JUICE worth the SQUEEZE? | Revel F226be Review

[@GTRJohnny66]

I heard the Revel F206's today for the first time and would say my impressions matched your impression of their pricier brothers. They sounded very neutral, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't have my attention drawn to a tweeter. These were clear, but sat back and vanished more than other options. I really liked that they showed music without the microscope.

[@johnlim7720]

I just saw the great Floyd Toole appeared on Erin's channel and he said something very enlightening. Mr. Toole said for people who thought that the speakers they had sounded better after listening for a few weeks was actually THEM adapting to the speakers and NOT the speakers improving.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Man! Mad respect! You pull no punches. Your integrity shines in your reviews. You don't bow to mfg. pressure, real or implied. Im also impressed with your two stage process...straight and to the point as a summation, and more detailed in your real world listening demos. Why should someone sit through a long review for an item that they have no interest in,? If we do hear something that piques our interest, then we can go to the more detailed review to find out for ourselves. You really have become quite a voice as your journey continues. Thanks for inviting us along for the ride!

[@Cujobob]

I believe most Harman brands are designing the response based on their results on ‘listener preferences.’ They do some of the best engineering around in audio, so I do wonder if some of the differences you hear are moreso from issues other speakers could have. I’m just wondering is all, not doubting you.

[@amirjubran1845]

Thanks for the review. I think a speaker that plays it safe is a great thing. It gives you leeway to tailor the sound through amplifier synergy and room placement/treatment. I can definitely understand the criticism though. For that amount of money most would want to hear their investment. But the speakers I've owned the longest have usually been the most boring sounding ones.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

One thing I've learned about Revel - they deliver in the mid-tone department. Vocals sound BAH-YOU-TEEFUL! However, your comment about the lack of texture and clarity in these speakers is exactly what I heard your demo of these speakers. This Revel demo and review has left me wondering if Revel stand mount speakers are better performers when it comes to delivering those nuanced and subtle elements. Because of this; I can't help believe, once you hear what good speakers can do with those elements of detail, clarity and texture, while still remaining balanced, neutral and non-fatiguing, it's rather disappointing when they're no longer present. Especially when it comes to familiar music. ...and that's kind of how I felt about these speakers. Disappointed. Great review as always.

[@bornces]

One of your best...Good Job!

[@iand8548]

I enjoy seeing your reviews and hearing your perspective offering the combination of measurements and listening feedback. It would be good to understand the other components you use when doing a listening test as well as your room dimensions/treatment.

[@todd.goslin6190]

I still have a pair of F52s. And, at first, it seems like they could use help in the bass department but, what I've found is really happening is that the bass is just really honest. There's plenty of deep bass when it actually exists in the recording but when it's not there, it won't color recordings in that regard.

[@goldenearaudioreview4904]

Great review Ron!

[@cheapaudioman]

This review was the tightest think I’ve ever seen. This is the video could be used as an example for what creators should strive to emulate.

[@svalbard01]

Watch it at 1.5x speed...even tighter.

[@murraywebster1228]

Well done! Avery fair, articulate and honest review, I think you have found the right balance for a believable and trustworthy review, glad I was patient and stayed with you, and I’m very glad you followed my advice about the Neumann microphone (if that was indeed the case) please stay with this format and scripting, such a change to be able to listen to a review without trying to factor in the reviewers bias, once again, well done!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks Murray!

[@murraywebster1228]

@@Newrecordday2013 my pleasure, compliments should be given when they are due and not just bad criticism!

[@Bombo503]

What a fantastic review as usual Ron :D What if there was a speaker that had the phenomenal dispersion characteristics of beryllium from ~500Hz up? Well, Yamaha were doing this 50 years ago with the NS1000m and the legendary JA-0801 midrange. Imaging bliss w/ phenomenal detail and transparency. I recommend checking these guys out if possible! Cheers dude!

[@marklawrence4116]

Super Job OG Ron 🙌

[@nhennessy6434]

Bottom line on this speaker is that it measures impeccably, but it's voicing wasn't to your preferencees. That's perfectly fine, you have a right to your opinion. I haven't heard them myself, but plan to give them a listen to see what all the excitement is about. To me it looks like they ought to sound really teriffic, but until I give them a listen....

[@themastroiannis]

thanks for the honest review! what is your "outro" song at the end of the review? sounds really good! very nice stereo image and great textures with those guitars!

[@Cblan1224]

You are really consistently selling me on some ottica's. I was onto the x statik's for my next set, with possible x voce, with all the trimmings. Then I could put my current GR-upgraded main floorstanders to the back(side surround to double on 5.1 mixes I think. Rear surrounds will probably stay bookshelves). After all this, you have me thinking of the ottica's. Part of me comes back to the x statik's though, as I have multiple subwoofers and many other speakers. So I'm not sure if the difference between ottica and statik is just low end extension or not, but if it is, I'd likely be crossing either at 80-90hz anyway. I guess I'll have to talk to Danny about what the best choice for me will be.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

I have no problem in the grand scheme with your preference for paper bass drivers. I do want to say that with few exceptions by far the most detailed, thorough and what I perceived to be accurate bass has come from ceramic impregnated/coated aluminum cones. I have some paper cone drivers that I love & so far I feel no need to diss Ceramic+aluminum. Are you sure that your preference is actually for the more "accurate" woofer? The paper cones I have all seem to be a bit more colored and perhaps "euphonic" which is very pleasing and yet perhaps not as accurate or at least accurate differently vs a "dryer"/cleaner sounding design. Plus paper cones vary WILDLY in recipe and may contain any myriad of things that we don't normally associate with "paper" and thus may be very, very different from one another. (just like the Revel is not using Aluminum Drivers, it is using Ceramic impregnated/coated Aluminum which is very different) Beyond that there is a lot more to the makeup of the driver and the cabinet tuning. I would be really curious to get you in a blind test with two carefully constructed designs using different cone materials but engineered and "voiced" to sound the same. I am not saying they will sound the same but I do wonder what you would find out and what you would prefer and notice. Anyway always appreciate the reviews and the efforts, this is a fun hobby. Try and get a JBL 4309 to test when it is released (paper cone) and maybe even the big dog 4349 (paper cone) P.S. the Revels have such fantastic directivity you can use some simple wide PEQ or even basic tone controls to edge the treble up a bit with no detriment to the design at all. Why not just do that? If you need more brilliance from them it is there for the user to dial in.

[@motuknight5569]

Recently picked up a new pair (walnut finish) for $5775 as everyone has the Revel Proforma line on fire sale now. They sound pretty dang nice running them with an MA8950 and Lumin gear. Supplementing the lows with a Rel S/510. Is the juice worth the squeeze? Not sure but I feel like I got Tropicana at Sunny Delight pricing. 😜

[@lsaideOK]

Maybe Harmon is saving up some of the bass tone and texture for the 228bes. Did you listen to this with any vinyl?

[@hdtvkeith1604]

Would love to hear you review the Performa3 F206 as I am looking for a very accurate neutral speaker with good soundstage and clarity.

[@Ragnarok20854]

Good speaker everyway. Tweeter is difference and make that sound lil bit difference. I have F208 and I'm listen F228be and they are better, but not so much that I pay that difference.

[@Go4sur]

@Ron, love your reviews and demos, could you please compare these with 228be please

[@Ragnarok20854]

Bigger brother have more bass, but not so much difference. It's sounds bigger. It's same F206 and F208 diffrence. I have F208 coz I have big living room, smaller room F206 would be better.

[@mlb3164]

So you are saying you prefer a colored sound versus accurate? Your review is confusing.

[@balduraan]

Did you test them with other amps/preamps? What sources did you test with? Just digital from the NAD? Did you try using other DACS?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Holo Audio May was used as my dac. I tried a number of amps.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Hey Ron, is that the NAD M33 behind you over your right shoulder or the Hifi Rose RS 150? Excellent review by the way as usual!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Sorry for missing your question on patron chat! Yeah it’s the NAD M33. I am however curious about those Hifi rose streamers!

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@Newrecordday2013 Oh Ron you are in for a real mind blowing treat with the M33! As someone who loves transparency the M33 is God tier awesome. You get pitch black OLED backgrounds, and all you end up hearing are your speakers as the Eigentakt module class D amps are so fricken amazing they just hand you the music without anything added or taken away. My brain almost exploded when I got my NAD and heard that for the first time. (I hope this doesn’t bias your review lol) Cheers buddy and good luck on your move to Texas! Exciting times!

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@Newrecordday2013 Here is the Hifi rose RS150. I’ m probably going to get one for my new system to go with my new Kitsume KTE Holo May DAC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ravMdYWKf995g5o

[@murraywebster1228]

I think these are supposed to be studio monitors built into a friendly WAF box, as far as I understand it, that is...

[@nicknoh]

By detail/clarity I think he really means top end extension and presence.

[@ahmaddanielbinmatshah1671]

Hi Ron, once in a while rather than focusing on speakers and amplifiers why not do a review on sources such as turntable or network streamer. Just a suggestion🙌

[@dicmccoy]

I ♥️♥️♥️ Dirac. Hasn't even been 2 weeks since I've been using it and it's been a blessing. I wish I could have said the same thing about my miniDSP 4x10HD with REW.

[@matsudakodo]

In-room response shouldn't be boosted to flat beyond 10 kHz; this means the on-axis direct sound is elevated above neutral. It's interesting that he felt it still wasn't enough for him.

[@dillonquackenbush3895]

Awesome!

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I have only heard the 328be out of this line with my own amp, Mcintosh MC462 and they were pretty much without flaw. I expect these to be very good too. If you have bass boom in your room it could be killing the bass texture.

[@BobFrostV]

Ooh we have the same speakers and amp. Very cool. I'm thinking these 226be or the M126bes might make good sides.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@BobFrostV the 226be is just so short it really needs raised up to clear furniture. Just depends on the seats.

[@audiotechguy]

Thanks.Hard to get Revel reviews

[@rlowes]

Fantastic review Ron. I’ve been here as well with the latest KEF “R” series. Amazing measuring speakers with impressive bass impact and crazy good imaging, but just really lacking in resolution and timbre throughout the entire audio spectrum, and really lacking in bass texture and tone. Is this a result of low quality crossover parts I wonder, obscuring the detail? Or the driver material as you mention? I have heard more tonality however with other poly and aluminum driver speakers than the KEFs, so it can’t be purely driver material.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Rick, I’m also curious if the crossover is holding these back as well.

[@brochg]

Would Beskar steel make a good tweeter?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Absolutely!

[@brochg]

@@Newrecordday2013 I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.

[@kevinweber5129]

@@brochg that was good. Lol.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Only if carbon is added to it's makeup otherwise it would be heavier than desirable.

[@brochg]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Science for the win!

[@greenbeginner3353]

I wonder what it is that makes a loud speaker handle dynamics better than others? I love the dynamic punch of a drum kit, symphony orchestra or horn section, but I don’t want a dominant treble. Can this be found in a loudspeaker without costing a kings ransom?

[@erics.4113]

Replying to your very old comment because I'm curious if you found a speaker you're happy with. Try Triangle for drums, or Dynaudio or for budget Klipsch RP

[@wildstar41]

Is that Pure Fidelity TT? Hope we get review of it.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Sure is and sure will!

[@jeffkalina7727]

Clever title. Good job. You may have overshot your audience though.

[@DBravo29er]

Revel ditching SB Acoustics drivers by having them all *copied* by Eastec (who makes all their drivers below Ultima Salon series now) was just a cr*ppy move, IMHO.

[@JPWinters]

Hi Ron, I thought all I had to do to buy the best sounding speakers & gear was visit the Audio Science Review and Audioholics forums and choose the ones highest in their measurement charts at the cheapest prices? Then use free RCA cables that came with my VCR to connect it all? Are you saying there is more to it? I was under the impression those forum members knew everything? 😂

[@Newrecordday2013]

Your guess is as good as mine but perhaps there is more to it?

[@young_padawan]

@@Newrecordday2013 you bring refreshing honesty and humility to the game Ron. Cheers and keep at it 👌🏻

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

And sorry for this one but to make you understand the product Erin's audio corner has the JBL he can tell you this is for home theater and he puts the speakers on his home theater and seriously hard to beat just make you understand the product you can't run away from the manufacturer if you don't follow the recommendation bro.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey Jose. My channel is focused on 2 channel listening only. I cannot and won’t comment on how these perform in a home theater application because it’s not my interest. For 2 channel listening, my review and thoughts still stand. If you don’t like what I had to say - that’s totally fine, we won’t always agree and there is nothing wrong with that. Anyhow, thanks for the comment.

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

@@Newrecordday2013 it about understand the product they are all around speakers with focus on home theater, happy mother's day bro.

[@HomesAtHeart]

Is there a tear down on these?I’m wondering if crossover parts quality is lacking and smearing the details and resolution

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

Let me explain to you about the speaker bro,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,JBL synthesis are an all around speaker including home theater their first target now if the speaker disappear in soundstage and have imaging so in home theater in home theater you can't not locate any speakers including the subwoofers so generally the bass of the subwoofer is more stronger this is balance in sound and realism bro,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,think about it or ask JBL synthesis bro.

[@lesmatthews459]

Strange - not sure if I like this video or not. First time ever! I just didn't agree with some of the comments you said.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Which comments didn’t you agree with? Thanks for watching!

[@Nightjar726]

Well we all don’t have to agree on everything. Lol what a concept. As you were.

[@lesmatthews459]

@@Newrecordday2013 About bass having "tone, texture, etc." Bass goes "boom"! or "Thunk"! I know there is tight, etc. - Sorry. Bass is bass to me!! The reviewers (or influencers) are making up their own words and opinions! When I listen to speakers I hear the overall sound! To my ears! I don't analyze it!! Just enjoy the sound!! Does the speaker sound good with highs - midrange - and bass?? Then it's a good speaker!! Sorry for the rant!! You are still one of my favourites!!

[@rlowes]

@@lesmatthews459 once you’ve heard bass tone and texture, you won’t want to go back to “one note bass”. Sure with EDM or other electronic bass notes, you really can’t hear much difference, but once you hear the true character of John Bonham’s drums, or the sound of what seems like a real upright bass in between your speakers, you can’t go back to the white-washed and indistinct versions.

[@lesmatthews459]

@@rlowes Maybe I'm not explaining myself right. On my speakers John's drums just thump me in the chest and I can hear the pedal hitting the drum! DEFINITELY not washed out and indistinct! I'm not talking one note bass! Maybe all the new speakers can't just do what the old ones could!!

[@Powerpickle68]

Axis not access

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yeah I have trouble with that one.

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

If you can locate any speaker in a home theater you doing it wrong and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and I repeat and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,if you go to JBL professional on Twitter you can see and possibly know already millions and some of the best theaters in the world and United States use JBL so JBL have tremendous experience when it comes to home theater not to mention music so revel follow this trend bro.

[@jozefserf2024]

Timbre and tone...or nothing.

[@sirjohnpiraan1662]

Heresy oh no soooo bright

[@bencausey]

Stopped listening at “$7,000”. Sorry.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yeah these do come with a hefty price tag.

[@young_padawan]

@@Newrecordday2013 can do the m16s next time 😉

[@gregorymorrill7558]

Remember for some folks this is like an hour of work. Or 1/8 of 1 BTC

[@bigjay1970]

It definitely seems that beryllium is an over-rated material. When Danny tore apart its younger smaller brother, he wasn't too impressed and neither was I for the $4,000 asking price. 🙄 These I believe cost 7 Grand.🤯 can you imagine especially on the second hand Market what you can buy for Seven Grand.🤔🤔🤫🙄 Great review as always.😉😇😬

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

It is not overrated.

[@ryanamendt8363]

Danny also does low resolution scans and doesn't test driver distortion. Look up the spinorama data for the Revels to really know what is going on.

[@bigjay1970]

@@gregmiller3630 Can't debate that. I was just surprised as much as the next guy. I would have to assume he is an expert in these matters as I am not but learning more every day!🙄🤔🤗😉😇 But am I learning from the right people? Maybe Amir from Audio Science Review is on to something.🤔🤔🤫😝

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey @Greg Miller Well, my guess is the reason Danny can make a qualified judgement call is he has owned and operated a speaker building business for over 20 years. While I’m not interested in defending him, I would imagine he’s probably aware of parts pricing as he’s been ordering his own capacitors, inductors etc for the entirety of his business career. In any event, your comment on that particular inductor made me laugh. I thought it was pretty funny.

[@Newrecordday2013]

@Big Jay Learn from your own experience, not what others tell you to think or believe - that includes my own reviews and videos.