Introducing Classic 98 – a symphony of mid-century charm and state-of-the-art technology. Drawing from the golden age of stereo, this masterpiece is more than just a nod to iconic REL designs; it’s a reimagining, blending the past’s aesthetics with today’s technological prowess and performance.
Classic 98
Nothing Says Lifestyle like Mid-Century Modern RELs
Classic 98 holds a distinctive place within the REL pantheon. While not a part of any regular line of REL products, instead, it is its very own solution for anyone who owns and loves vintage audio gear, or its modern equivalents that we refer to as retro. With different aspirations, Classic 98 offers a slightly softer touch, delivering a broad carpet of room-filling bass. While it might trade off a touch of the speed, clarity, and deepest bass that our standard models, like the T/9x, are known for, it compensates with its inviting warmth. Classic 98 beckons you to put on a record, pour a cherished drink, recline in a comfortable chair, and relax into the music. Its classic natural walnut veneer and mid-century modern styling complements a wide range of decors. It’s also easy to place and use. One reviewer aptly dubbed it as “the audiophile‘s ultimate guilty pleasure.”
Designed to Warm the Heart
A Nod to Iconic Design
Classic 98 channels the essence of our renowned 10” down-firing designs from the late 90s. The rich, natural walnut veneer exudes warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of the mid-century stereo gear. The radiused curve, accentuated by a subtle reveal line, showcases modern craftsmanship while honoring past design. The rear amp panel, with its white gold silk screening and contrasting knobs, evokes memories of the era, while the glossy black logo set against a matte background adds a contemporary touch.
Drive To Survive
The Heart of Classic 98: The 10” down-firing driver, crafted using our traditional paper cone technique, revives the vintage REL sound. This driver, built to handle the abundance of power offered in Classic 98, ensures a sound that’s not just powerful, but pure and deeply resonant. While Classic 98 maintains the aesthetics of our historical models, it plays louder and deeper, offering an audio experience that marries the reliability and technology of modern RELs with a retro look and sound.
Paper Cone Mastery: Hot-pressed, lightweight paper forms the outer 2/3 of the cone. The inner cap is a premium air-dried paper that stiffens the driver, allowing Classic 98 to outperform many of our products from the past. A natural butyl surround produces a gentle, period-correct dynamic that endures.
Unlimited Power Used Wisely
Amplifier Excellence: Back in the 90s, offering a 300W amp at an affordable price was a significant challenge. Today, we’ve harnessed one of our latest amp designs – a high-current, lightning-fast Class D amp. This modern powerhouse is not only dynamic but also stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier performance without compromising on affordability.
High-Level Connectivity & Filters: We’ve paired this powerhouse with the High-Level connectivity and modern input filter technology. These filters, with their swift 8ms response, are intuitive and efficient. And if you were wondering about the old, confusing ABC filters, well, some things are best left in the past! To further enhance the experience, we’ve incorporated unique versions of the LimitLess™ Limiters and Perfect Filters™, ensuring that Classic 98’s amplifier is a harmonious blend of the modern and the vintage.
Positioned for Distinctive Excellence
Within the REL product line, Classic 98 carves out its unique niche, priced just beneath the T9/x. While both models stand as paragons of top-tier performance, they cater to distinct experiences. The Classic 98 is designed for aficionados who yearn for the vintage REL sound and styling, offering a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of stereo, yet infused with the advancements and reliability of modern technology.
The T9/x, on the other hand, is the embodiment of power and depth, wrapped in a sleek, modern design. Tailored for those seeking cutting-edge performance, it’s a versatile powerhouse adept at delivering both in music and home theatre settings, ensuring a comprehensive sonic experience.
For those with a penchant for pure home theatre applications, our Serie HT is the go-to choice. Crafted for peak .1/LFE performance, it’s the epitome of cinematic immersion, ensuring every scene is felt as much as it’s seen.
Leading the Charge with Wireless
At the heart of our brand is a commitment to pushing boundaries. Our wireless technology stands as a testament to this, leading the industry in both innovation and performance. We don’t just prioritize dynamic range; we ensure it’s delivered with zero compression. This dedication results in top-tier sound quality paired with user-friendly operation.
For Classic 98, we’re proud to offer two cutting-edge wireless options tailored to diverse needs:
AirShip II—Crafted for our Reference models, AirShip II is a beacon of advanced wireless technology. Operating at 5.8 GHz, it supports both High-Level Connection and .1/LFE, even simultaneously. This ensures peak theatre performance, making it the choice for those who demand the very best.
HT-Air MKII Wireless—A nod to our HT models, the HT-Air MKII offers an elegant and cost-effective wireless solution. Transmitting at 5.8 GHz, it flawlessly conveys either stereo low-level or .1/LFE signals without compression. However, it’s worth noting that High-Level Connectivity isn’t supported with the HT-Air MKII.
