Disassembling REL T3 Main Amplifier

Place the subwoofer on it legs to protect the driver. Be careful not to touch the driver/speaker on the bottom when you handle the case.

Using the 3mm hex tool, remove only the outer rim of screws, starting from the bottom.

Make sure to support the plate amp by gripping the heat sink.

Remove the top screws. Be aware: the heavy transformer is located at the top. Removing the top screws will probably make the plate amp tilt out of the case.

Using the heatsink, carefully lift the plate amp out of the case. Again: it's heavier than you might expect!

The plate amp is still connected to the driver via faston connectors. I found it easiest to disconnect the driver connectors, but removing them from the amplifier side works equally well.

You've now removed the plate amp. Set it aside on the heatsink side. The height of the heatsink will make sure that the controls are not damaged.

Now is a good time to check the voltage rails for residual voltage. Everything after the rectifier bridge should be <45V, but always take appropriate precautions when it comes to mains powered devices.

Snip all tywraps, such that all cables can be manipulated freely.

Disconnect all connectors that tie to the transformer

Make sure that all leads can be manipulated freely.

Start loosening the screws on the back using the m3 hex tool

Don't remove them fully, yet though.

Turn the amp on it's back.

Remove the nuts from the screws that where loosened on the back.

Remove the philips screws using a #2.

Loosen the dampening rubber by running a Halberd Spudger underneath it.

The rubber is not adhered to the aluminium and is pretty tough, so a moderate amount of force is allowed.

You can now remove the transformer from the plate. Be careful not to damage the controls on the plate now that the assembly is a lot lighter.

Remove the connectors to the amp board.

Discharge the capacitor e.g. using a replacement 1k3 power resistor.

Carefully bridge the resistor across the + and - legs of the recifier, but don't touch anything else.

Verify that the voltage is near zero. 0.2V or so is fine.

The voltage starts at around 100V, so be careful.

Remove the screws to the thermistor.

Remove the screws to the transistors.

Store them in a separate baggy.

Remove screws for four corners.

Store them in or on their posts.

Gently lift up the PCB. The transistors might be held down by thermal paste, so use a spudger to release them.