From the very beginning, it was a labor of love, born from the desire for a more perfect sound experience.
REL Acoustics Ltd.: A History of Innovation in the World of Bass
REL Acoustics Ltd. is a renowned British manufacturer of high-quality subwoofer systems, known for its uncompromising approach to reproducing ultra-low frequencies. The company specializes exclusively in subwoofers, combining engineering precision, premium materials, and a unique sound philosophy. REL products are valued by audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts worldwide for their power, control, musicality, and ability to seamlessly integrate into both Hi-Fi stereo systems and multichannel home theaters.
From the very beginning, it was a labor of love, born from the desire for a more perfect sound experience.
Key Historical Milestones:
1990:
- September 1st: Richard Edmund Lord founds REL Acoustics in the UK. The name originates from the founder's initials.
- Motivation: Dissatisfaction with the low-frequency reproduction quality of existing Hi-Fi systems from the 1980s. Lord believed large speakers "boomed" while small ones "squeaked," neither reproducing bass realistically.
- Concept: The term "sub-bass system" is introduced. The philosophy: a subwoofer should complement the main speakers, not just add rumble.
- Technology: High Level Input connection is implemented from the start, taking the signal from the power amplifier's output terminals for perfect tonal matching with the main speakers.
1992:
- Breakthrough: The REL Stadium model is released, immediately gaining recognition from audiophiles and opening a new chapter in subwoofer history.
- Growth: Production moves from a "shed" to a 175 sq. meter workshop.
1995:
- Expansion: The company relocates to Bridgend, South Wales, into a former military factory, allowing for expanded production and product lines.
1998:
- Innovations: ABC (Active Bass Controller) filters are introduced, allowing precise tuning of the subwoofer to the frequency range not covered by the main speakers.
- Amplification: Focus on developing High Current Amplifiers capable of accurately controlling the movement of large bass drivers.
Early 2000s:
- New Line: The Britannia series is introduced, attracting a wider audience and becoming a platform for further innovation.
2005:
- Change of Ownership & New Era: The company is acquired by John Hunter and Donald Brody. The "Modern Era" of REL begins.
- Modernization: Product design is updated, electronics are improved using higher quality components and efficient global sourcing. Products become, on average, twice as loud and twice as fast as their predecessors.
- R Series: The R Series is released, equipped with modern Class D amplifiers.
2007:
- Filtering: Refined input filters (Natural Sound Filtering) are introduced – fast and precisely tuned for seamless integration of the subwoofer with main speakers, becoming REL's "secret ingredient."
2008:
- Concept: Introduction of the original G1 Subwoofer Line Array concept, shaking the audiophile community.
2010:
- Gibraltar (G) Series: Launch of the G-1 (Gibraltar) model, which outsold its predecessor's entire 8-year run in its first 3 months.
- Materials: Introduction of Carbon Fibre cones for speed, stiffness, and bass purity.
- Construction: Implementation of sophisticated internal Musical Instrument Grade Bracing (up to laminated hardwood in reference models) to combat cabinet resonances.
- Filters: Introduction of ultra-fast Ultra Speed Filters in the reference series.
2014:
- Wireless Technology: Launch of Zero Compression Wireless systems – Longbow, followed by Arrow, providing signal transmission without compression or quality loss, unlike competitors' Bluetooth solutions.
2016:
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- Anniversary: Release of the anniversary model No. 25 celebrating the company's 25th year, combining a 1,000-watt NextGen3 Class D amplifier and a 15-inch carbon fibre driver. All this is controlled by legendary filter sets and proprietary crossovers with 2 separate parametric equalizers, maintaining the speed and resolution for which modern RELs have become known.
2018:
- Home Theater: Debut of Serie HT, specifically designed for dynamic and affordable bass in home theaters, and the HT-Air Wireless system for them.
2019:
- Serie S: Launch of S/510 and S/812 models featuring innovative PerfectFilters™ (extending bass below 20Hz), powerful 500W and 800W amplifiers respectively, and the capability to build Line Arrays incrementally.
- Wireless: Debut of Airship Wireless (using a 5.8GHz chipset) for Serie S and Reference models, offering ultra-fast, uncompressed transmission. Airship provides longer range and improved sound quality compared to the older Longbow system.
2020:
- New Models: Launch of Carbon Special, combining Serie S benefits with increased cabinet volume, an 850-watt amplifier, and an upgraded G-1MKII driver. Also, the launch of the 212/SX model featuring dual 12-inch active and dual passive drivers, PerfectFilters™, and Airship compatibility, which received multiple "Best of 2020" awards within its first 6 months. With 1,000 watts of power, it caters to audiophiles who believe "too much is never enough."
2021:
- Serie T/x: Launch of the updated entry-level Serie T/x with larger cabinets, improved FibreAlloy™ drivers, and an elegant design, becoming a bestseller.
2022:
- Updates: Introduction of Serie HT MK II featuring upgraded amplifiers, faster CarbonGlas™ drivers, and reduced weight. Updated reference models No. 31 and No. 32 released with improved dual parametric filters and a richer tonal palette. Retaining their iconic string grilles, these models sound fuller and more effortless, driving a surge in Reference Line Array sales.
2023:
- Classic & Style: Launch of Classic 98, paying homage to mid-century design with premium walnut veneer and a powerful 300W amplifier paired with 10-inch drivers. Tuned for vintage-style sound, this model becomes the fourth best-seller during the holiday season.
- Debut of the Italian Racing Red edition in the T/9x series with Rosso Forza paint, triple chrome-plated badges, and chromed feet, offered at no additional charge. An upgraded carbon fiber driver reduces weight for faster, harder-hitting performance.
2024:
- Classic Expansion: Launch of Classic 99 – a larger, more powerful sibling in the classic line. It features a 500W amplifier and a 12-inch driver (exclusive to this model), packaged in sumptuous walnut veneer with tasteful mid-century styling. Classic 99 becomes a favorite among vintage sound enthusiasts.
- New Colors: Responding to popular demand, vibrant colors (orange, yellow) are introduced for the T/9x SE, inspired by supercars. These models include triple chrome-plated accents, carbon fiber trim, and superior drivers, combining performance with bold aesthetics.
2025:
- 35th Anniversary: REL Acoustics celebrates 35 years of innovation and leadership in bass reproduction, continuing to develop technologies for future generations of audiophiles.
- Quote: "2025, REL Acoustics proudly marks 35 years of redefining bass performance. From our first breakthrough designs to shaping the future of deep, immersive sound, our journey has been driven by passion, precision, and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of audio excellence, ensuring that the next generation experiences bass perfected. Here's to the past, present, and the future of sound."
Philosophy and Quality:
- Narrow Specialization: REL produces only subwoofers, concentrating all resources on perfecting this product category.
- Hand Assembly & Quality: Many components, especially in higher-end lines, are hand-assembled. Cabinets are manufactured with extreme precision (initially in Sheffield) for maximum rigidity and absence of resonance (Zero-Q concept).
- Reliability: Components and assembly adhere to high-quality standards, including elements inspired by aviation and military standards (Richard Lord's "military quality" idea). The Set-Safe protection system guards subwoofers against overload.
- Integration: The key goal is for the subwoofer to blend perfectly with the main speakers, extending the soundstage and depth, rather than being localized as a separate sound source. Its presence shouldn't be felt, but its absence should be noticeable.
REL Today:
The company continues its legacy, combining craftsmanship and tradition with modern technology to create audio products of unsurpassed sound quality. REL remains a trusted name in the world of High End audio due to its innovation and commitment to satisfying the needs of the most discerning listeners.
