REL R-528 12" Active Down-Firing / 12" Passive Front-Firing Sub-Bass System

The REL R-528 represents the final step-up in the Serie R range and, as is REL tradition, embodies the largest model with superlative depth, scale and slam.

Numbers do not tell the full story here, as the weight and power of R-528 at full output is prodigious indeed.

The R-528 receives a Heavy 12 active bass-engine coupled to a VariCone 12" carbon Fibre ABR passive radiator producing the equivalent of a 16" driver in an even larger cabinet.

The digital power amplifier employed produces an effortless 500 watts with the aforementioned components means the R-528 is capable of underpinning speakers with quality low-frequency extension that cost ten times its own price.

The R-528 is all about speed and detail as reproduced by the Heavy 12 active driver, which is actually the fastest diver in the series with the best impulse response. Naturally, its capabilities suggest careful pairing, although it is capable of filling even grand salons with powerful, clean, fast and extended deep bass.

• 3 Separate Rotary Controls for (1) Hi/Low Level (2) .1/LFE Level (3) Crossover Frequency
• Dedicated inputs for Hi Level (Speakon), Low Level (RCA and .1 (RCA)
• Extremely low crossover points that allow "seamless" blending with any loudspeaker.
• Proprietary REL-D digital amplifier input provides the appropriate impedance and grounding environment for most Class D amplifiers
• Piano Black Lacquer Finish

REL Connectivity

A special proprietary REL High-Level Input cable is provided with each REL Sub-Bass System and is the preferred method of connecting the REL to your main speakers. This cable joins the REL to your system by connecting to the left and right channel speaker terminals of your amplifier or surround-sound receiver.

This allows the REL to receive the exact same signal as your main speakers, providing for a seamless integration of low frequencies into your system. This is a very important point and together with REL's Natural RollOff circuitry, ensures far superior system integration of the Sub-Bass System with the main system.

The High-Level connection is active whether you use your system in two-channel music or surround-sound mode. This connectivity method offers noticeable sonic improvements over the common RCA low-level interface by not only delivering the missing low frequencies by creating the realisation of a "lifelike illuminated acoustic space", otherwise known as the "REL effect."

Virtually any conventional separate power amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver can be used with REL Sub-Bass Systems. Even most Class D amplifiers can interface as REL incorporates REL-D circuitry providing the appropriate impedance and grounding for digital amplification.

REL Theatre Reference

In order to take full advantage of the Low Frequency Effects channel (LFE), a channel intended for low-frequency content in film soundtracks, REL provided a .1/LFE input. Most multi-channel processors or surround-sound receivers incorporate a special subwoofer output that bypasses any internal crossover circuitry. It is with this output LFE content can be accurately reproduced and controlled independently of the High-Level input signal.

Additionally, both High-Level and .1/LFE signals can be used and adjusted simultaneously in a multi-channel system. By supporting both main, centre and surround speakers with bass reinforcement, your system will sound more realistic, musical and alive through improved dynamics, range and scale of the music or film score.

About the REL Serie R

Serie R was conceived as a maximum value proposition in the REL product range possessing many of the performance attributes of their legendary Reference Sub-Bass Systems, yet realised to be more compact and affordable. This fresh design approach offers superiority in all regards over the previous R-Series through improved amplification, vastly better filter networks and upgraded cabinet and driver designs.

Instead of the previous model's single active driver in the down-firing configuration, the Serie R features both active front-firing and a down-firing passive radiators. The range excels in drive, extension, ease and musicality wherein their speed mixes with the greater body and heft to produce an altogether more profound musical event.

Each Serie R model is available in a stunning hand-rubbed piano black lacquer that will grace your living environment as well as your stereo music or film sound system.

RELR-528 Sub-Bass System Specifications

Type: Passive Radiator, front-firing active woofer, down-firing passive radiator
Active Drive Unit: 12" / 300mm long-throw, steel chassis
Passive Radiator: 12" / 300mm
Lower Frequency Response in Room: 21Hz at -6 dB
Input Connectors: Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, Lo Level single phono, LFE phono
Gain Control Range: 80 dB
Power Output: 500 watts (RMS)
Phase Switch: Yes, 0 or 180 degrees
Amplifier Type: Class D

Protection System
Fully Electronic with SET-SAFE: Yes
D.C. Fault: Yes
Output Short: Yes
Mains Input Voltage: 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets
Fuses:
5 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation
9 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation

Dimensions Including Feet and Rear Panel Controls (W x H x D): 394 x 445 x 436 mm
Net Weight: 26.3 kg
Finish: Gloss Piano Black Lacquer

About REL: Builder of the World's Finest Sub-Bass Systems

It is widely acknowledged that REL's special mix of attributes: build quality, peerless engineering and stunning performance, is without equal at every price level.

Richard Lord's obsession with quality is legendary. All REL sub-bass systems are hand built. From the ultra-compact Quake to the mighty Studio III, REL designs share the same philosophy, and the highest standards of construction. Components are selected for their ability to deliver a lifetime of performance. Innovations, like ZeroQ and ARM loading, superior ABC filters, and simultaneous line and loudspeaker level connection and calibration, ensure that REL systems provide the deepest, tightest and cleanest bass for both movie and music applications.

REL's cabinets are individually jointed, glued and braced by REL's specialist cabinet makers in a range of high quality finishes to look beautiful in any room and there's a range of sizes to fit any listening space. If you are contemplating adding a sub-bass system to your audio system, the answer is REL.