REL Classic 99 – The Ultimate Expression of Musical Bass
Designed for listeners who want the richness, scale and effortless musicality of classic hi-fi with the refinement of modern engineering. The REL Classic 99 is the flagship of REL's Classic Series, combining the timeless aesthetics of REL's iconic late-1990s subwoofers with the company's latest amplifier, driver and filter technologies. Created primarily for high-end two-channel systems, the Classic 99 extends the foundation of your music naturally, preserving timing, tonal balance and realism while adding depth and authority that conventional loudspeakers simply cannot reproduce alone.
- Flagship Classic Series active subwoofer
- 450W NextGen5 Class D amplifier
- 12" down-firing paper-on-paper long-throw driver
- Closed-box cabinet for fast, controlled bass
- High-Level Neutrik Speakon, RCA and LFE inputs
- Compatible with REL AirShip II wireless system
- Real walnut veneer cabinet with vintage-inspired styling
Inspired by REL's Most Loved Classics
The Classic 99 draws inspiration from REL's legendary Strata and Storm models that helped define musical subwoofer performance during the 1990s. Rather than reproducing an older design, REL has created a thoroughly modern subwoofer that captures the effortless warmth, natural weight and musical coherence that made those models so admired by audiophiles.
Its elegant walnut cabinet, understated proportions and classic styling make it an ideal partner for both heritage loudspeakers and contemporary premium stereo systems.
Designed for Pure Musical Integration
The Classic 99 has been voiced specifically for music. Instead of emphasising maximum output, it focuses on extending the natural frequency response of your loudspeakers while preserving rhythm, texture and tonal accuracy.
The result is bass that feels completely integrated with the main speakers, enhancing acoustic instruments, orchestral recordings, vocals, jazz, rock and electronic music with greater realism and scale rather than artificial emphasis.
Large 12" Paper Driver
At the heart of the Classic 99 is a bespoke 12-inch down-firing driver featuring REL's amended paper-on-paper cone construction. The use of paper provides excellent self-damping characteristics, producing bass that sounds remarkably natural and free from mechanical coloration.
Combined with the sealed enclosure and long-throw suspension, the driver delivers deep extension while maintaining the speed and articulation essential for convincing musical reproduction.
450W NextGen5 Class D Amplifier
The Classic 99 is powered by REL's latest 450W NextGen5 Class D amplifier. Offering significantly greater headroom than the Classic 98, it delivers effortless control of the larger driver while maintaining outstanding efficiency and long-term reliability.
REL's proprietary PerfectFilter™ technology ensures exceptionally flat low-frequency response, allowing the Classic 99 to disappear seamlessly into the soundstage rather than calling attention to itself.
High-Level Connection – The REL Philosophy
REL's High-Level Neutrik Speakon connection remains one of the defining features of the Classic Series. By receiving exactly the same signal as the main loudspeakers, the subwoofer preserves tonal consistency, timing and musical coherence in a way conventional line-level connections often cannot achieve.
Stereo RCA and dedicated LFE inputs are also provided, making the Classic 99 equally suitable for mixed music and home cinema systems.
- High-Level Neutrik Speakon input
- Stereo RCA low-level input
- Dedicated LFE RCA input
- Compatible with optional REL AirShip II wireless system
Designed for Premium Stereo Systems
The Classic 99 is particularly well suited to larger heritage loudspeakers and premium floorstanding speakers that benefit from deeper bass extension without sacrificing musicality.
- Wharfedale Super Linton
- Klipsch Cornwall IV, Forte IV and Heresy IV
- Pylon Audio Jasper, Jade and Diamond Series
Technical Specifications
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Type: Active sealed-box subwoofer
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Driver: 12" (300 mm) amended paper-on-paper down-firing long-throw driver
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Amplifier: 450W RMS NextGen5 Class D
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Low Frequency Extension: 24 Hz (-6 dB)
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Inputs: High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Stereo RCA, LFE RCA
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Phase: 0° / 180°
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Wireless Compatibility: REL AirShip II (optional)
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Protection: Fully Electronic SET-SAFE protection
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 407 × 470 × 407 mm
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Weight: 24.7 kg
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Finish: Real Walnut Veneer
REL Classic Series Comparison
| Model |
Driver |
Amplifier |
Low Frequency Extension |
Best For |
Recommended Room Size |
| Classic 98 |
10" |
300W |
27 Hz |
Compact and medium stereo systems |
Small to medium rooms |
| Classic 99 |
12" |
450W |
24 Hz |
Premium stereo and heritage systems |
Medium to large rooms |
Ideal For
- Premium two-channel hi-fi systems
- Valve and Class A integrated amplifiers
- Large bookshelf and floorstanding loudspeakers
- Jazz, classical, blues, rock and acoustic music
- Medium and large listening rooms
- Audiophiles seeking natural bass integration rather than excessive output
Why We Selected This Product
At ExclusivIT, we value components that enhance a system without changing its character. The REL Classic 99 embodies this philosophy perfectly. Rather than producing exaggerated bass, it extends the musical foundation of your loudspeakers with remarkable coherence, allowing instruments and voices to gain scale, body and realism.
Its combination of a larger 12-inch paper driver, powerful 450W amplifier and REL's renowned High-Level connection makes it an exceptional choice for discerning listeners who want a subwoofer that complements premium stereo systems rather than dominating them. For heritage loudspeakers, valve amplifiers and refined two-channel installations, the Classic 99 stands among the most musically convincing subwoofers available today.
