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 up to 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.
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 up to 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.
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.
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 up to 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.
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.
Technical Specification
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, die cast alloy chassis
Passive Radiator Size & Material
12 in. (300mm), Carbon/Carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis
Low Frequency Extension
-6 dB at 19Hz (in Room)
Input Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR
Output Connectors
High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) LFE RCA or (1) LFE XLR
Power Output
800 watts (RMS). Up to 1,000 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type
NextGen 5 Class D
Wireless Capability
REL AirShip II (sold separately)
Dual Parametric Filter
Yes
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
