FINALLY - Revel Performa Series 3

[Ajani]

Option two is the consensus approach. Do many reviewers like it from different countries at different totally independent magazines. Better if they bought them or go way over the top.

Even though that's a decent strategy, it has major flaws as well. What if you're the odd man out? Most persons could love it and you still think nothing of it.

Take the Benchmark DAC1 as an example: easily one of the most raved about HiFi products, with a decade of rave reviews worldwide from both Pro Audio and HiFi Mags (a truly rare accomplishment). Also a load of reviewers own one. So does that mean everyone likes it? Hell no! There are lots of persons who claim it is cold, analytical, over-rated, etc...

[manlystanley]

Even though that's a decent strategy, it has major flaws as well. What if you're the odd man out? Most persons could love it and you still think nothing of it.

For someone of your defined taste, that makes perfect sense. However, for me sometimes I don't know what I like. For instance, I hear protracted arguments among various people about some nuance, and then I go and listen to the equipment being debated. Well, I hear the difference, but depending on what I had for lunch that day I can go either way on which one I really like the best.

My approach to buying equipment is to:

-- Find equipment that gets the most positive reviews.
-- Find equipment that is compared against much higher selling equipment.
-- Then buy them when there are really discounted (e.g. used or on deep discounts.).

Most times this strategy works (for me), but a few instances it really didn't work. But, my costs in general have been very low (comparatively)

I'd imagine as I get more rarefied listening skills I'll become like all of you guys, but until then ignorance is bliss (or should I say cheaper?)

Best Regards,
Stan

[RGA]

Even though that's a decent strategy, it has major flaws as well. What if you're the odd man out? Most persons could love it and you still think nothing of it.

Take the Benchmark DAC1 as an example: easily one of the most raved about HiFi products, with a decade of rave reviews worldwide from both Pro Audio and HiFi Mags (a truly rare accomplishment). Also a load of reviewers own one. So does that mean everyone likes it? Hell no! There are lots of persons who claim it is cold, analytical, over-rated, etc...

You are correct - not everyone can like everything although I think it depends how the unit is judged. I heard nothing cold or analytical or anything remotely bad about the Benchmark DAC I heard. So it may be an issue with the rest of their system.

Anything can sound bad in a system that isn't appropriate for it. Usually mix and match systems have more problems in this regard - people blame the wrong components.

[Ajani]

Here we go, the details on the Performa 3:

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – HARMAN’s Revel today announced the introduction of its Performa3 loudspeakers, a complete range of home theater and music loudspeakers that incorporates significant engineering enhancements to the original Performa Series to deliver extraordinary music and movie soundtrack reproduction. Complementing their audiophile-caliber performance, Revel Performa3 loudspeakers are stunning in appearance, with a choice of high-gloss real wood and automotive-grade painted finishes.
The 10 models in the Performa3 line include the following:

F308 3-way floorstanding tower (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, three 8-inch woofers; SRP: $6,000/pr)
F208 3-way floorstanding tower (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, dual 8-inch woofers; SRP: 4,500/pr)
F206 3-way floorstanding tower (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, dual 6.5-inch woofers; SRP: 3,000/pr)
M106 2-way bookshelf monitor (1-inch tweeter, 6.5-inch woofer; SRP: $1,700/pr)
M105 2-way bookshelf monitor (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch woofer; SRP: $1,200/pr)
C208 3-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, 4-inch midrange, dual 8-inch woofers; SRP: $1,700/ea)
C205 2-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, dual 5.25-inch woofers; SRP: $1,000/ea)
S206 2-way surround speaker (dual 1-inch tweeters, dual 6.5-inch woofers; SRP: 1,800/pr)
B112 powered subwoofer (12-inch woofer, built-in 1000-watt amplifier; SRP: $2,500/ea)
B110 powered subwoofer (10-inch woofer, built-in 500-watt amplifier; SRP: $1,700/ea)

“Our Revel Performa loudspeakers have earned rave reviews from audiophiles since their initial introduction,” said Jim Garrett, Senior Manager, Marketing for HARMAN Luxury Audio Group. “We have made a number of advancements in loudspeaker materials and manufacturing technologies that we are now able to incorporate into the upgraded Performa3 models. We are confident that listeners will be thrilled with the improvements in sonic performance and musical accuracy.”
To achieve their superior sound quality, Revel Performa3 loudspeakers deploy proprietary drivers throughout. The 1-inch pure-aluminum-dome tweeters deliver airy, extended high-frequency response to beyond 20kHz, with superlative detail and clarity. The tweeters operate into an exclusive Acoustic Lens Waveguide that is precisely shaped for optimum imaging and horizontal and vertical dispersion both on-and off axis.
The midrange and low-frequency drivers employ aluminum cones for extraordinary resolution and responsiveness, along with a seamless sonic blend with the tweeters. The cones have integral ribs that add strength and rigidity for clear, richly detailed sound with reduced distortion even at higher volumes. The drivers incorporate additional refinements including cast-aluminum frames and efficiently vented, high-power motor structures, to deliver smooth, natural vocal and instrumental reproduction.
Only the finest materials and internal components are used for Revel Performa3 loudspeakers, including air-core inductors and audiophile-grade polypropylene capacitors in the crossover network, and heavy-duty gold-plated binding posts. Depending on the model, a tweeter level control allows the speakers’ high-frequency balance to be fine-tuned, and a Boundary control enables the speakers to be tailored to individual room acoustics and placement positions.
The enclosures are built to the highest standards, with internal damping and bracing at critical locations and curved side panels that minimize cabinet-induced coloration. The larger models feature individual sub-enclosures for the midrange drivers for maximum midrange clarity and definition. Each Revel Performa3 loudspeaker is individually calibrated against a manufacturing reference standard to ensure absolutely consistent performance from every speaker that leaves the factory.
Revel Performa3 loudspeakers are as stunning in appearance as they are in performance with elegantly proportioned curved and contoured enclosures that are available in a choice of high-gloss real-wood and automotive-grade painted finishes.
Revel Performa3 loudspeakers will be available in Q2 2012 except the F308 and B110, which will be available in September 2012.

[Ajani]

[Mr Peabody]

I got to hear the $22k Salon Saturday. They were driven by the new Levinson 532H and 326 pre. The sound was outstanding, like being at a live show. I mean the sound pressure, transparency and immediacy really transcended me. Compared to other ultra high end gear I've heard this package I'm talking about is a value at the tune of around $40k. And we were using my T+A and the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC. I can only imagine what it would sound like with a higher end player. Frenchmon liked the PSA right off but I think I am too used to my player, after listening a while I finally had to admit overall the PSA was better than my player because it gave fuller more extended images. However, that was my second time hearing this DAC, the first time with it's PSA transport, I have to say only in my opinion I feel purely based on sound it's over priced. I think people are being charged for all the filtering and upsampling but there are much better CDP's for the same $6k it cost for the transport/DAC combo. I usually don't care much about looks of gear but I do like the Ultima series, something about that gloss black finish and the shape.

Boy the timing of my Performa purchase was off. Oh well, hind sight.

[Ajani]

I got to hear the $22k Salon Saturday. They were driven by the new Levinson 532H and 326 pre. The sound was outstanding, like being at a live show. I mean the sound pressure, transparency and immediacy really transcended me. Compared to other ultra high end gear I've heard this package I'm talking about is a value at the tune of around $40k. And we were using my T+A and the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC. I can only imagine what it would sound like with a higher end player. Frenchmon liked the PSA right off but I think I am too used to my player, after listening a while I finally had to admit overall the PSA was better than my player because it gave fuller more extended images. However, that was my second time hearing this DAC, the first time with it's PSA transport, I have to say only in my opinion I feel purely based on sound it's over priced. I think people are being charged for all the filtering and upsampling but there are much better CDP's for the same $6k it cost for the transport/DAC combo. I usually don't care much about looks of gear but I do like the Ultima series, something about that gloss black finish and the shape.

Boy the timing of my Performa purchase was off. Oh well, hind sight.

Off or not, you got a great pair of speakers and probably at a good price, so no need to sweat it... (Also the new Performa F308 with the 3 x 8" drivers might be too much bass for your room)...

[JohnMichael]

The M106 would look great in my room. Of course until the Krell is back from service everything else is on hold.

[Ajani]

The M106 would look great in my room. Of course until the Krell is back from service everything else is on hold.

I have my eye on either the F206 or the M106. I hope detailed specs and some proper photos are available soon.

[frenchmon]

Peabody....what gear is not over priced...yeah some more than others but over priced. Especially when it was confirmed to me the price you quoted me that he got the Salons at and the price consumers pay.

Ajani: Peabody and too much bass?!?!?!? There is never enough bass for Peabody! And I and not overstating that fact. LoL! That guy loves him some bass!

I too think Peabody got the better end with his F52's. From the looks of those drawings, the old Performa2 series looks better.

[Ajani]

Ajani: Peabody and too much bass?!?!?!? There is never enough bass for Peabody! And I and not overstating that fact. LoL! That guy loves him some bass!

You're right. What the hell was I thinking??? LOL

I too think Peabody got the better end with his F52's. From the looks of those drawings, the old Performa2 series looks better.

The F52 was the best looking of the old line (I really hated the look of the tweeter on the M22 and F32 models). Also, I can't tell how the new line will really look until some actual pics come out... Drawings can look really different from the finished product.

[frenchmon]

I have to say something about the Salon's we listened to last Saturday night and the Studio's before that. Both where being driven by Levinson, and we listened to both Revel's for over 3 hours each. Both are some of the best speakers in the world of audiophilia. But I dont believe the Salons are 6k better than the Studio's. Infact, I thought the Studio's had a blacker background and are less aggressive than the Salons.

Now I know the T+A CDP is agressive in nature, but the Salons remained more agressive than the Studio's when we switched over to the PS Audio DAC/ Sony transport outfit , though a tad tamer than with the T+A CDP . The Salons do every thing else about the same as the Studio's but only louder. And both speakers are just stunning to look at....and having said that, they both disappear once you start listening to the music......

..... Oh...and Patrica Barber??? Well you ain't heard Patrica Barber unless you heard her on a Revel system or another very high end speaker system. There is a reason why audiophiles or hobbyist seem to like her....her recordings are audiophile quality.

[Ajani]

I have to say something about the Salon's we listened to last Saturday night and the Studio's before that. Both where being driven by Levinson, and we listened to both Revel's for over 3 hours each. Both are some of the best speakers in the world of audiophilia. But I dont believe the Salons are 6k better than the Studio's. Infact, I thought the Studio's had a blacker background and are less aggressive than the Salons.

Now I know the T+A CDP is agressive in nature, but the Salons remained more agressive than the Studio's when we switched over to the PS Audio DAC/ Sony transport outfit , though a tad tamer than with the T+A CDP . The Salons do every thing else about the same as the Studio's but only louder. And both speakers are just stunning to look at....and having said that, they both disappear once you start listening to the music......

..... Oh...and Patrica Barber??? Well you ain't heard Patrica Barber unless you heard her on a Revel system or another very high end speaker system. There is a reason why audiophiles or hobbyist seem to like her....her recordings are audiophile quality.

I didn't expect there to be any difference in sound between the Studio2 and Salon2, other than that Salon2 is designed to play louder and lower in larger rooms...

[frenchmon]

Yeah...your expectations are spot on. Revel has turned Peabody into a believer. They must be doing the bass right, while at the same time satisfying his desire for a better upper midrange and treble presentation.

I've heard at great lenghts the Salon's2, Studio's2, F52's, M22's and the The F12's and the M12's. I am now wondering how the new Performa 3 series stacks up to the previous line, and if the change was for the better? I am wondering what different voicing they have done if any. Im sure Peabodys dealer will get some of the Performa 3 series into his display....I cant wait.

[Ajani]

I've heard at great lenghts the Salon's2, Studio's2, F52's, M22's and the The F12's and the M12's.

So which one are you going to buy?

[Ajani]

First real pic below and IMO MUCH better looking than the drawing:



Revel Shows Middle Speaker Line | Home Theater

[Ajani]

Another pic:

[frenchmon]

They look nice. If I was going to purchase in the next month or so, I would have to decide from Canton, Wharfedale Jade series, and Revel Performa 3.

[Ajani]

And another one:

[frenchmon]

Hmmmmm. the smaller tower reminds me of Paradigm Sig s6

[Ajani]

Hmmmmm. the smaller tower reminds me of Paradigm Sig s6

It has a similar, though far less 'blingy', appearance. I appreciate Revel's decision to use black trim rather than silver.

[JohnMichael]

It has a similar, though far less 'blingy', appearance. I appreciate Revel's decision to use black trim rather than silver.

I have to agree that the small Revel tower is much more to my liking. I have not heard either so I am commenting on my viusal choice.

[frenchmon]

Yeah they are less blingy, but the bling never botherd me. I like Paradigms lively character. Though I've never heard the Signature series, Peabody and I read a pro review where the guy said the the Signature S8 at $8k sound a lot like the Revel Studio2's at half the price. IF that's true, tha'ts saying something...

...Im sure the dealer here in St. Louis...the same guy who sold Peabody the F52,s and the same guy we hang out with at his home listening to his Salons and Studio's is going to be hounding me now to buy some new Revels.

[Ajani]

Yeah they are less blingy, but the bling never botherd me. I like Paradigms lively character. Though I've never heard the Signature series, Peabody and I read a pro review where the guy said the the Signature S8 at $8k sound a lot like the Revel Studio2's at half the price. IF that's true, tha'ts saying something...

...Im sure the dealer here in St. Louis...the same guy who sold Peabody the F52,s and the same guy we hang out with at his home listening to his Salons and Studio's is going to be hounding me now to buy some new Revels.

I haven't heard the Studio 2, but I can't say that I liked the Signature S6. It just sounded loud and harsh when I auditioned it on an all Rotel system. Could be synergy, since Rotel is not what I'd call a subtle laid back brand. So perhaps the overall system was just too lively.

[frenchmon]

I haven't heard the Studio 2, but I can't say that I liked the Signature S6. It just sounded loud and harsh when I auditioned it on an all Rotel system. Could be synergy, since Rotel is not what I'd call a subtle laid back brand. So perhaps the overall system was just too lively.

Rotel and Paradigm (Reference) Signature S6.....naw, that sounds like a disaster! Dont think the Rotel would not get out all of the Sigs goodness. But I could be wrong, Guys love there B&W with Rotel.

For me it would be more like Signature and Levinson...Yeah !!!!