News

REL Announces Two New Sub-Bass Designs (10/3/2004)

Two completely new REL sub-bass systems promise characteristically high standards of performance, remotely controlled through an advanced digital user interface

REL, the UK's leading sub-bass specialist, has announced the arrival of two wholly new sub-bass designs - the first for three years. The new 'St' Series models, 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5', will enhance REL's reputation for class leading performance and build quality, but represent an entirely new approach to sub-bass system design and implementation.

For the new systems, REL has designed a sophisticated digital control regimen, which offers unmatched ease of use and the most precise and comprehensive control of calibration parameters available in the sub-bass system market.

Furthermore, REL's acknowledged expertise in optimising acoustic and electronic design has extracted maximum performance from ultra-compact enclosures, which are finished in 'Brittex Black' and real-wood veneers to REL's exacting standards. Great care has been taken to deliberately over-engineer 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5' to ensure unparalleled reliability.

For 'Stampede', the new entry-level 'St' system, REL has created a true audiophile system that will fit into the smallest room. For 'Strata 5', REL has refined driver/amplifier/cabinet relationships so that it offers a performance that is superior to its predecessor (Strata III), despite being physically smaller.

Although both of these new REL designs will be noted for their innovative displays and ergonomics, it is their sound quality that truly sets them apart. Digital control allows REL to optimise their performance with more precision than was possible through analogue set-up and mechanical controls.

Both are closed box designs with downward firing drive units. REL believes this gives the best trade-off between sound quality and size at these price points.

REL has custom-designed superior drive units for both new models, and optimised electronics for each driver.

Amplifiers are fully DC coupled to avoid phase shifts and performance compromises. Ultra-rugged audio-grade MOSFET output devices are used. High quality smoothing capacitors offer long life with very low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance). The transformers are ultra-quiet audio quality low-loss toroids, specially manufactured to REL's strict specifications. All printed circuit boards incorporate plated-through technology.

Line level and high-level filter stages are fully regulated to ensure total isolation from the power amp stages. The filter capacitors are high quality nitrogen filled polystyrene types of 1% tolerance and indefinite life. REL's use of very close tolerance components also ensures consistency of performance throughout the life of each model.

Performance is aided by robust construction. Both the 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5' use superior-grade 30mm MDF, available in Black Brittex, Maple, Cherry and Rosenut real wood veneers. Other finishes may become available at a later date.

The 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5' are supplied with all the necessary leads for both speaker level and LFE inputs.

New Features

Large, blue front-firing LED display

Some manufacturers have incorporated an LED display to aid set-up, but have hidden it at the back of the unit. REL believes that to provide genuine utility, the display should be easy to read from the listening position. The new REL designs position the display where it can be seen: at the front. To make it easy to read, REL has used a larger sized display, and to enhance its cosmetic appeal and readability, selected expensive blue LEDs.

Full-action remote control

In addition, the new REL models incorporate full-action remote control. All major features can be set using the remote from the listening position. Other functions are accessed from the front panel, including a 12 Volt trigger, for custom installers.

Variable slam and depth

Exclusive to the new REL designs, is the variable Slam and Depth control, available via the RCU, which only affects the LFE input (the high-level input is unaffected by these settings). Each input can thus be optimised perfectly for its intended purpose from the listening position by remote control.

Even finer, more precise adjustment

Absolute precision is guaranteed from the fine adjustments available through the new control system. The display will show the actual levels of volume and the precise frequency setting of the crossover in single Hertz steps. The level of calibration accuracy demanded by professionals is now offered routinely by REL.

Child lock

All settings may be locked via the remote control to ensure that they are protected from prying fingers.

Price of REL 'Stampede' and 'Strata 5' sub-bass systems

'Stampede' £550 in Brittex Black, £625 in veneer 'Strata 5' £700 in Brittex Black, £800 in veneer

Availability: March 2004

www.rel.net