Rel Carbon Special

REL subwoofers

"A master in his field"

REL Acoustics is an English company that manufactures subwoofers and nothing but subwoofers.
From their early beginnings, which stretch back more than 30 years, they have focused exclusively on producing the best subwoofers possible.
What makes REL subwoofers so special is that they are primarily manufactured for use in a traditional two-channel stereo set-up.
REL was among the absolute first to realize how important a properly built and properly calibrated subwoofer could be when integrated into a general stereo system.
Until now, the use of subwoofers was mainly perceived as an instrument for use in home cinemas, or as an aid to smaller stereo speakers that were not able to provide the necessary bass reproduction themselves.
REL immediately had a different approach to the use of the traditional subwoofer which was radically different from the norm.
The fact remains that most subs generally just stand in a corner and hum and rumble without a proper integration with the rest of the system.
So as a necessary evil with the sole purpose of creating deep and resounding bass.
This has to a certain extent helped to create the stereotypical perception of what a subwoofer should and can be used for.

REL Acoustics subwoofers, on the other hand, are created for something completely different.
Of course, they also have their justification in the traditional multi-channel system, but when they are used as intended, i.e. for stereo use, then it really starts to make sense.
The effect of using a REL subwoofer correctly is much more than just more bass.
With correct setting and placement, there is an enormous improvement in several of the most important parameters. The effect can be heard far up into the critical midrange, where a much fuller, open and dynamic reproduction is achieved.
In addition, the usual virtues such as precision and "attack" are also highlighted... The timing becomes audibly better and this helps to create what we all seek. Just musicality.

The actual construction of a REL subwoofer must be said to be at the highest possible technical level, be it right from the manufacture of their totally sound-dead cabinets and on to their custom-made units which include the use of carbon.
REL subwoofers are active, i.e. an amplifier is built into the cabinet itself.
These built-in amplifiers have been developed and refined over many years, and there is no denying that.
This means that the primary stereo amplifier is not significantly stressed even at high sound pressure levels.
The so-called high output connection has a direct connection to the speaker terminals of the stereo amplifier….
This means that the signal is delivered at the same speed and signature that the primary stereo speakers are fed with. This is one of the secrets behind the seamless integration that can be achieved with a properly calibrated REL subwoofer.

With a REL subwoofer, it is possible to breathe new and rich life into an already good stereo set-up.
Even with a pair of well-grown floor speakers in the high-end class, the effect is quite striking.

We at the sound specialist have, over a number of years, built up some experience and expertise in the use of these fantastic REL subwoofers in stereo systems.
Come by for a demonstration of what we're talking about, and at the same time get an insight into how big of an upgrade the right subwoofer can be in your own system.

Specifications

TYPE

Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive

ACTIVE DRIVER SIZE & MATERIAL

12 in., 300mm long-throw, carbon fiber cone with inverted carbon fiber center cap

PASSIVE RADIATOR SIZE & MATERIAL

12 in., 300mm Carbon, carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis

LOW FREQUENCY EXTENSION

-6 dB at 19Hz (in Room)

INPUT CONNECTORS

High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR

OUTPUT CONNECTORS

High Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR

POWER OUTPUT

1000 watts (RMS)

AMPLIFIER TYPE

NextGen5 Class D

WIRELESS CAPABILITIES

Airship Wireless Required (sold separately)

Protection System

FULLY ELECTRONIC SET SAFE

Yes

DC FAULT

Yes

OUTPUT SHORT

Yes

MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE

220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets

FUSES

5 Amp 220 volt operation, 9 Amp 120 volt operation

Dimensions

WXHXD

17 x 18 x 21.25 in. (430 x 455 x 539 mm)

NET WEIGHT

85.3 lbs. (38.7 kg)

FINISH

Piano Black Lacquer, 8 coats

Supplied accessories

MAIN LEAD

Yes

NEUTRIC SPEAKING

Yes (10 Meters Nominal)

INTERCONNECT

USER'S MANUAL

Yes