REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII
The Tzero MKIII brings tight, textured bass and remarkably seamless integration to compact hi-fi systems, making bookshelf speakers sound fuller, deeper and more convincing. Wall of Sound highlights its speed and subtlety, while Michael Evans found its low-end lift impressively natural. With premium gloss finishing and flexible high-level connectivity, this is a refined small-room bass specialist.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Deliciously Crispy
Bass
91/100
Integration
93/100
Dynamics
88/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Usability
86/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Fast, controlled and non-boomy bass adds weight, texture and extension without overwhelming the main speakers.
Exceptional integration makes compact speakers sound larger and fuller while preserving a natural musical balance.
Premium build for its size, with multi-coat gloss finish, solid construction and versatile high-level, line-level and LFE connections.
Cons
Modest output and 6.5-inch driver are not suited to large rooms, bass-heavy listening or window-rattling home-theater effects.
Buyers prioritizing maximum output per dollar may find competing internet-direct subwoofers more compelling.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Bass
91/100
Reviewers consistently praise tight, textured and controlled bass rather than exaggerated boom. It adds convincing depth and low-end extension to compact speakers, with StereoNET reporting that previously absent deep notes appeared, while reviewers also note it is not intended to fill a large room or rattle windows.
Integration
93/100
The Tzero MKIII is repeatedly described as subtle, non-boomy and exceptionally easy to blend with small main speakers. Potato Fi found that its bass “seamlessly blends with the sound,” while Wall of Sound says its speed and resolution let it “keep up” with the mains; several reviewers say it makes speakers sound larger without becoming intrusive.
Dynamics
88/100
Its sealed alignment earns repeated praise for quick leading edges, transient response and punch. Wall of Sound calls it lightning fast and superior in speed to small ported alternatives, although its modest size and output mean it is better suited to musical reinforcement than sustained, room-shaking playback.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers describe a notably upscale little cabinet, with solid construction, steel legs and back plate, and a multi-coat gloss finish. StereoNET calls it gorgeously finished and solidly made, while Wall of Sound says it “oozes quality.”
Features Usability
86/100
The controls are straightforward and the connection options are unusually flexible for a compact music-focused subwoofer, including high-level Speakon, line-level RCA and separate LFE input. Reviewers especially like the supplied high-level connection and easy setup, though there is no built-in app, room correction or onboard parametric EQ.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly £349/$450-$500 depending on market, reviewers generally see the Tzero MKIII as a compelling premium compact option, especially for small rooms and bookshelf systems. StereoNET says it is hard to argue against the value for money, although Everyday Audiophile notes that shoppers seeking maximum output per dollar may prefer internet-direct alternatives.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
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Specifications
- Type
- Closed Box, down-firing driver
- Active Driver Size & Material
- 6.5in. (165mm) long-throw, aluminum cone, steel chassis
- Passive Radiator Size & Material
- N/A
- Low Frequency Extension
- -6dB at 37 Hz Low Frequency
- Input Connectors
- High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (1) RCA, (1) LFE RCA
- Output Connectors
- N/A
- Power Output
- 100 watts (RMS)
- Amplifier Type
- Class D
- Wireless Capability
- HT- Air MKII (sold separately)
- Dual Parametric Filter
- HT- Air MKII (sold separately)
- Finish
- Piano Black Lacquer, Gloss White Lacquer 5 coats
- Fully Electronic Set Safe
- Yes
- D.C. Fault
- Yes
- Output Short
- Yes
- Mains Input Voltage
- 100-240 volts
- Fuses
- 2.00 Amp semi delay
- Mains Lead
- Yes
- Neutrik Speakon
- Yes (10 Meters Nominal)
- Interconnect
- -
- User Manual
- Yes
- DIMS
- W x H x D \n 8.5 x 9.5 x 10.5 in. \n (216 x 241 x 260 mm) \n \n Shipping DIMS \n W x H x D \n 12 x 11 x 14 in., \n (305 x 279 x 356 mm)
- Net Weight
- 15 lbs. (6.8 kg). Shipping weight 18 lbs ( 8.1 kg).
Manufacturer's Description — REL Acoustics
Small Size. Serious Performance. True REL DNA.Tzero MKIII brings fast, expressive bass to intimate environments perfect for offices, apartments, studios, and smaller living spaces.
- Clean, controlled low frequencies from a 100-watt Class D amplifier
- Speed and precision from a 6.5" aluminum driver
- Tight, natural sound via an acoustic-suspension cabinet
- Rigid, low-resonance construction with internal bracing
100% REL, Just Smaller
Miracle In Miniature
Tzero is, in many ways, the most difficult design we have ever executed because never before have we delivered so much for so little. Five coats of your choice of black or white high gloss lacquer as in all Serie T, NextGen Class D amplifiers, our famous High Level Input, plus a separate .1/LFE input stage with its own volume control to get theatre levels AND music perfect without racing to adjust or looking for a remote control.
The jewel of the MKIII is the new aluminum-coned driver, a rugged 6.5” unit with exceptional output and low bass extension for its size. While it won’t drive medium or large rooms hard, we make plenty of larger models that handle that task, Tzero MKIII remains a miracle in miniature
Tzero is, in many ways, the most difficult design we have ever executed because never before have we delivered so much for so little. Five coats of your choice of black or white high gloss lacquer as in all Serie T, NextGen Class D amplifiers, our famous High Level Input, plus a separate .1/LFE input stage with its own volume control to get theatre levels AND music perfect without racing to adjust or looking for a remote control.
The jewel of the MKIII is the new aluminum-coned driver, a rugged 6.5” unit with exceptional output and low bass extension for its size. While it won’t drive medium or large rooms hard, we make plenty of larger models that handle that task, Tzero MKIII remains a miracle in miniature
Scaled for the Simple Life
At REL every design begins by defining and designing the best bass engine for a given application. With its new aluminum-coned long throw 6.5” driver, the MKIII is powerful and articulate, delivering surprisingly deep bass. Able to fill smaller spaces effortlessly. Have a much larger space? Turn to one of our larger models, there are plenty to choose from.
Outsized Performance
At REL every clean sheet design begins by defining and designing the best bass engine for a given application. While the long throw 6.5” is our smallest-to-date, but make no mistake it is powerful and articulate, able to fill medium-sized rooms effortlessly. Have a much larger space? Distribute them throughout for an unobtrusive spacious presentation of music and film sound.
Brains & Brawn
Though Tzero MKIII is REL’s entry level, that doesn’t mean it can’t punch far above its weight class. 100 high-current watts from a NextGen Class D amp means it holds its head high and is capable of delivering many years of satisfying performance. We feature the same high-quality input filters, crossovers and limiters as our larger models. Tzero MKIII includes a full REL connectivity suite, fast 8ms delay filter set and our famed High Level Input as well as a separate .1/LFE input with its own level control and a standby circuit that reliably comes alive at very low levels.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII
- The ASOC Gallery of Fine Audio — in-store — Stratford, Ontario, Canada (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
and 239 more verified dealers