REL Acoustics, distributed by Synergy Audio Visual, has released the Classic 99 speaker, a design of power and grace that plays louder, reaches deeper and adds layers of subtle textural enhancements.

With 450W driving a robust 12” paper-on-paper driver, the latest model amplifies every attribute: more power, deeper bass and a design that captures both the eye and the ear.

The Classic 99 adopts the form language introduced in its model 98 stablemate. As comfortable as a pair of well-worn loafers, it features solid cabinet walls as thick as 32mm, clad in warm walnut veneer, hand-fitted with care.

The simplest natural aluminium badges and softly radiused feet milled from solid billet are blacked out to allow it to float seemingly. The 12” driver uses a lightweight, stiff, hot-pressed paper to form the main body of the cone. Laid atop that, is a stiff centre cap made of hand-thrown paper to randomise the fibres, ensuring the driver has excellent self-damping.

To generate deeper bass and significantly higher output, Classic 99 uses a Class D amplifier, already fitted in thousands of previous units. This 450W amplifier is fed by an all-analogue PerfectFilter front end that extends useful output well into the low 20Hz range.