REL Acoustics Reference No32 - Subwoofer

The No.32 is uniquely positioned to elevate our Reference range to an even higher level. It retains the exquisite beauty of our curved Reference cabinets, an updated 15" (380mm) genuine carbon fiber driver, and our ultra-reliable 1,000-watt NextGen 7 Class D amplifier featuring thin-film capacitors, higher gain, and superior limiting.

The net result is a flagship model that has further pushed the boundaries of artistry with superior dynamics, richer tonal colors, and a freer, more expressive character that opens up the mids and highs in an unprecedented way.

When only the best will do
CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN

The No.32 represents the sum of our efforts, research, and knowledge gained over the past three decades as a leader in audio and subwoofers. Nothing we've built can match the speed, agility, seamlessness, and vivid dynamic contrasts delivered by the No.32. It represents the pinnacle of REL's considerable expertise and is our benchmark for future innovation. A remarkable sonic achievement, it transcends its illustrious predecessor, which was named Product of the Decade just a few years ago. It's 1,000 watts, has a 15" (380 mm) pure carbon fiber driver, and boasts an exquisite construction that took three weeks to complete. However, each of these features is just a hint of what it takes to reside at the pinnacle of REL's offerings, and the No.32 is poised to be a design for the ages.

Wonderful form follows functional perfection
It's often said that form follows function. If that's true, what a beautiful function we're following. The cabinet follows a curvilinear path established over a decade ago on the original Gibraltar. Here, the top surface slopes downward into the rear corners, a difficult treatment to execute, but one that produces a uniquely beautiful effect.

The triple-plated steel handles are set in ellipses that provide a secure grip, essential when lifting an object over 200 pounds. Inside, the rear support plate is well over half an inch thick and contoured to follow the interior surface, producing an extremely durable structure.

The No.32's new badging combines the materials most frequently featured in its design; the carbon fiber used throughout the driver is embedded in a polished cast alloy basket that's finished with three layers of plating to achieve a jewel-like shine. The overall design speaks to the considerable effort that went into ensuring the No.32 was as visually stunning as it was technically.

Arrayed For Battle
The No. 32 features the same vertically stacked line array as the definitive No. 31. It offers transformative performance that no competitor has been able to match. For those seeking the ultimate musical and theatrical experience, line arrays unlock the ultimate dimension of system reproduction. Audiophiles have chased three-dimensional sound for years, but have missed the simple fact that height, not depth, of imaging is the missing link. By creating products designed to be stacked 3 (or in exceptionally tall rooms, 5) units high while maintaining the individual crossover and gain control of each subwoofer in the array, REL has created a masterpiece that finally delivers what discerning audiophiles have been chasing for the past 40 years.

How to Build a Line Array.

How to set up and compose a Line Array.

The absolutely reliable beast
The No.32's 1,000-watt NextGen 7 Class D amplifier was also used in its predecessor for over seven years. Thousands of these amplifiers are in use worldwide; they are a paragon of reliability. Its implementation in the No.32 combines a new limiter with a much broader envelope to allow for the widest possible dynamic range. Additionally, the No.32's dual parametric equalizers enable a robust, flat response in the lower ranges, extending below 20 Hz. When its second equalizer is set to frequencies above the crossover point, the No.32 perfectly matches the main speakers while simultaneously reducing room-based resonances.

Drive On
As with all RELs, the heart and soul of the No. 32 is its 15" (380 mm) driver. The driver cone is constructed entirely of carbon fiber. Additionally, a carbon fiber center cap is overlaid on the surface of the primary cone. This cone design results in a much stiffer driver that possesses superior self-damping qualities, removing even minor resonances that can obscure detail retrieval, while keeping moving mass to an absolute minimum. The No. 32's driver suspension allows for a full 4" (100 mm) of travel fore and aft, a tremendous amount of travel for such a large driver. These are some of the secrets to its performance. Transparency, coupled with extraordinary dynamics, is the result.

A remote control like no other
Take control of your No.32 by picking up the REL Reference remote. Immediately, you'll be struck by its perfect fit in the palm of your hand, the result of careful consideration and many generations of trial-and-error adjustments during prototype development. The second reaction is the awareness of its mass, which conveys its quality, permanence, and immutability. It tells you, "I'm a thing of substance, of quality. Pay attention; what you do next matters." If you've owned a REL before (and 90% of Rel Reference owners have), all the familiar controls are within easy reach, exactly where you'd want them. The high-level gain (or low if using active speakers) is conveniently located on the right side, the crossover is in the center, and the .1 gain/LFE switch is off on the left.

Below are three lovely metal toggle switches that control critical setup functions. The remote's on/off switch is located at the bottom. It's as hidden as possible and stays on once powered on and in use during setup, so it won't be accidentally turned off. In the center is the phase control. This is only used initially to determine the correct phase of 0 or 180 degrees. Additionally, the top access to the Dual Parametric EQ, labeled A and B, allows for the flattest, deepest bass and, at the other end of the bass range, fine-tuning the crossover behavior. This allows you to perfectly blend the subwoofer with the main speakers, and any hint of room-generated boominess and resonance can be delicately eliminated.

The REL Reference Remote reminds you of the perfect butler, always immaculate, indispensable when called upon, then quietly set aside until a future time when perhaps additions or further improvements to your system will further require its services.