

Between two speakers needs to make a comeback! Why was that guy from new record day sitting on the floor?!

[@Fane182005]

Would love to see a rel pair vs gr research servo subs… I know ocd myke likes them

[@suwatt6019]

Would love to see more comedic skits from Jay.

[@512bb]

Looks like a throwback to the original Storm III series which was replaced by the front firing Britania series...glad I still have my Storms.

[@Jayiyagi]

I remember storm to be an excellent subwoofer

[@tirosauls8654]

These will be nice with my Lintons.

[@I-tg4dr]

invest in better amp not in sub

[@prokoviev]

Thanks for the balanced review. My take: It isn't easy to buy something that brings as much happiness for $1900. Personally, working my way to a six-pack of Carbon Specials

[@1324390]

Very classy-looking piece of furniture besides sounding great, but certainly very voluminous.

[@SnapperX3]

Great job j you do as good a job describing the sound

[@johnlane2395]

Putting the sub in the listening position as with any "dumb" sub works well along with the sub crawl/walk. I have dual subs that are asymmetrical in my room with one REL and one ELAC, ELAC has the app, and it works well, as well as the sub crawl, I use the crawl with both, then I take the ELAC app and use the Parametric EQ to dial it in further.

[@laowho]

subs really help round out a system's sound. would you prefer this or a pair of t9s in your system? I sure am glad I found this channel and subscribed to it.

[@Pok-001]

Technically the “phase” switch is only changing polarity. And for music first subs you don’t need a variable phase switch. You want the sub closer to your mains for best integration. If you are just playing the lowest bass 180• Sometimes works for front placement. Depending on size of the room and bass output of your mains. Best to check with SPL meter.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

I've always said REL needs to offer different wood veneers for those that have wood veneer main speakers. I believe matching them to your main speakers would make for an attractive set-up. I have a pair of TX-9's in black. My main speakers are JBL 4365 (wood veneer.) I liked the red they offered with better specs, but I don't want the subs to stand out like a pair of sore thumbs, lol. Enjoyed your vid Jay!

[@damianzaninovich4900]

I’d like one of those next to my listening chair. Should be perfectly time aligned at that distance from my 1st generation Canton Vento Reference 7 towers, about the biggest speakers I can fit in my room and they look very attractive and well made, same as Rel’s piano black. Something like .8 milliseconds. Crossed low enough I suppose may not be a problem but I don’t know much about subs. Side wall is an option also. The room is paneled with early 50’s maple dual layer not flat. Looks the same as the Rel. I gotta get one but I hope I don’t get rattles. Great review as always.

[@9thstreetbrandt]

I want a t7x in wood! Gorgeous

[@middleearthltd]

I prefer down-firing or down-ported subwoofers I really like the look of the 98/99 models Most of the down-firing speakers are polypropylene No doubt REL got the anti-sag gravity reality figured out

[@gtric1466]

I love my old HSU VTF-1 sub as it's down firing sounds great and works well since i have a dog and a rabbit. I could not own a front fired sub.

[@ProfoundProductions]

Recently purchased the Rel Carbon Special, just preferred the more modern look, plus it matched my carbon Personas. ;-)

[@titntin5178]

Thanks Jay. Considering this or the slightly smaller 98 to pair with my Wharfedale Elysian 3 floorstanders. My sound is fantastic down to about 50hz and then nothing there, so one of these to fill in the bottom octave a little would be very welcome. Good review, appreciate you as always.

[@leeseet2336]

Can't wait for u review on u aric audio preamp

[@GordJuby]

I have the REL classic 98 and it does the trick but I also have three other subs.

[@williamdwyer3856]

My eye 👁️ spies some Aric Audio goodness in the background! Review coming??

[@gabmor7779]

What is a good room size for this sub? 45m² too small? I just yolo ordered and now wondering if the 98 would be better😂

[@gges1605]

I own an older Rel stentor 3 sub they might not have room correction but they just work

[@abstractcache]

Arcam A25 + sub, on hold; elderly below. Watched your 100 Dacs vid. Android tv box, optical out to SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKIII, Fosi BT20a, Mission speakers, 12awg ofc. At the budget level, dacs make a stark difference 100%. From hazy, blurred 2D music to a Very impressive, immersive, engaging sound performance difference. It's a Cello rather than sounding similar to.

[@gilesdavis6345]

Looks exactly like my strata iii from the outside.

[@bengleason508]

GR Research Double Trouble vs Rel T/X for Maggie’s?

[@louiefraire6030]

Did you experience any humming from the sub? I own the tx-9 and it hums hooked up to my NAD C-388. I’m using the high level connection along with the rca outs to the subs .1 with the volume all the way down on the sub so I don’t hear the humming.

[@contemporaryartist6542]

With Cornwalls? Thanks

[@chelillingworth9466]

I think another big benefit I'm having a subwoofer is that it can make the sound stage feel bigger I wonder if you experience that with this one?

[@Jayiyagi]

Certainly!

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for the review. It looks beautiful and I’m sure it sounds great. REL should add an app. I love using the app with my twin SVS subs. Easy to setup and adjust as needed over time. Rock on!

[@jonathanscondrel4456]

Would it be strange to pair this with kef lsx 2 ?

[@alexchee2294]

Jay, I had a question. I have rogue Cronus dark, bower and Wilkins 804 d3 , chord Dave would you recommend classic 99 or the tx series

[@Fane182005]

PS: saw you hang on to the gr cables! Nice!

[@vijjreddy]

YOU ARE ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE WITH YOUR REVIEWS, AND A PLEASURE TO WATCH. AT HOME WE ARE HAVING A CHOICE PROBLEM. BETWEEN WILSON AUDIO SABRINA X VS GERSHMAN ACOUSTICS AVANT GARDE - BOTH ARE ABOUT THE SAME PRICE, WILSON AUDIO IS OLD STYLE, TRADITIONAL USING DOPED PAPER CONES FOR WOOFER; GERSHMAN IS OPPOSITE OF IT, USE ALUMINUM FOR WOOFER, SOUNDS A LOT FORWARD AND STILL MUSICAL AND FORGIVING WITH BAD QUALITY MUSIC SOURCE (INCLUDING KZbin AUDIO AND VIDEO)... CAN YOU ADVISE US - WHICH IS BETTER CHOICE?

[@brentcollins9727]

I have my two Rel T5X’s hooked up to my Sonus Faber Sonetto 3’s, instead of from my amp.

[@donaz1500]

Scusa come fai il collegamento diretto Diffusori sub Rel? senza passare dall'amplificatore? grazie

[@markthambas2713]

jay review svs sub plis

[@johanwolgast5628]

The scale is probably logarithmic: 2x 30=60, 2x 60=120. So 60 is in The middle.

[@marklloyd4153]

Hey Jay hope you are doing great. In a 20X20 room would this 99 or 98 classic pair well with my Polk R700s powered by my Rotel 1592MKII? I know you have had experience with the R700s and thought you could give me your quality feedback

[@Jayiyagi]

great question. I believe so. I found the R700 to be slightly warm but mostly neutral. Keep in mind that the over-all sound will become warmer with this subwoofer

[@marklloyd4153]

@@Jayiyagi yes I was thinking that it would gravitate towards warmth. They are beautiful . I missed you in Florida hope to meet you at another show

[@pauljoyquilter359]

If the lowest point on the crossover is 30Hz, then surely half way would be 45Hz up from 30, so 75Hz, not 60? Also I disagree about the phase, as 180 degrees is not simply for the rear of the room, it is quite often used in a variety of locations as it is for integration with the phase output of your main speakers, so getting the sub in phase or out of phase can be achieved by moving either or both sub and speakers. In my experience giving finer adjustment does not help, it just gives people more variables which leads to a higher chance of them getting it wrong!

[@drde4010]

Many reviews on this particular REL sub are confusing because REL says it doesn't punch as fast, so many who review it are going to go in with that belief and look to see if they can tell. Like the REL T5i, the 98 and 99 are down firing and as a result, I always found the REL T5i blended easier and worked faster than either the T7 or T9 subs because it didn't have to work as hard to produce the same bass because it's down firing. With the T7 and T9, I had to crank up their volume to make their bass equally as audible as the T5i and as a result, the bass drivers had to work harder to produce the same bass. So, I'm dubious about how much of this is really placebo based on how its marketed vs what others are really honestly and actually hearing. So much in audio is placebo. I wouldn't want the 98 or the 99 based on the reviews many have posted because they always say they're outclassed by the T7 and T9 and then there's a But at the end. I'm guessing that's to please REL.

[@dropthehammer1360]

Hi, Jay. Would these work well with Lintons?

[@Jayiyagi]

If you like the Lintons and would like to make it even more warm and extend lower in the bass, then it can be a good fit

[@Nickydjflex]

Hi! How did you connect one REL to two monoblocks?

[@douglasacker4923]

You can just connect the red wire to one amps positive line

[@Jayiyagi]

it depends on the Monoblock as well, please make sure to talk to your amp manufacture and/or rel

[@jamesschneider3828]

Trying to figure out what a sulwifer is.

[@Jayiyagi]

;)

[@onmywatch9165]

Classic doesn’t come just for no reason at all. Even adjustments are all manually adjusted in a classic way 😅

[@TriAmpMyFi]

. Bi-Amping woofers at 120Hz with NoboSound/Fosi class D amps as a $4000 band-aid for purchasing inadequate 2-way monitors (or worse, towers with twin 6's) hoping for decent music playback is a wasted exercise. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@Jayiyagi]

Who's doing that?

[@pbalsniper]

your end table! is it making noise!? lmao

[@Picklgreen]

The storm III and stentor III are not even in the same class as these new classic series! The storm & stentor weighed over 100 pounds, went down to 12hz and cost over $3000 over 20 years ago! These new classic series are just stupid. Alot of companies are bringing back their “classic” model speaker and amps but in this case REL totally failed! Its really a shame when companies do stuff like this.

[@TuiCatNZ]

I would never buy a sub that is controlled by an app. You simply cannot count on a corporation to support it for the full life of the hardware.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Wonder how this would work with cornwall IVs?

[@Jayiyagi]

I think that would work well together!

[@zacharyhbwells]

This is me too. Running CW4 with Yamaha and Rega and want more richness in the bottom. it's kind of there, but it's thin and cold to me.

[@woody168]

Jay, how do you get 60hz as the middle point betweeeb 30 and 120hz? The middle point should be 75hz, so you kind of failed at math there. Just saying 😂

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes I failed miserably there haha

[@rap-soldier2185]

80Hz ✅️🚦💥💯

[@nick_yt23]

Why do you assume the potentiometer is linear and not logarithmic? You kind of failed at logic.😅

[@williemclean3224]

Ok guys give Jay a break. Not everyone is perfect like you.

[@petewagner1760]

B0 is about 30hz. B1 around 60 and B2 close to 120. There is exactly one octave between 30 and 60 and exactly one octave between 60 and 120. It may be flimsy logic but a purely musical argument could be made that 60hz is the midpoint between 30hz and 120hz.

[@briancampbell7712]

Rel is trying to bring back the vintage subs...I think the vintage rel storm 3 is built better...mosfets and solid cherry wood cabinet...and perhaps the driver is better...this was built before john hunter took over

[@mygarart2764]

Beautiful but too expensive for my budget unfortunately.

[@EricMiller-ts1qo]

Say subwoofer real fast 3x!!! Awesome video!

[@jungtarcph]

Rather 15-18 inch in open baffle subs, cheaper and better

[@Jayiyagi]

Thats a big sub!

[@King_Dusty_Of_Pookytopia]

Slow down Jay. SUB - WOOF - ERRR..!!!

[@douglasacker4923]

It’s cheaper to write a management App and integrate that hw into the sub than machine all those dials and complicate the build process. Audio companies are run by people with poor business acumen and low IT knowledge. Sad.

[@Audfile]

No phase dial. Just a switch. On a "Rel" huh? Really Easily Led.

[@ACM1000000PT]

i will never understand why they put the logo in the driver...

[@renetabanera962]

The halfway point should be 75 hz and not 60 hz

[@TheGmr140]

😂😂😂

[@stevieg2755]

Wgas

[@hasancenkbuyurgan143]

Middle is not 60Hz. Must be 75

[@mdrlz]

suvufer?

[@Jayiyagi]

SUVUFER

[@mdrlz]

@@Jayiyagi hell yes bro! btw watched the review, good stuff. got T9X myself

[@acaciomadeira5147]

Why you like real so much they where good way back in the day be.fore being sold but since being sold you know their drivers are made in China, I bought a replacement driver that real was selling for $800 u.s. that I got shipped from England for $150 cdn arrived in about 5 days. Also they use the cheapest audio parts for their amps and made in China. Way over priced. As I had an b1 back 10 years ago now and they don't support their products can't get a replacement driver or plate amp. They just truly suck you can get better subs out there for less their price. If you ever own one and it breaks down try and deal with their shit custemer service like I did never fixed the problem once I figured it out I tried to sue them for 3k u.s. my warranty just ran out and got denied in small claims court because 3 years had gone by

[@geoffreygreggorey6203]

When adjusting a subwoofer, all other external speakers must be turned to the off position. This is vitally crucial because you need to hear the smooth sweet spot.

[@Darkwhisper441]

I think you have missed the whole point of the classic. It's a updated version of the classic. So it doesn't have modern features.

[@Jayiyagi]

Good point. That may be true for the classic series but all of their other subs are the same way

[@Darkwhisper441]

@@Jayiyagi Yes there modern. The classic is old school sub with modern materials.

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

Sounds like it would better suited to home theatre setups.

[@Jayiyagi]

I personally think its better for music

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

@@Jayiyagi Appreciate your reply. I expect that you'll be enjoying it's presence in your prefered system more and more.

[@aussie8114]

These are home theatre subs, not music subs.

[@Jayiyagi]

while these can be used for home theatre, they were made for music first

[@aussie8114]

@@JayiyagiNot according to my dealer, I talked to him about them last week.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@aussie8114 Well... I don't want to say your dealer is "wrong" but maybe he felt that it was more suitable for home theater based on his experience and expertise but if you talk to REL... they will tell you that this was made for music as a first priority and I feel the same way

[@staceymangham]

​@@aussie8114well your dealer is wrong you can use them for home theatre but they are made for music first

[@CowboyBill521]

This is NOT a true subwoofer. -6db at 26 hz ? Really? Seriously?

[@lextr3110]

music rarely go under 30hz anyway

[@ericcarlson3935]

It's not an infrasonic subwoofer, correct. It most certainly is a subwoofer

[@toddclarke1580]

I high pass mine at 40. Then push the power to it. Tight. Punchy .

[@staceymangham]

There is always one

[@CowboyBill521]

A 16’ organ pedal is 32 hz. A 32’ organ pedal is 16 hz. I listen to classical organ. This would never do.

[@navoo9009]

*on your channel only high shelf...* *Klipsch RB-81 II + SPL-120CE + A-S501* *it will also play nicely !* *Dynavoice Definition DM-6 + MAGIC MW 12* *Focal Theva N°1 + SUB 600 P* *Sonus Faber Lumina II + Faber Gravis I* *Martin Logan Motion 35XTi + Dynamo 700W* *JBL Studio 630 + STAGE A120P* *Paradigm Defiance X12 (class D)* *there are many possibilities...not just a high shelf*

[@justasimplefox]

Once seen the cheap components and build quality on the inside from this brand it´s a no go for me 🫡

[@is3commander]

What model? The older models run for past 20 years, so I don’t think is so cheap.

[@patrickgeorge141]

I will not be without subwoofers in my system or systems. I use two and love them. Two RSL 12S , SPL Crossover, SPL Elector preamplifier, SPL Performer m1000 monoblocks, RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE as dac and Zu Druids or Omen Def speakers. The RSL 12S punch way above their price to me and are a solid cabinet. Good video Jay, keep them coming. I am look8ng at an upgrade for my dac and any suggestions? Take care.

[@douglasacker4923]

REL guts are cheap. They are over priced for sure. A few better options are out there.

[@staceymangham]

​@@douglasacker4923they use good quality heavy drivers with a class AB amp what's cheap about that, also you listen with your ears not your pocket or judgment on the value of the parts

[@justasimplefox]

​@@is3commander Don´t say they don´t last but seen the bracing (or better lack of), cabling, connectors, capacitors, and stamped steel drivers of the Tx series...all the cheapest possible Chinese parts and assembly