This ensemble of speakers from Revel has been set up in my listening room for about three months now. Over this time, they have provided the enveloping experience that makes surround sound exciting. Whether it was watching movies or listening to music, there presentation across the frequency range was excellent. In two-channel mode, the F52s are delightful. They are delicate in the treble, lush in the midrange, and bold in the bass. With the waveguide, the tweeter and midrange blend into a single unit. I am going to miss them, particularly their treble reproduction, when they are shipped back.
Revel continues to provide acoustic controls on their speakers, and some new controls have been added here. These controls allow one to tailor the sound characteristics that best match the listening environment. A customer can place the center-channel speaker where it works best for them, be it a stand or on top of a monitor. The same is true of a floor-stander where it may have to be placed in close proximity of a boundary (wall). The acoustic controls allow either option while minimizing the performance penalty.
Whether you are a two-channel or a multi-channel aficionado, this new Performa lineup has something for everyone. Revel has now reduced the prices on these new models. The price reduction in conjunction with the performance improvements make this superb set of loudspeakers a very appealing choice.
Specifications
Revel Performa B15 powered subwoofer in sealed cabinet of 1″-thick MDF
Driver: 15″ Kevlar-pulp-and-alloy composite cone, 130oz magnet assembly, 4-layer voice coil with 3″ of peak-to-peak travel, cast aluminum frame
Frequency response: 20-80Hz, +/-0.5dB; –3dB at 18Hz
Inputs & outputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (single-ended)
Amplifier:1000W RMS
Highpass filter: 30–80Hz, 12 or 24dB/octave
Lowpass filter: 30–80Hz, 24 or 48dB/octave (defeatable)
Phase: continuously variable, 0–180°
Other: 3-band parametric equalizer, RCA and XLR pass-through outputs for looping to another B15
Weight: 105 lbs
Dimensions: 20.2″ x 20.1″ x 19.6″ (WxHxD)