REL T-5 8" Sub-Bass System

2011 Golden Ear Award - The Absolute Sound
"If you're looking to buy a musical subwoofer, we've yet to see anything else compete with it for the price." - Home Theater

The Serie T REL T-5 delivers the exceptional low-bass performance, rugged build quality and unique design of larger REL models at a more affordable price.

The form of the T-5 is a simple minimalist cube elevated by four aluminum feet. It is deceptively small and compact blending in beautifully with its surroundings. Bass output is powerful and robust considering the T-5's compact dimensions and the T-5 features a full REL connectivity suite.

Just like its larger brothers, the T-5 can be used to wonderful benefit to underpin both two-channel and multi-channel film sound systems. A true Class AB power amplifier topology with 125 Watt output is capable of reproducing the dynamics and extension with conviction and authority.

Why a Sub-Bass System?
Regardless of their size, many stereo or home theatre loudspeaker systems tend to emphasize the mid-bass - this is the range from 50 to 90 Hz. REL engineers believe all loudspeaker systems need to be supplemented in the lower frequencies for the true full-range experience.

The REL T-5 is a true Sub-Bass System, meaning it can reproduce very low frequencies (below 30 Hz) that are felt rather than heard.

This is because music is full-range, as are sound effects on movies, and that we design our products to reproduce all of these frequencies. The T-5 is equipped to take full advantage of AC3, Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG 2 and any other digital sound formats that include a dedicated Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel.

The dedicated LFE input meets the tough specification laid down for digital 3/2.1 channels, usually known as 5.1. The output is nominally flat from 35 Hz 90 Hz.

It has a dedicated input level control, which enables users to set the LFE level independently of the processor. This is important because not all processors offer control over this significant parameter. The LFE channel is frequently outputting at 10 dB higher levels than the other channels.

The T-5 also has high-level speaker level inputs with their own input level control. Uniquely, both the speaker level and the LFE input can be used simultaneously. This means you may set it up for an audiophile sound with your CD's or other stereo signals and instantly revert to using the Sub-Bass System as the dedicated LFE component when watching movies. This is a feature of real benefit if you wish to play music in stereo mode in the purist audiophile way and in full 5.1 digital mode. True flexibility!

In addition to this sophisticated connectivity and functionality, the T-5 includes proprietary REL-D circuitry that allows for the proper impedance and grounding when driven by a Class-D main amplifier.

The T-5 brings REL performance to those seeking high quality sound in a compact and affordable package.

A brief word about the styling, fit, and finish.
Each Serie T receives nine coats of lacquer, all of which require hand sanding. The final coat is then turned by hand on a large, industrial rouging wheel using jewelry buffing compound. Finally, the deep, wet gloss is achieved by hand polishing using micro fibre cloth and expensive a!ermarket waxes. All exposed bolts used to attach the rear panel to the Serie T cabinet are polished T-304 stainless steel allen head designs.

This extra cost is undergone to ensure that even in humid markets RELs  will not oxidize or degrade in appearance. Each badge is milled from solid billet aluminium and is a full 2.5mm thick even though REL choose to only reveal 1mm above the surface of the cabinet. Much like the underlying quality of all RELs, more lies beneath the surface than is evident to the eye.

REL T-5 8" Sub-Bass System Reviews

The Absolute Sound - Neil Gader - Golden Ear Award 2011
... the ideal mini-sub for music lovers. Fast tight, yet tonally replete, with highly defined pitches, the REL T5 is also remarkably extended–stunning so for a single 8” driver in a sealed box. Musical, superbly natural, and robust and durable, as all RELs are, this is a pocket-sized classic!

c|net australia - Ty Pendlebury - August 2011 - Editor's Choice
Not very well known in Australia, but a legend in its native England, REL has been pumping out "sub-bass systems" for nigh on 20 years. The company takes a different approach to what other companies call "subwoofers" by supplementing stereo sound instead of just supplying low-end effects. If you have a pair of standmounts, or are looking to add a more "muscular" bass sound to your music, then REL wants to hear from you.

Despite the low-cost emphasis, there has been zero compromise on build quality: the T-5 is beautifully constructed. From the piano-black finish to the immaculate back panel, the REL oozes sophistication, and yet its sound engineering roots remain with its solid gold RCA terminals and thick heatsink.

A lot of power from a small box ...

The REL's selling point is that it enables you to run a set of speaker cables in parallel with your main speakers in addition to the RCA ".1" input, and enables you to control them independently.

Home Theater - Michael Fremer - July 2011 - Top Pick
The REL T5 is a versatile, welldesigned, attractively built and finished compact subwoofer that succeeds at its main task: producing surprisingly deep bass that subjectively extended below 30 Hz in my room when sound effects and the occasional musical and/or spatial accent demanded it.

Music is unsurprisingly where the T-5 performs best, with funk and rock sounding tight and tuneful. Used in conjunction with the diminutive Spendor A3, the REL filled out the bottom end nicely, and added punch that wasn't there before.

On some subwoofers, bass notes can overhang and become muddy, but the REL was able to stop and start remarkably quickly. If you're looking to buy a musical subwoofer, we've yet to see anything else compete with it for the price.

REL T-5 8" Sub-Bass System Specifications

Type Closed box, down firing woofer
Drive Unit 8" / 200mm long throw, steel chassis
Lower Frequency Response in Room 32Hz at -6bB in room
Input Connectors Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, Lo Level single phono, LFE phono
Input Impedance:
 Hi Level: 150k
 Lo Level: 10k, .1/ LFE: 33k Ohms
Gain Control Range 80 dB
Power Output 125 Watts (RMS)
Phase Switch  0 or 180 degrees
Amplifier Type Class A / B
Protection System Fully Electronic with SET-SAFE
D.C. Fault Yes
Output Short Yes
Mains Input Voltage 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets
Fuses 1.6 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation, 3.15 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation
Dimensions (W x H x D): 266.7 x 298.4 x 298.4 mm
Net Weight 11.7 kg

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.