REL Acoustics
REL Acoustics No.31 Reference Subwoofer
Best reference-grade subwoofer for audiophiles with limited room space.
The REL No.31 subwoofer delivers reference-level sound in a more compact form, designed for discerning listeners with space limitations. It offers stunning speed, nuance, and clarity, uncovering the emotional truth in every performance. Featuring a 900-watt NextGen 7 amplifier and a fast, articulate 12-inch carbon-fiber driver, it provides expanded depth and scale. The subwoofer is finished in 12 coats of high-gloss Piano Black Lacquer, crafted to match luxury interiors. It includes a REL Reference Remote for in-room tuning and offers a 3-year warranty with lifetime customer support. The REL Acoustics No.31 Reference Subwoofer is designed for those who demand the finest audio performance but have space constraints. It delivers the exceptional sound quality and build of its larger counterpart, the No.32, in a more compact form factor. Featuring a 12-inch pure carbon fiber driver with incredible excursion and a 900-watt NextGen 7 Class D amplifier, the No.31 offers both visceral power and delicate nuance. Its elegant design includes a string grille for unimpeded airflow and a refined finish. This subwoofer is engineered to seamlessly integrate with high-quality main speakers, enhancing the entire soundstage with deep, precise bass.
$9000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
20
/ 8447
#20 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+515%
Above average
Type
Closed box, front-firing driver
/ Closed box, front-firing driver
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking perfect sonic cohesion with their main speakers
- Music lovers prioritizing natural texture over boomy bass
- Design-conscious owners of premium high-end audio systems
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range value
- Listeners with limited floor space or smaller listening rooms
- Users wanting a simple plug-and-play setup experience
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Carbon-fiber driver delivers lightning-fast attack and exceptional bass clarity.
Low Frequency Extension
Reaches down to 17Hz for deep, visceral, and authoritative room-filling sound.
Build Quality
Twelve coats of piano lacquer create a stunning, furniture-grade aesthetic.
Integration Precision
Dual parametric filters allow for seamless blending with high-end main speakers.
Power Efficiency
NextGen 7 amplifier provides immense headroom without audible compression or distortion.
Setup Versatility
Compact footprint and line array stacking options suit diverse room layouts.
Key Specs
Type
Closed box, front-firing driver
Active Driver Size & Material
12 in. (300mm) long throw, carbon fiber cone with inverted carbon fibre centre cap, die cast alloy chassis
Low Frequency Extension
17Hz at -6 dB
Input Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR
Output Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) Low Level RCA, (1) LFE XLR, (1) Line XLR
Power Output
900 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type
NextGen 7 Class D
Dimensions
25 1/8 x 17 x 28 1/2 in (638 x 435 x 720 mm)
Features
- Reference-Level Expression
- Compact Form Factor
- Stunning Speed, Nuance, and Clarity
- 900-watt NextGen 7 Amplifier
- 12" Carbon-Fiber Driver
- Line Array Compatibility
- REL Reference Remote
- Luxury Piano Black Lacquer Finish
- Compact design for space-constrained rooms
- Delivers reference-level bass performance
- Handles three times the power of its predecessor
- Allows for vertically stacked line arrays for enhanced performance
- Includes a refined remote control for easy setup and adjustment
- Offers precise micro-tuning with dual parametric EQ
- Exceptional tactility, nimbleness, and attack in bass reproduction
- Wireless capability via REL Airship II system (sold separately)
- High-gloss 12-coat black finish
- Supplied with 30' Neutrik Speakon interconnect
- REL Reference Remote Control for intuitive operation
- LimitLess Limiter for maximum dynamics without audible compression
- Designed to satisfy the need for superior bass in rooms where larger subwoofers may not fit.
- Features a 12-inch pure carbon fiber driver with exceptional excursion for powerful sound.
- Incorporates the NextGen 7 Class D 1,000-watt amplifier, limited to 900 watts for optimal performance and longevity.
- Includes the LimitLess Limiter™ for seamless dynamic range without audible compression.
- Equipped with dual parametric filters for precise bass tuning and room integration.
- Supports vertical line array stacking for an enhanced three-dimensional sound experience.
- Comes with a substantial, ergonomically designed Reference Remote Control for intuitive operation.
- Smooth, authoritative power from a 900-watt NextGen 7 amplifier
- Fast, articulate response from a 12" carbon-fiber driver
- Expanded depth and scale through Line Array compatibility
- REL Reference Remote for in-room tuning control
- 12 coats of high-gloss Piano Black Lacquer finish
- Seamless integration with reference-level loudspeakers
- Delivers bass with texture, space, and finesse
- Outstanding for both music and home theatre systems
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the REL Acoustics No.31 Reference Subwoofer for its exceptional sound quality and sophisticated design. Reviewers highlight its ability to seamlessly integrate into high end audio systems, delivering profound, articulate bass that enhances the overall listening experience without overshadowing other frequencies. The craftsmanship and premium materials are frequently noted, contributing to its luxurious aesthetic and robust performance. This subwoofer is celebrated for elevating audio reproduction to an art form, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles seeking unparalleled sonic depth and elegant presentation.
Know before you buy
The No.31 is designed specifically for listeners who want reference-level performance but have limited floor space. It delivers the same sonic character, build quality, and driver technology as the No.32, but in a more compact cabinet footprint.
Yes, the No.31 is engineered to support vertical line array stacking. By stacking units, you can achieve a more expansive soundstage and greater depth, effectively creating a larger, more powerful bass system.
The remote allows you to perform precise, in-room tuning from your listening position. It provides control over dual parametric EQ filters, making it much easier to integrate the subwoofer seamlessly with your main speakers without having to manually adjust settings on the back of the unit.
Absolutely. The No.31 is designed to be fast and articulate, which provides the necessary texture and nuance for high-fidelity music, while its 900-watt amplifier and 12-inch carbon-fiber driver offer the visceral power and impact required for demanding home theater soundtracks.
The No.31 is wireless-ready, but it requires the REL Airship II system, which is sold separately. This allows you to maintain the subwoofer's high-speed performance without the need for a physical cable connection to your amplifier.
The 12-coat Piano Black Lacquer finish is a luxury surface that should be treated like fine furniture. To maintain its luster, use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to gently remove dust, avoiding any abrasive cleaners or rough materials that could scratch the finish.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.