Has REL's 10in sub got the X factor?

The sub-bass specialist has upgraded its Serie T range of subwoofers. Steve Withers takes the new top-end T/9x model for a spin

- Steve Withers

FOR A WHILE now REL has favoured upgrading its subwoofer ranges rather than cooking up entire new ones. This makes sense when the likes of its Ti models have proved extremely popular. But a worthwhile upgrade obviously involves more than a tarted-up cabinet and a lick of paint – and thankfully the new Serie Tx gets both a make-over on the outside, and plenty of changes on the inside too.

The Tx replaces the Ti range, which offered a more affordable bridge between REL's home theatre-orientated Serie HT and the higher-end Serie S. The new line builds on the Ti’s earlier success, while giving the subs a more up-to-date look.

Short and sweet

The T/9x sells for around £1,300 (we expect the new lineup will also feature more affordable models) and has a redesigned cabinet that draws inspiration from REL's pricier Serie S range with a stealthier appearance and curved edges. The T/9x is slightly squatter than its predecessor, but looks can be deceiving and the cabinet is actually bigger, resulting in maximum bass from minimum space.

This increased internal space has, says REL, been utilised to improve performance, which includes an optimised steel housing for a new 10in FibreAlloy long-throw front-fi ring driver and inverted dust cap. There’s also a matching 10in downwardfi ring passive radiator built into the base.

This new driver claims increased strength and improved recovery qualities, aiming to craft bass that’s not only deeper but faster and more nimble. REL says extensive testing was conducted to ensure the new cabinet could handle the pressure the driver and the radiator were throwing at it.