REL - T5i Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a solid addition (emphasis on addition) to your music's bass, and if design and build quality are as important to you as sound, you’re on the right track. REL is one of the leading manufacturers of sub-bass systems, and as they focus exclusively on subwoofers, they excel in this area. The T5i is a strong mid-range offering in REL’s lineup, featuring a 125-watt Class A/B amplifier with high-current power supplies. Its sealed enclosure and Class A/B amplifier contribute to the rapid response of the 20-centimeter (8-inch) Alloy Fibre bass driver with a long throw, oriented downwards.
The subwoofer offers two connection options. The first, recommended by the manufacturer for optimal signal quality, is the high-level NEUTRIK SPEAKON connection, commonly used in professional audio setups. The second, more conventional for home theater systems, is a single low-level RCA (cinch) input. On the rear panel, there is a sizable aluminum heatsink that dissipates heat generated by the amplifier housed inside the cabinet, which is not visible. The panel also features three knobs: two for adjusting the power separately for high-level and low-level inputs, and a third for controlling the crossover frequency, ranging from 30 to 120 Hz. This allows you to connect one subwoofer to two independent devices—such as a stereo amplifier (via the Neutrik Speakon) and a home theater system (via the RCA input)—with separate power settings for each. This thoughtful feature is very practical, as music typically requires less intense bass compared to action films, where sudden explosions with deep bass can be startling and spine-tingling. Don't be misled by the technical specifications (a 125-watt amplifier), especially when competitors in a similar price range offer significantly more power. The REL subwoofer uses a Class A/B amplifier, whereas many other manufacturers employ Class D amplifiers. What does using a Class A/B amplifier mean? For those familiar with electronics, this is well understood, but for the uninitiated, in simple terms, Class A/B amplifiers are more power-efficient. Even with lower declared power, they deliver substantial, clean power, which greatly impacts the speed and quality of the signal sent to the speaker.
The REL T5i is designed as an excellent addition to an audiophile stereo setup in rooms not exceeding 20 square meters. Its quality and speed in delivering low frequencies complement high-end audio systems exceptionally well. The bass produced is tight, fast, dynamic, and full of resonant undertones. When positioned correctly in a well-tuned listening space, there is no sign of muddiness, sluggishness, or booming. While it may not deliver the same powerful impact as some models from SVS, Velodyne, or Klipsch, the T5i offers a level of clarity and quality that is hard to find in similarly priced products. For home theater applications, the T5i might not be the top choice, as its sealed enclosure, despite its advantages, cannot compete with bass-reflex or passive radiator designs increasingly used by REL and other manufacturers. The broad frequency range of the compact T5i, which extends quite low given its size, adds a finishing touch to the music it was designed to enhance. It is often chosen by audiophiles seeking a refined bass complement, an elegant appearance, and an attractive price point, thanks to newer and improved models in the T...X series. For those who value modern features or face challenges with long cable runs, the T5i offers an optional ARROW wireless connection module for an additional fee. Like most REL subwoofers, it is available in high-gloss black and white finishes. Noteworthy features include a standby mode that puts the subwoofer into sleep mode after a period of inactivity and a phase switch with settings of 0-180 degrees. In my personal opinion, the T5i (which I have in my setup) is an outstanding choice for individuals—particularly those with a more mature appreciation of music—who are not looking to disrupt the musical balance with excessive bass.
Technical data
Type: Active, housing closed, loudspeaker pointing downwards
transducer specification: 20 cm long stroke high quality AlloyFibre composite
frequency response: 32 Hz at -6dB indoors
inputs: high level Neutrik Speakon, low level single RCA (cinch), sub input (LFE) single RCA.
Amplifier power: 125 watts RMS
type of amplifier: class A / B
phase switch: 0/180 degrees
protection system: full electronic, against direct current, output short-circuit
supply voltage: 220 - 240V
fuse: 1.6 amps for 230 volts
scales: 12 kg
finish: black high gloss, white high gloss
Included:
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power cable type: standard IEC 3-pin female power cord
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connecting cable: high-level from the Neutrik Speakon subwoofer side, and unassembled 3 cables to the amplifier.
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instruction
Prepared by: Łabędź Przemysław