REL-R 305

Active subwoofer

Bass sounds have always accompanied music and are its inseparable part without which music loses its life. Low frequencies require speakers with a very large diaphragm diameter and high amplifier power that will be able to drive them properly. To complement loudspeaker sets (large and small, in stereo or multi-channel home theater systems), we usually choose a separately controlled specialized super-woofer, the so-called subwoofer. Subwoofers were created to complement the lowest bass frequencies that many speakers cannot adequately handle.

REL ACOUSTICS LTD is a leading subwoofer manufacturer based in North Road, UK. The company's activity is focused on the implementation of modern technologies in the production of specialized sub-bass systems. From the very beginning, the company has been focused on improving the sound, born out of love for music. Thanks to dedication and ambitious projects, subwoofers have become a part not only of multi-channel sets, but also a complement to high-end audiophile stereo sets.

The R-305 is an interestingly designed construction in which REL used class D digital amplifiers for the first time. The evolution of digital amplifiers and their increasingly better properties convinced the British manufacturer to use more modern and more economical solutions that reduced costs and set a new level of performance in this category . The sub-bass system features a discrete direct coupled MOSFET amplifier with a rated power (RMS) of 300W and is capable of delivering a linear response below 20Hz from a 254mm (10”) long throw woofer. The distinctive casing is decorated with plated grooves and is made of fiberglass in the colors of cherry, oak, piano black and rose walnut. From the bottom, there is a metal control box with a screwed glass panel that serves as protection and decoration of the potentiometers for gain and cut-off settings in the crossover.

The connection of the subwoofer to the system takes place via the unique and at the same time the most recommended Neutrik Speakon 3-wire high-level connector, which guarantees the best signal delivery matched to the loudspeakers connected to the amplifier. There is also the option of a LOW LEVEL connection and 1/LFE Input RCA for multi-channel systems with separate control and signal balance. The electronics are based on an improved ABC® filter circuit with a toroidal transformer and a phase switch with two settings of 0 and 180°. The amplifiers installed inside the rear panel are protected against power surges by the Set Safe™ design, which protects the circuits from overload. As a standard, there is a place for the IEC power cord with only high and low level connection connectors.

Sound

The R-305 delivers dynamic, springy low-end bass. It has enough power to give strength while maintaining decent speed and control over the speaker placed in a closed housing. The sound that comes out of the serious-looking 10” speaker is clear and multicolored. Comparing it directly with the smaller T5i from the same manufacturer, we gain additional power with a larger scale and a more dynamic attack devoid of background, which positively emphasizes the quality and quantity of bass. The response of the diaphragm is a bit slower than in the T5i, and the amplifiers have worse timing, but this is not too much of a disadvantage, which in the overall perception would cause dullness, loosening and a general deterioration of bass information. Dynamic bass of great quality with colorful contours is convincingly reproduced in music and movies, where a sudden strong hit can give you breathtaking emotions. A loudspeaker directed frontally to the listener requires appropriate adaptation to the walls and elements in the listening room. The correct setting will enrich our system with a spectacular sound that will be hard to find at this price.

Technical data

Construction type: housing closed

Amplifier class: digital amplifiers in class D (MOSFET)

Power: 300W(RMS)

Gain range: 80 dB

Speaker Diameter: 254mm (10")

Crossover adjustment: 25Hz - 100Hz

Phase Switch: 0 - 180°

Impedance:

Neutrik Speakon - 150 kOhm
1/LFE - 33 kOhms
RCA - 10 kOhms

Connectors: high level Speakon/low level 1/LFE/RCA

Security system:

Set Safe™ design (fully electronic)
thermal
short-circuit
fuse 2A

Dimensions: Height 317mm / Width 368mm / Depth 342mm

Libra: 21.1 kg

Accessories:

Power cord
Neutrik Speakon high-level cable
Spikes
User manual

Colors: cherry / oak / piano black / rose walnut

Elaborated by: Łabędź Przemysław