REL Classic 99 Sub

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

@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.

@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, 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.

Update: I’ve got a pair of Classic 99’s being delivered this Friday. Planning to give them a fair shake and will post impressions after a couple of weeks of listening. They’ll be going head-to-head with my Carbon Limited’s, and I’m particularly curious to see how the 99’s handle scale and room interaction in my setup — especially with the front-firing vs. down-firing design differences. 

500 watts......wow. very cool 

Very curious how these turned out for you... The classic 99 will be my post Christmas splurge as I think the 98 is too small for my space. Thanks in advance, I hope it did work out for you and Merry Christmas!

@wfowenmd 

Thank you for your interest, I plan to post my impressions by year end. I got two other equipments ahead of REL project :-) 

Did like the Classic 99 compared to the Carbons? Thanks

“Paper specs on some levels are meaningless”
@tablejockey 

Exactly!  I used to own a pair of B1’s in cherry finish..I should have hung on to them. 

Your existing REL's on paper are superior compared to the more aesthetically pleasing 99's.

It will be interesting to read your impressions. Paper specs on some levels are meaningless once you're actually in the listening environment, playing music you like.

I use a pair of ancient,still made in GB cherry finish B3's.  Low tech by today's standards.

Looks like no one here made a move to Classic 99. I am going to pick a pair in upcoming weeks! 

No way would I trade those carbons in for those 99s. Get out your DIY vibe and get some vinyl wrap. If you’re not comfortable with that, I would look at a auto body shop that does wraps. I’m sure they could hook you up. Beautiful Tannoys, I can understand your desire for those 99s.