REL Acoustics, a brand dedicated to solely producing subwoofers, has just released its latest flagship entries. Meet the No. 35 and No. 36 models, which make up the company’s Reference Series.
While they may sound like the codenames for anonymous spies, the two new subwoofers are “built around the most significant advances to its amplifier and driver technologies in years”, according to the brand.
One of the most notable upgrades from the previous generation comes with the new Class AB/D hybrid amplifier, which means the No. 36 is powered by 1000 watts and No. 35 by 900 watts. Each amplifier is additionally built around a weighty 17-pound (around 8kg) ring-shaped transformer.
Under the hood, both models also feature a carbon fibre driver. No. 35’s 12-inch driver has been upgraded from the last flagship sub to feature more flexible suspension and a better-controlled cone so it can supposedly play louder than its predecessor. The No. 36 model boasts a 15-inch driver, with REL claiming it is made for the “most ambitious music and theatre systems”.
Like their predecessors, the new models feature a curved wooden exterior which calls for 12 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer. They measure the same as the previous models too ( 74cm wide for No. 36 and 64cm for No. 35), so you can stack them on top of your existing Reference subwoofers if you have them.
As with all of the brand’s offerings, however, you will need to have deep pockets to add one of these subs to your system. The Reference No.36 subwoofer will set you back £11,000 / $12,000, while the slightly cheaper model will cost £9000 / $10,000. That’s still an incredibly eye-watering price, especially if you are looking to get a pair.
We haven't heard the subwoofers in our dedicated test room yet, but stay tuned to see whether the staggering price tag is worth it.
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