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REVIEW: Revel Performa M22 Speakers

Posted by dave c on April 21, 2008 at 14:29:10:

Model: Performa M22
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $$4,500 Au
Description: Standmount speaker
Manufacturer URL: Revel
Review by dave c on April 21, 2008 at 14:29:10
IP Address: 121.91.177.180 Add Your Review
for the Performa M22

I have had these speakers for a week.
They replaced a pair of Ambience Ribbons Superslim 1800s which are a fabulous speaker but at 6 feet high they were far to dominating for my new smaller living area. I only mention these to give some idea of what I am replacing and thus to what I am making comparisons. Their strength was the air/lack of boxiness... the ribbon sound!
The Revels are in that slim but deep shape with good quality veneer and a black back section which visually reduces their bulk. They are only for single wiring.
Although I am happy that there is still some burning in going on, the core personality of the speakers was clear immediately I wired them in.
The first thing that struck my was a preciseness, a clarity of sound. Plenty...PLENTY of small detail. The ambiance of the room/studio of recordings seemed a little more noticeable. Small sounds seemed a little clearer,but not overwhelming.
Attractive, easy to listen to.
I missed the physically large sound (6 feet high ribbons remember!), but that is part of the deal. On the other hand I got a preciseness of image and a greater depth of soundstage. And that was straight from the box.
They also have a lot of bass energy. My amp is underpowered for them but seems to have no problem driving them far louder than I would ever listen.
And I had to adjust my sub down and down.
That was interesting.
The bass seemed (and I could be wrong) more forward especially in the mid-bass and I spent a while adjusting levels for the best mix.
Even my girlfriend. not usually an inmate (!!) was intrigued by the sound.
Having just moved into a new house (and yes I know I am remembering a previous room, but what you gonna do???) I don't have all y discs out and was just picking things at random and over and over we found an increase in detail and clarity.
I tried some "classical', rock, jazz and acoustic musics (several ECM releases) and the natural acoustic came through especially (as you might expect) for the ECMs. Pianos, drums and double basses sat in good relations to each other, clear and convincing.
We were both very impressed.
I am running cable TV and DVD through the system as well and I think the speakers work very well in this capacity.
I a not a fan of shoot em up films so special effects are not a prime consideration, but the sound of moving objects and general FX tracks is very precise and impressive.
We watched a Harry Potter film and the soundtrack was as good as I have heard at least in any system of mine.
I have since tried Sin City and Once and both have seemed clear, detailed and almost sparkling but without any shouting at you.
The one word that sums them up for me is "quality".
Now, against good advice, even my own, I bought these unheard as a friend who handles bankrupt stock offered them to me for half price.
There may be better value speakers, but I have not heard the and I am very happy indeed.
IT may also be that a much higher powered amp (over 100w) ay drive the to even higher levels of sound quality, but I cannot know.
But if you are in the market for a standmount and these fit your budget then I suggest you put them on the shortlist.
Product Weakness: May require high power for ultimate results
Product Strengths: Clarity, detail, soundstage
Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Quicksilver Mini Mite monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Turner Audio custom built valve pre-amp
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Arcam Diva 82
Speakers: REvel 22
Cables/Interconnects: Osboen SIlverlink i/cs. Kimber Select speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections): acoustic, rock, jazz, ECM
Room Size (LxWxH): 6 metres x irregular x sloping
Room Comments/Treatments: odd shaped room open to stairs both up and down and also onto the decks
Time Period/Length of Audition: one week.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): various
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Model:	Performa M22
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$$4,500 Au
Description:	Standmount speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Revel

Product Weakness:	May require high power for ultimate results
Product Strengths:	Clarity, detail, soundstage

Amplifier:	Quicksilver Mini Mite monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Turner Audio custom built valve pre-amp
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Arcam Diva 82
Speakers:	REvel 22
Cables/Interconnects:	Osboen SIlverlink i/cs. Kimber Select speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	acoustic, rock, jazz, ECM
Room Size (LxWxH):	6 metres x irregular x sloping
Room Comments/Treatments:	odd shaped room open to stairs both up and down and also onto the decks
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one week.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	various
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner