REL Acoustics has introduced the Planar PL-1 and PL-2, a new pair of slim subwoofers designed for people who want deeper bass without adding a big box to the corner of the room.
That may sound like a simple design tweak, but placement is one of the biggest reasons people either skip subwoofers entirely or never get the best out of them. A traditional sub can be heavy, visually awkward, and tricky to position, especially in a living room where furniture, cables, wall outlets, pets, kids, and everyone else in the house all have a say.
REL’s Planar series takes a different approach. Instead of the usual cube-shaped cabinet, the PL-1 and PL-2 are built around a much slimmer form factor. Both models are only 5.7 inches deep, which makes them easier to place close to a wall, mount on a wall, or use with an optional rolling base.
The lineup includes two models: the smaller PL-1 and the larger PL-2. Both are aimed at the same basic idea: making serious bass easier to fit into real rooms. That could mean a dedicated media room, a modern open-plan living room, or a two-channel hi-fi setup where you do not want the subwoofer to dominate the space visually.
The most interesting thing about the Planar series is not just that the cabinets are thin. It is that REL has clearly designed these subs around placement flexibility from the start.
The Planar models can be used in a few different ways:
That rolling base may sound like a small accessory, but it makes sense. Subwoofer placement usually involves some trial and error. Move it here, listen. Move it there, listen again. Most people do not enjoy dragging a heavy sub around the room while trying to find the best bass response. A rolling option makes that process a little less annoying, especially before committing to a permanent spot.
There is one practical detail to keep in mind: these are not fully cable-free subwoofers. REL includes wireless connectivity through its AirShip Direct system, but the subwoofer still needs power from a nearby outlet. In other words, you can cut down on long signal cables, but you still need to think about where the plug goes.
The PL-1 and PL-2 share the same slim design idea, but they are built for slightly different spaces and expectations.
The PL-1 is the smaller model. It measures 20.6 x 19.4 x 5.7 inches and weighs 41.6 pounds. Inside, it uses two 6.5-inch long-throw FibreAlloy active drivers along with a 10-inch FibreAlloy passive radiator. REL rates its bass extension down to 31Hz at -6dB in-room.
The PL-2 is the larger option. It measures 25.6 x 18.9 x 5.7 inches and weighs 44.6 pounds. It uses a single 8-inch FlatPiston active long-throw driver, paired with a 10-inch FibreAlloy passive radiator. REL rates this model down to 24Hz at -6dB in-room.
Put simply, the PL-1 looks like the more space-conscious option, while the PL-2 is the one to watch if you want deeper bass from the same general design. The PL-2 is wider and a little heavier, but it also reaches lower on paper.
For home theater users, that extra extension could matter. Movie soundtracks often rely on low-frequency effects to add weight to explosions, engines, storms, and big cinematic moments. For smaller rooms, apartment systems, or setups where the subwoofer needs to stay visually quiet, the PL-1 may be the easier fit.
Both models use Class D amplification and include REL’s familiar connection options, including high-level Neutrik Speakon, low-level RCA, and LFE RCA inputs. That means they can work in both stereo and home theater systems. For a two-channel setup, the high-level connection is useful because it lets the subwoofer receive the same signal character as the main speakers. For an AV receiver or processor, the LFE input keeps things simple.
Bass is tricky because it is not just about the subwoofer itself. The room plays a huge role. Walls, corners, floors, furniture, and seating positions can all change how bass sounds. That is why one subwoofer can sound tight and controlled in one room, then boomy or uneven in another.
REL is not changing the basic physics of bass with the Planar series. A slim cabinet still has to move air, and placement will still matter. But the company is trying to remove one of the most common barriers: the awkward footprint of a conventional subwoofer.
That is important because home audio has become more room-friendly in recent years. Soundbars, compact amps, wireless speakers, lifestyle turntables, and ultra-short-throw projectors all appeal to people who want better performance without building a room around their gear. Subwoofers have not always fit neatly into that trend.
The Planar PL-1 and PL-2 feel like REL’s answer to that problem. They are not trying to hide the fact that they are subwoofers, but they are designed to be easier to live with.
Wall placement also changes the conversation. Placing a subwoofer near a boundary can reinforce low frequencies, and REL appears to be designing around that behavior rather than treating it as a compromise. That could make the Planar models especially interesting for custom installers, home theater designers, and anyone trying to add bass without rearranging the entire room.
REL is also giving the Planar series a more decor-friendly finish than many traditional subs. The PL-1 and PL-2 will be available in Piano Black Lacquer and Gloss White Lacquer, with interchangeable cloth and premium wood grille options.
That matters more than some audio purists may want to admit. A subwoofer that sounds good but looks out of place can still be a hard sell in a shared living space. A slimmer cabinet, wall-mounting option, and swappable grilles give buyers a better chance of making the system fit the room instead of the other way around.
Pricing has not been announced yet. REL says the Planar PL-1 and PL-2 will be available starting May 20, 2026.
The real question, of course, is performance. A wall-friendly subwoofer is a smart idea, but bass is always room-dependent. The PL-1 and PL-2 will need to show that their slim design can still deliver useful low-end output without unwanted vibration, awkward setup issues, or the feeling that convenience came at the expense of depth.
Still, REL is going after a problem a lot of people understand immediately. Plenty of listeners want better bass. Far fewer want a large black box sitting in the middle of a carefully arranged room. With the Planar PL-1 and PL-2, REL is trying to make the subwoofer easier to place, easier to live with, and a little less like furniture you have to apologize for.
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