REL Classic 99 Sub

@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! 

They compliment your Tannoy.

I'm thinking they may outperform my B3's. If ever they die, I'll go 99's.

Happy listening.

@tablejockey 

They do indeed! Well, the Classic 99’s have more amperage which means bit more authority and grip compared to the B3s, but the fundamentals remain very much the same. The B3s are superbly engineered subs (I used to own a pair of B1’s). I’m just glad REL decided to bring back that beautiful wood veneer, Classic 99’s gives my setup such a timeless, elegant touch.