REL Classic 98
Due to space limitations, and to accommodate pairing subs with monoblocks, I am considering replacing a single REL t/9x with a pair of REL Classic 98s. I’ve never heard the Classic 98 (nor the larger Classic 99). I’d appreciate any reactions or descriptions of how the Classic 98 sounds, especially in a stereo pair. Any comparisons to the T/9x would be extra appreciated.
For context, this would be for the room & system labeled as dining room in my virtual systems, with the modification that Gato PWR-222 monoblocks would replace the Coda CSiB v2.
thanks!
You should talk to REL. I ran stereo subs for years, When I stacked the subs,as REL suggests, the result was, by far, the best improvement to the entire system. It doesn't just make more bass. That's not the point. The bass level remains at a comfortable level but the improvement of the quality of the bass and it's effect on the entire spectrum is major. FYI... most bass is in mono anyway so running them in stereo is meaningless. Once you stack you'll never go back. |
Good thought, @gdaddy. But of course to stack, I’d have to go the Serie S, like an S/550. I’m not adverse to spending that much, but it might be overkill for that room. On the most bass is recorded in mono anyway point, I’ve been thinking a bit about that. What do you think about running a T/9x with just one of the mono blocks? Would it sound weird to have only the left or right channel powering the sub? |
Sorry about the typo @gdaddy1 ! |
I would talk to REL. You may be able to stack their other subs as well. (you take the feet off and use a thin shelf liner pad between them), You said you want to run 2 subs. It is NOT overkill when you stack them. Understand that you will gain a FREE 6db boost to the bass. (Yes! that's a big boost) "oh my! that's overkill in my room"! "too much bass"! NO, it requires you to now turn the gain control DOWN to achieve the same level of bass. It's not louder it's better for several reasons. This lets each sub relax on a lower gain level. Turn the knob DOWN. Reduces cone excursion.The result is less distortion, cleaner more relaxed, effortless bass. Tighter, punchy. Also the amp works less on a lower level. Less distortion and longer life. Better in every way. One last point... stacked subs can have one sub set @40hz. and the other sub set higher to say @70hz. This gives a slight boost to upper bass region as well. You can't do that running them in stereo mode as there would be an audible imbalance. So, 2 subs in stereo or 2 subs stacked? There's no question which yields a better sound. |
@gdaddy1 the t/9x has a downward firing woofer. So, clearly can’t take the feet off and stack it flush on top of anything. But I’d love to br wrong and for REL to tell me I can stack those in some other way, b/c I’d buy another one in a heartbeat. I fear the s/550 is just too big to fit in that room. |
