The world of home cinema audio is about to get a stylish upgrade with REL's innovative approach to the subwoofer. This British audio specialist has taken a bold step towards solving a common dilemma for home theater enthusiasts: where to place the bass box. With their upcoming Planar Series, REL is not just reinventing the subwoofer, but also challenging our perceptions of what a subwoofer can be and how it can enhance our home entertainment experience.
Redefining the Subwoofer Experience
REL's Planar Series consists of two ultra-slim subwoofers, the PL-1 and PL-2, which defy traditional expectations. These subwoofers can be seamlessly integrated into modern homes, thanks to their wall-mounting capability and slim design. No longer do we need to sacrifice precious floor space or rearrange our furniture to accommodate a bulky subwoofer. REL has designed these models to blend seamlessly into our living spaces, with a depth of just 5.7 inches (144mm).
What makes this particularly fascinating is the option to customize the subwoofer's appearance. Buyers can choose between sleek black or white finishes, and further personalize it with interchangeable cloth or premium wood grilles. This level of customization allows the subwoofer to either blend into the background or become a statement piece, depending on the user's preference. It's a unique approach that turns a functional audio component into a design object.
The Planar Cart: A Mobile Bass Experience
One of the most intriguing features is the 'Planar Cart', an optional wheeled stand. This innovative addition allows users to experiment with the subwoofer's placement, rolling it around the room to find the perfect spot. It adds a dynamic element to the home cinema setup, encouraging users to explore the impact of bass placement on their audio experience. This level of flexibility is a game-changer for those who want to fine-tune their home theater system.
Boundary Reinforcement for Enhanced Bass
REL claims that wall placement actually improves bass performance. By utilizing boundary reinforcement from room surfaces, the subwoofer creates a larger sound field, enhancing the bass response. This is a clever use of the room's acoustics to optimize the audio experience. It's an interesting take on how we can use our living spaces to enhance our audio setup, rather than simply accommodating it.
Technical Specifications and Wireless Convenience
The PL-1 and PL-2 models offer impressive technical specifications. The PL-2 features an 8-inch FlatPiston active driver and a 10-inch passive radiator, delivering bass down to 24Hz. The smaller PL-1 utilizes twin 6.5-inch FibreAlloy drivers, extending its bass range to 31Hz. Both models utilize Class D amplification and support REL's traditional high-level Speakon connections. Additionally, REL has included wireless capability via their AirShip Direct technology, a first for the company, making the setup process even more convenient.
A New Era for Home Cinemas
With the Planar Series, REL is not just providing an audio product, but a complete home cinema experience. By addressing the common challenges of subwoofer placement and offering a sleek, customizable design, they are elevating the home theater setup to a new level of sophistication. The Planar Series is a testament to the power of innovation and design, showing us that even the most functional components can be transformed into stylish, versatile pieces.
Personally, I think this is a brilliant step forward for home cinema enthusiasts. It combines form and function in a way that truly enhances our entertainment experience. The Planar Series is a perfect example of how technology can evolve to meet our needs and preferences, creating a more enjoyable and immersive home theater environment.
