REL Acoustics has unveiled two new flagship subwoofers, the Reference No. 35 and No. 36, marking the latest additions to the company’s high-end Reference Series.

Although their names are relatively understated, REL says the new models feature some of the biggest advancements it has made to its amplifier and driver technology in years.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a new Class AB/D hybrid amplifier. The Reference No. 36 delivers 1000 watts of power, while the smaller No. 35 produces 900 watts. Both amplifiers are paired with a substantial 17-pound (around 8kg) toroidal transformer, designed to provide the power reserves needed for demanding music and home-theatre applications.

Underneath the cabinet, both models feature carbon-fibre drivers. The No. 35 uses a redesigned 12-inch driver, which has been upgraded with a more flexible suspension and improved cone control. According to REL, these changes allow the new model to play louder than its predecessor while maintaining greater control.

The larger No. 36 features a 15-inch carbon-fibre driver, with REL positioning it as the ideal choice for the most ambitious high-end music and home-theatre systems.

The visual design remains familiar. Both subwoofers feature REL’s distinctive curved wooden cabinets, finished with an impressive 12 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer. Their dimensions have also remained unchanged from the previous generation, measuring 74cm wide for the No. 36 and 64cm for the No. 35.

That means existing Reference Series owners can even stack the new models on top of their previous-generation REL subwoofers.

There is, unsurprisingly, a substantial price attached to this level of performance. The Reference No. 36 costs £11,000 / US$12,000, while the No. 35 comes in at £9,000 / US$10,000. Buying a pair would push the cost even higher, making these firmly products for serious high-end audio enthusiasts.

We haven’t had the opportunity to put either subwoofer through our dedicated listening-room testing yet, so the big question remains: can REL’s latest flagship models justify their eye-watering prices?

We’ll have to wait until we hear them for ourselves to find out.