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REL Acoustics Classic 98 Subwoofer (Active / Powered) A very musical sounding and versatile sub (10in), it matched beautifully with my stand mounters and floor standers alike. My room is 7m x 4m with high ceilings and it easily filled the space. Lightly used, I only listen with the gain knob up at 9 o'clock in a 2.1 music setting (not HT). In mint condition, beautiful oak finish, unmarked. Always in smoke-free, pet-free environment. Selling as I have too many speakers and subs. Neutrik connector cable included. Condition: As New / Mint Payment Method: Cash, Bank transfer Region/State:
At A$1,700, this is a fair-to-good ask for the Classic 98 in like-new condition, but not a slam-dunk bargain. New Australian pricing is around A$2,799 at multiple dealers, so this listing is about A$1,099 under retail, which is decent depreciation for a clean example but still sits above what I’d call a true used-buyer score.
The appeal here is the usual REL formula: a 10-inch down-firing design, 300-watt Class D amp, and low-end extension to 27 Hz, with REL’s strong reputation for musical, fast bass rather than boomy theater thump. If it’s genuinely like-new and includes the Speakon lead and mains cable, that makes the deal more attractive; at this price, I’d mainly be checking for a quiet amp, intact driver surround, and no cabinet damage.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
REL Acoustics traces its origins to the inventive mind of Richard Edmund Lord, the man behind the brand's acronym, who founded the company in the United Kingdom around 1990 out of frustration with the subpar subwoofers available at the time. Dissatisfied with conventional low-frequency solutions, Lord crafted his own mammoth custom design, integrated into a bay window, which quickly earned acclaim from audiophiles as the finest they had encountered. This grassroots beginning in a tiny workshop marked the start of REL's relentless pursuit of audio perfection, evolving through innovations like the revolutionary High-Level Input that connects directly to a main amplifier's speaker outputs for seamless integration.
The brand specializes exclusively in powered subwoofers, eschewing amplifiers, speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables to focus intently on sub-bass systems. Early models like the Strata 2, Stadium, and Britannia range established REL's signature forward-firing designs and simplified crossovers, while later series such as T/x and the reimagined Serie S—launched in 2025 with models like the 212 Black Label and S/850—refine musicality, style, and power. Acquired in 2005 by John Hunter and Donald Brody, REL modernized its aesthetics and engineering without diluting its core philosophy.
REL commands a prestigious niche in the high-end hi-fi market as the preeminent authority on subwoofers, revered by discerning audiophiles for transforming even elite $15,000-to-$20,000 speaker systems into reference-caliber performers. Its boutique status stems from unwavering innovation and musical fidelity, positioning it as an essential upgrade for serious setups rather than a mass-market or mid-tier option.
See all REL Acoustics listings on RADAR.
