Carbon Special

Serie S

Carbon Special is a new limited availability model that combines our latest engineering with cutting edge components from our reference line, all housed in a moderately sized chassis. It features our third-generation carbon fibre 12” driver with a new, bespoke CSP passive driver that delivers 50% longer stroke, powered by our 1,000 watt amplifier, itself guided by our CS PerfectFilter™. An all new cabinet with highly polished metal and carbon fibre touches appears only in this model.

Carbon Special

Reference Performance, Modest Size

Where previous special editions have used existing cabinets, drivers and filters, Carbon Special uses many elements developed solely for Carbon Special. We employed our newest BlackWidow 12”(350mm) carbon fibre driver, developed to deliver superior dynamic balance throughout the full range of its considerable 4”(100mm) of fore-and-aft stroke. It is better able to handle, smoothly and effortlessly, the massive power needed to deliver explosive dynamics. We mated it with our NextGen 5 1,000 watt amplifier which has proven to be both a sonic wonder and utterly reliable. Directing all this is a CS PerfectFilter, a custom-designed variant of our latest evolution of filters that improves both ends of the spectrum. It delivers airy, delicate highs with greater reach into the nether regions within a soundstage, as well as truer, more powerful ultra-low bass delivery. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost is.

We didn’t stop there. The cabinet extends deeper than previous mid-chassis designs to optimize performance for this new driver complement. And its looks are delivered in a refined, mature manner with subtle use of carbon fibre details sprinkled among chrome and polished stainless accents. We predict Carbon Special will become one of the highest demand ultra-high performance subwoofers of all time.

CS PerfectFilters

Elevating low bass performance and overall clarity

Perfect is not a word REL throws around lightly but these latest filters are so good they require its use. Our PerfectFilters elevate the low bass performance to a new standard for a mid-chassis design, while subtle tweaks to its upper range performance allow for an airier, more transparent soundstage and improved clarity throughout the entire system’s performance. It is impossible to overstate its benefit to a fine audio system and all benefits that accrue to its musical performance go on to expand its merits in power theatre. A true two-for-one upgrade.

Sound Beyond Its Size

Inspired by the G/1 MK II

The key to Carbon Special’s amazing performance is its new BlackWidow 12”(350mm) forward firing active driver. Carbon fibre grabs the headlines with its ultra-lightweight and tough, resilient nature. Carbon fibre, while light, has excellent self-quieting properties that allow for far greater dynamics because the driver itself is so quiet. This generation 3 version features a much larger surround to better allow the explosiveness needed to set itself apart from the pack. The inner suspension was re-tuned to take advantage of this and the result, found only here and upcoming versions of the G-1 MK II is a 12” that hits like a heavyweight but reacts like a much smaller driver.

Now Hear This

NextGen5 1000W Digital Amplifier

Power matters, and especially when our CS PerfectFilter demands more from the driver, additional power is crucial. This is why we placed the heart of our flagship No.25 amplifier into Carbon Special. At 1,000 watts, it has the current reserves to easily keep up with the demands placed upon it by even the most rigorous user. Carbon Special is capable of startling the listener, used in dual duty for both theatre and music its merits are immediately obvious in music which can lull the theatre aficionado into complacency, only to be yanked out of any sense of normalcy when a huge, unexpected transient explodes without warning. Think Pierce Brosnan’s 007 using plastique at work here.

Totally Stacked Performance

The REL Line Array

REL’s signature gift to the art of sub bass performance is undoubtedly our Reference Line Arrays, wherein three units per side are stacked vertically. This arrangement was practically invented for subs with the deportment of Carbon Special. For those who always dreamed of owning a REL Reference Line Array but were denied it because of their size, your ship has arrived.

Without Wire’s Snarl

AirShip™ Wireless Connectivity

Carbon Special works brilliantly with AirShip™, our state of the art wireless that transports sound invisibly with none of the compromises of conventional wireless. Available optionally, and at reasonable expense with Carbon Special. While most wireless compresses horribly, Airship uses military grade 5.8Ghz wireless with zero compression to send signals so pure and fast they sonically outperform hardwired using anything but the best cables. Not having to see a snarl of cables tangling up in one’s grand salon is itself a reward for you having worked so hard.

Reviews + Awards

“My ancient copy of Led Zeppelin III (Atlantic) is usually a little on the thin side, but the REL filled in the gaps and made it richer and more full-bodied. It was at this point I realized I’d need a stomping mat if I wasn’t going to wear out the carpet.” Read More +

Hi-Fi+

Type

Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive

Active Driver Size & Material

12 in., 300mm long-throw, carbon fibre cone with inverted carbon fibre centre cap

Passive Radiator Size & Material

12 in., 300mm Carbon, carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis

Low Frequency Extention

-6 dB at 19Hz (in Room)

Input Connectors

High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR

Output Connectors

High Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR

Power Output

1000 watts (RMS)

Amplifier Type

NextGen5 Class D

Wireless Capability

Airship Wireless Required (sold separately)

Protection System

Fully Electronic Set Safe

Yes

D.C. Fault

Yes

Output Short

Yes

Mains Input Voltage

220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets

Fuses

5 Amp 220 volts operation, 9 Amp 120 volts operation

Dimensions

W x H x D

17 x 18 x 21.25 in. (430 x 455 x 539 mm)

Net Weight

85.3 lbs. (38.7 kg)

Finish

Piano Black Lacquer, 8 coats

Supplied Accessories

Mains Lead

Yes

Neutrik Speakon

Yes (10 Meters Nominal)

Interconnect

Users Manual

Yes

In the interest of product development, REL Acoustics Limited reserve the right to vary these specifications without notice.

User Reviews