REL Acoustics T/9x SE Subwoofer Tangerine Dream

The REL Acoustics T/9x SE is the Special Edition of the T/9x and the pinnacle of REL’s Serie T/x range. REL describes the current T/x models as having taken on some of the sonic character of the upmarket Serie S, and the SE pushes that further with an upgraded active driver, a retuned amplifier and a set of bespoke automotive-inspired finishes. This listing is for a single T/9x SE in Tangerine Dream, a seven-coat orange lacquer paired with chrome billet feet and a chrome badge.

What Makes the SE Different

The SE builds on the standard T/9x with upgraded external components and a driver revision aimed at greater speed and clarity. The critical centre cap of the 10-inch active driver is made from carbon fibre, which increases stiffness for better bass articulation. According to REL the revised cone assembly is 10 grams lighter, giving a faster response and a 1.2dB increase in output, so the SE is faster, more dynamic and slightly louder than the core T/9x. The amplifier has been retuned to suit the lighter driver.

Driver and Passive Radiator

The T/9x SE uses REL’s familiar Serie T/x layout: a front-firing 10-inch (250mm) long-throw active driver with a FibreCarbon cone, inverted carbon fibre centre cap and steel chassis, plus a down-firing 10-inch (250mm) long-throw passive radiator with a FibreAlloy cone and inverted alloy centre cap. In-room low-frequency extension is quoted at 27Hz at the -6dB point.

Amplification

Power comes from a 300W RMS Class A/B monoblock amplifier using MOSFET output devices with integrated heat sinks, a design REL has relied on for its Serie T flagships since 2007. REL cites the design's reliability, with close to 90,000 of these amplifiers in circulation, most in daily use. A fully electronic Set-Safe protection system with DC fault and output short protection is built in.

Connectivity and Controls

REL’s preferred connection is the high-level input via a Neutrik Speakon socket, which takes a speaker-level signal directly from the main amplifier’s output terminals so the subwoofer inherits the tonal character of the main system. A 10-metre Neutrik Speakon cable is supplied. A single low-level RCA input and a dedicated LFE RCA input are also provided for home cinema use. Rear-panel rotary controls cover gain, crossover and LFE gain, with a 0/180-degree phase switch; there is no app or remote, just straightforward analogue set-up. For cable-free installation the T/9x SE is compatible with the optional REL Arrow wireless system, sold separately.

Placement and Use

REL suggests the T/9x SE for medium to large rooms in both two-channel and home cinema systems. It can be used as a stereo pair (two of the same model are required for the stereo effect, and REL notes that mixing colours across a pair has become popular) or alongside other REL series such as Serie HT or Serie S in a REL 3D set-up. It is not designed for vertical line-array stacking. The cabinet measures 370 x 340 x 393mm (W x H x D) including feet and rear-panel controls, with a further 44.5mm of depth needed when the high-level connector is fitted, and weighs 20.6kg. A grille, mains lead and user manual are included.