REL Classic 99 Sub

@lalitk, please let us know your findings.  I’ve found that by going up the REL line, the lower frequencies are much more impactful, enveloping and engaging.  I started with a pair of S/5 SHO’s, then 212/SE’s and now a pair of No.31’s.  The 31’s are actually set at minus level.  I think in your case, the Carbon’s will end up outperforming the 99’s.  The carbon fiber driver is what makes the sub special.
 

Happy listening.

@kmmd 

I really appreciate you for sharing your journey up the REL line—that’s quite the progression! I can only imagine what a pair of No.31’s must sound like, especially if they still feel powerful even turned down. Ever since Classic 99’s came out, I’ve been curious to see how the 99’s performs in my room. That said, your point about the Carbon’s carbon fiber driver really resonates with me—it’s exactly what led me to purchase them in the first place.

I’ve found the Carbons can be a bit overwhelming on certain material. What I’m hoping for with the 99’s is more of that steady texture, tone, coherence and depth that just works across the board. We’ll find out soon enough 🙂

@lalitk 

I can understand the reasoning for trying the 99’s and the wood finish.  Piano black is a pain to maintain. I hand polish my subs with automotive and piano polishes.

Yes, certain material is overwhelming with my 31’s also.  However I like that there is a digital setup with these subs, and they can be adjusted in 1Hz increments by remote. Negative levels actually produce a lot of output from the 31 and much more than I anticipated.  The reference subs have a parametric equalizer that I’ll play around with soon.  

Luckily my dealer informed me of the price increase late July.  I ordered then, and the second came from TMR.  The Upscale Audio email I received this morning revealed a 20% increase for the 31 while the rest is 10%.
 

Hope it all goes well in your setup.

Update: After some listening with a single Classic 99 (awaiting delivery of the second next week), it’s evident the 99 is purpose-built for 2-channel music enthusiasts. In direct comparison to the Carbon Limited, the 99 conveyed faster transient response and greater articulation in the low end. It conveyed bass detail and nuance without masking or overwhelming the finer musical information.

Albums /tracks used in my comparison, 

the bassface swing trio, duende (live), fausto mesolella (live in alcatraz), diana krall (when I look in your eyes), tron (legacy), the dark night (why so serious?), Bach Starker (suites for unaccompanied cello), Stevie Ray Vaughn (tin pan alley) 

As far as placement, tried Classic 99 on carpet, but bass felt a bit soft. Placed it on a 2” Apple-Ply shelf from my Core Audio rack—huge improvement. Bass is punchier, cleaner, and integrates way better with the mains. This means, a solid wood spiked platform in walnut finish would complement and complete the finished look :-)

Pics posted in my virtual system - https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

Update: Classic 99’s are now broken-in and they are showing their true colors; the transformation has been profound. These vintage RELs don’t merely add bass — they elevate the entire musical experience.

In my dedicated, acoustically treated room, the RELs presence is unmistakable: bass with true texture and tone, a more open and unforced midrange, and a newfound sense of weight and spatial coherence.

Listening to MoFi edition of Cannonball Adderley’s “Somethin’ Else” on vinyl was a revelation. Art Blakey’s drums now have that satisfying kick and body, Miles’ muted trumpet hangs in space with greater dimensionality, and Hank Jones’ piano carries a rich harmonic foundation that feels palpably real. The RELs underpin everything with such effortless authority that the flow and timing of the performance become more captivating — it’s as if the musicians lock in tighter, and the recording breathes with newfound life.

The RELs preserve the Accuphase’s refinement and tonal purity while complementing the Canterbury’s warmth and dynamic ease — creating a system that feels effortlessly complete.

It’s easy to see why the Classic REL 99 remains such a respected design. Their genius lies not in delivering more bass, but in allowing music itself to emerge with greater depth, presence, and emotional truth. Sometimes, it takes a piece of well-engineered vintage gear to remind us just how magical true high-fidelity listening can be. Classic 99’s are not going anywhere!