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Revel Owners Thread - Page 85

post #2521 of 4113
11/29/12 at 10:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtrot View Post

Just looked, can't find any such info.

Yes, you are right, it's not there now.

Weird.
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post #2522 of 4113
11/29/12 at 11:08am
Harman updated all the luxury brand web sites and they have really been a disappointment. They look prettier, but they took away functionality--like the ability to register products online.

The web sites are also way behind in updated material and content.
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post #2523 of 4113
11/29/12 at 11:18am
The Northridge, CA complex is design only. The plant was closed, and all manufacturing that occurred in that plant is now in Mexico. At the time of closure, that plant manufactured Revels, JBL Pro, some Infinity, higher end JBLs (Everest, K2, Performance Series). The JBL Studio L series, for instance, was already manufactured in Mexico.
As to where any/all factory reconditioned units are done, maybe in Northridge, maybe Mexico, as well.
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post #2524 of 4113
11/30/12 at 5:21pm
I just purchased a pair of Studio 2 speakers, but I am not sure what to do for the center speaker. I don't have room for the Voice 2 as I am limited by my entertainment center and a shelf that is only 12" in height.

I love my current center (Martin Logan Motif), but I am assuming it won't go well with these speakers. The Motif is great for dialog and also excellent for low level listening. I should also mention that I only use the center for TV shows and movies, never for multichannel music playback. Does it make sense to replace the Motif with either the C32 or C52 even though the C32/52 is from a different line than the Studios?

Thanks
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post #2525 of 4113
11/30/12 at 5:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by akopperl View Post

I just purchased a pair of Studio 2 speakers, but I am not sure what to do for the center speaker. I don't have room for the Voice 2 as I am limited by my entertainment center and a shelf that is only 12" in height.
I love my current center (Martin Logan Motif), but I am assuming it won't go well with these speakers. The Motif is great for dialog and also excellent for low level listening. I should also mention that I only use the center for TV shows and movies, never for multichannel music playback. Does it make sense to replace the Motif with either the C32 or C52 even though the C32/52 is from a different line than the Studios?
Thanks

I came very close to buying Studio2s, congrats on some amazing speakers! It was my inability to use the Voice2 that helped drive me to pick my Kef Reference 205/2s. The Studio2s are also phenomenal so I will be torn if you find a great alternate to the Voice2.
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post #2526 of 4113
11/30/12 at 6:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by akopperl View Post

I just purchased a pair of Studio 2 speakers, but I am not sure what to do for the center speaker. I don't have room for the Voice 2 as I am limited by my entertainment center and a shelf that is only 12" in height.
I love my current center (Martin Logan Motif), but I am assuming it won't go well with these speakers. The Motif is great for dialog and also excellent for low level listening. I should also mention that I only use the center for TV shows and movies, never for multichannel music playback. Does it make sense to replace the Motif with either the C32 or C52 even though the C32/52 is from a different line than the Studios?
Thanks

I am using a C-52 as a center with a pair of Studio 2s. My scenario is similar to yours - no multichannel music, the center gets used for movies and TV only. I got to this point because I upgraded to the Studios by replacing the F-52's in a F-52+C-52 setup.

It seems to me that the overall tonal balance of the C-52 is not that far off from the Studios so it works well enough for me that I don't have an urge to go out and buy the Voice. For me it's not a matter of space because I have a separate gear rack to one side. Of course that's my current view of things and I might change my mind later and go for the Voice.

At this point in the evolution on my setup I'm pretty convinced that the room itself is limiting the quality of playback, so any significant funds I put into it are likely to be to tune the room rather than do anything with the speakers.

If I were you I'd listen for a while to the Studios with the Motif. A lot of reviewers make comments that the Ulitima 2's sound a lot like electrostatics. It might work for you. If it doesn't I'd see if I could snag a used C-52 from Audiogon. After all this is a discontinued model now so it should be economical. As far as the C-32, well, that's less likely to fit with the Studios, IMHO.
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post #2527 of 4113
12/1/12 at 7:23am
Anyone using the Revel surrounds in dual speaker mode?? I was planning on 5.2 in the living room, but the dual mode configuration is interesting and I wondered if anyone has experimented with good results. I will try myself, but have the opportunity to wire in wall right now before drywall goes up, so want to try to get things figured out and do so accordingly. Thanks
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post #2528 of 4113
12/1/12 at 7:25am
The Performa3 brochures and info is back up on Revel's website.

Who's gonna be first to buy and report back? smile.gif
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post #2529 of 4113
12/1/12 at 7:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Esox50 View Post

The Performa3 brochures and info is back up on Revel's website.
Who's gonna be first to buy and report back? smile.gif

Good question. Won't be me, but I have a dealer who might get some of these in stock. Looks like an extensive overhaul of the series with totally new cabinets and drivers.
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post #2530 of 4113
12/1/12 at 8:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by akopperl View Post

I just purchased a pair of Studio 2 speakers, but I am not sure what to do for the center speaker. I don't have room for the Voice 2 as I am limited by my entertainment center and a shelf that is only 12" in height.
I love my current center (Martin Logan Motif), but I am assuming it won't go well with these speakers. The Motif is great for dialog and also excellent for low level listening. I should also mention that I only use the center for TV shows and movies, never for multichannel music playback. Does it make sense to replace the Motif with either the C32 or C52 even though the C32/52 is from a different line than the Studios?
Thanks

I don't see a good compromise here but the saving grace is your preference for 2 channel music makes the CC mismatch less of an issue. So, rather than changing to another non-matching center I'd stay with the ML.

The Voice is the matching center and the only thing better is another Studio2 as center. The C52 or 32 are not the answer IMHO.
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post #2531 of 4113
12/1/12 at 8:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by akopperl View Post

I just purchased a pair of Studio 2 speakers, but I am not sure what to do for the center speaker. I don't have room for the Voice 2 as I am limited by my entertainment center and a shelf that is only 12" in height.
I love my current center (Martin Logan Motif), but I am assuming it won't go well with these speakers. The Motif is great for dialog and also excellent for low level listening. I should also mention that I only use the center for TV shows and movies, never for multichannel music playback. Does it make sense to replace the Motif with either the C32 or C52 even though the C32/52 is from a different line than the Studios?
Thanks

There is the new Performa3 C208 center speaker, which might just fit your shelf, at 11.8" in height. It looks to be a major upgrade to the C52, in that is seems to have more internal volume, weighs about 10 pounds more, and is specified to go a little deeper in the bass.

http://www.revelspeakers.com/Products/Details/227#overview
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post #2532 of 4113
12/1/12 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtrot View Post

There is the new Performa3 C208 center speaker, which might just fit your shelf, at 11.8" in height. It looks to be a major upgrade to the C52, in that is seems to have more internal volume, weighs about 10 pounds more, and is specified to go a little deeper in the bass.
http://www.revelspeakers.com/Products/Details/227#overview

I appreciate all of the replies.

I think that I am going to try the system with the ML Motif first. If that works ok for movies and TV, I'll probably keep it. If it becomes distracting, I may try a C52 of C208, if I can get a good deal on either one. I'm hoping the Motif works ok as it is ideal for low level listening. I can still clearly hear the dialog at low volumes without disturbing my family late at night.

I had many reservations about purchasing the Studio 2 due to this potential issue, but I was able to get a good deal on the Studio 2 speakers and I don't think I will ever be able to afford a better speaker for 2-channel. It was just too hard to pass up, but now I have to deal with the center channel issue. I also have non-Revel rear speakers, but have no real concerns there - just worried about the center.

Thanks
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post #2533 of 4113
12/1/12 at 2:15pm
New Performa 3 details says they are available in piano black, piano white, and high gloss walnut.

Interesting, because the pics from a few months ago seemed to show a gloss rosenut finish and a gloss cherry finish.
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post #2534 of 4113
12/1/12 at 3:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by beaveav View Post

New Performa 3 details says they are available in piano black, piano white, and high gloss walnut.
Interesting, because the pics from a few months ago seemed to show a gloss rosenut finish and a gloss cherry finish.

Alas the S206 is matte black only. Of my current speakers the surrounds are the weakest.
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post #2535 of 4113
12/1/12 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by akopperl View Post

I appreciate all of the replies.
I think that I am going to try the system with the ML Motif first. If that works ok for movies and TV, I'll probably keep it. If it becomes distracting, I may try a C52 of C208, if I can get a good deal on either one. I'm hoping the Motif works ok as it is ideal for low level listening. I can still clearly hear the dialog at low volumes without disturbing my family late at night.
I had many reservations about purchasing the Studio 2 due to this potential issue, but I was able to get a good deal on the Studio 2 speakers and I don't think I will ever be able to afford a better speaker for 2-channel. It was just too hard to pass up, but now I have to deal with the center channel issue. I also have non-Revel rear speakers, but have no real concerns there - just worried about the center.
Thanks

For whatever it's worth, I was in a somewhat similar situation. I upgraded my Performa M22s and got a once in a lifetime deal on a pair of Salon2. My center channel was a C32 and I was worried about timbre and matching because there's just no way I'm going to be able to even think about the Voice2 (which is simply stunning) for the foreseeable future.

There's no question that the Salons (and the Studios) are in a class all their own--especially the tweeters, which are fabulous--but Revel has done such a great job with timbre matching that I'm using a C32 with the Salon2s and I'm very, very satisfied with the results. So, if you do need to switch off from the Martin Logan Motif, you can rest assured that Revel has done an impeccable job with timbre matching across their line so you can get another center in their lineup and make it work well. I think you have a very clear understanding of what your goals are and you'll find a good solution. Worst case, just go with a phantom center using the settings in your pre-pro. You'll be satisfied with that setup too, I think.
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post #2536 of 4113
12/3/12 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beaveav View Post

New Performa 3 details says they are available in piano black, piano white, and high gloss walnut.
Interesting, because the pics from a few months ago seemed to show a gloss rosenut finish and a gloss cherry finish.

That's what I thought they looked like. I would definitely prefer Cherry.
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post #2537 of 4113
12/3/12 at 6:24pm
Anyone hear the new Performa3 speakers yet? I'm very curious to see how they stack up against the ultima 2 series since I'll never afford those lol
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post #2538 of 4113
12/4/12 at 8:10am
Wow, local dealer here is selling demo setup:

LEXICON DIGITAL CONTROLLER MC12 HD BAL.
LEXICON POWER AMP. RX-7
LEXICON DVD PLAYER RT-20
REVEL PERFORMA MAIN SPEAKER 2xF52 ASH BLACK
REVEL PERFORMA CENTER SPEAKER 1xC52 ASH BLACK
REVEL PERFORMA SURROUND SPEAKER 4xS30 BLACK
REVEL POWER SUBWOOFER 1xB15a

All for $8000.

Anyone want me to hold it for them? LOL
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post #2539 of 4113
12/8/12 at 12:12pm
It's funny, because the Revels alone are worth this kind of money... Although, the Lexicon stuff except the HD12 is nothing exceptional. The Rx-7 as I heard is just a beefed up Harman Kardon amp, and the DVD player is pretty much useless. But still, it's a great deal, if someone has the oportunity.

Anyway, If someone gets a demo from the Performa3 please tell us about it, or even if someone just finds a review online, don't hold yourself back.

The Ultima 2 is still going to be a benchmark, with it's berillyum tweeter, and advanced design. The more important question is going to be, how does the Performa3 compare to the F52 ?
I don't like the looks of the new product line, but if it would be exceptional, I could convince myself... :P

My other question would be, does someone here use GEM2's as a hometheater/music fronts ? How do they deliver with their shallow depth ? I have a pretty nice sub, Velodyne DD-15 so bass ectension won't be a problem i think.

Anyone has any suggestions regarding this setup, or would a Studio2 or even an F52 be a much better solution ?

Thanks for the answers,
best regards: Gustav
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post #2540 of 4113
12/9/12 at 9:13am
Thread Starter 
Interesting. Toss the DVD player and add an Oppo BDP-103 and you would have a really nice system.
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post #2541 of 4113
12/9/12 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehlarson View Post

Interesting. Toss the DVD player and add an Oppo BDP-103 and you would have a really nice system.

Comparing the BDP-103 to the BDP-95, is the 103 equal in the analog out? I know the 95 was considered better than the 93 for analog out.
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post #2542 of 4113
12/9/12 at 9:51am
Quote:
My other question would be, does someone here use GEM2's as a hometheater/music fronts ? How do they deliver with their shallow depth ? I have a pretty nice sub, Velodyne DD-15 so bass ectension won't be a problem i think.

I don't have the Gem2, but its close cousin, the JBL PT800 and the granddaddy of that design, 1977 JBL L212.
All three have very good mid-bass output, much better most any other sat speaker. I've been listening to the L212 since '79 and the PT800 since '06. As such, anytime I walk into a room where some lessor sat/sub system is playing, the first thing I notice is the lack of mid-bass. And it goes w/o saying the midrange & HF are superb.
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post #2543 of 4113
12/9/12 at 11:28am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

Comparing the BDP-103 to the BDP-95, is the 103 equal in the analog out? I know the 95 was considered better than the 93 for analog out.

No, the BDP 95 analog out is better than the BDP-103's. If analog out is key for you get the BDP-105.

The 105 is a killer. A lot of people are realizing that with it they don't need a pre-pro unless they need room correction.
Edited by ehlarson - 12/9/12 at 11:34am
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post #2544 of 4113
12/9/12 at 10:47pm
Gustav,

I have not heard the Gems. I did own the F52 Performas for 18 months and then upgraded to the Ultima Studio2s. They are a quantum step in superiority to the F52s.

I am a new dealer for the Revel speaker line and will be getting some of the Performa3s in the near future. I will post my impressions of them as soon as I can. I have been told that they close most of the gap between the F52s and the Ultima2s. This could be an excellent value if true. The Performa3 line looks tre cool with the grilles on but not so much so witht hem off. Most of the publicity photos are with the grilles off.

Regards,

Dennis
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post #2545 of 4113
12/10/12 at 5:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehlarson View Post

No, the BDP 95 analog out is better than the BDP-103's. If analog out is key for you get the BDP-105.
The 105 is a killer. A lot of people are realizing that with it they don't need a pre-pro unless they need room correction.

How does that BDP-105 work without a pre-pro? I never use room correction anyway. I have a 5 channel Sherbourn power amp.
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post #2546 of 4113
12/10/12 at 12:35pm
Thanks for the answers, and I would be glad to hear you opinion on the new Performas Dennis.
As far as the Oppo working as a PrePro, the 95 already had a volume control function, so this way, you just plug cables between the oppo, and you Power Amp, and you are done.
Although, I have to mention, that one of my friends has an Emotiva XPA-5 with the UMC, and a BD-95, and leaving the Processor out, he thought, that the sound wasn't as good with the oppo as a pre, and I tend to belive that.

Imagine, getting a
- disc spinner,
- a media/network player,
- an USB DAC,
- a normal DAC,
- a Decoding Processor,
- a headphone amplifier
- 4K upscaler
- Video processor
- HDMI Hub
- etc....

just for 1000 $, come on, let's get rational, it is too good to be true, and i don't believe it can come close to any proper PrePro. (and I'm not talking about high end stuff, like Krell, Classé, Parasound, or Lexicon)
But these are just my 2 cents..
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post #2547 of 4113
12/10/12 at 12:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gugu_s View Post

Thanks for the answers, and I would be glad to hear you opinion on the new Performas Dennis.
As far as the Oppo working as a PrePro, the 95 already had a volume control function, so this way, you just plug cables between the oppo, and you Power Amp, and you are done.
Although, I have to mention, that one of my friends has an Emotiva XPA-5 with the UMC, and a BD-95, and leaving the Processor out, he thought, that the sound wasn't as good with the oppo as a pre, and I tend to belive that.
Imagine, getting a
- disc spinner,
- a media/network player,
- an USB DAC,
- a normal DAC,
- a Decoding Processor,
- a headphone amplifier
- 4K upscaler
- Video processor
- HDMI Hub
- etc....
just for 1000 $, come on, let's get rational, it is too good to be true, and i don't believe it can come close to any proper PrePro. (and I'm not talking about high end stuff, like Krell, Classé, Parasound, or Lexicon)
But these are just my 2 cents..

Oh, I see. I thought all Oppos had the volume control. My BDP-83 has the volume control, but I never knew that I could just connect the outputs to a power amp. Seeing that my "pre-pro" is my Onkyo TX-NR809 receiver, I wonder if I would get better analog sound by connecting the Oppo directly to my McCormack amp, and also if it would be safe(for the amp) to do so. I do have to say, Blu-rays, DVD-Audio, and SACD sound great via HDMI, but CD does not impress.
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post #2548 of 4113
12/10/12 at 12:52pm
Thread Starter 
Suggest people check out the BDP-105 thread for opinions.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1439524/official-oppo-bdp-105-owners-thread/870#post_22679114
Edited by ehlarson - 12/10/12 at 1:05pm
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post #2549 of 4113
12/10/12 at 5:17pm
You don't want to use volume control in digital domain unless it uses a 32 bit dac. Which the 95 and 105 do have. Without a 32 bit dac there is now leeway and you loose bits as you lower the volume. Did your friend connect the oppo to the umc via digital or analog? Does the emotiva have room correction? If it does and he had that enable with analog, it would probably cause the sound to degrade.
If analog then maybe he had the volume to low.
If digital then maybe Emotiva did a better job with how the dac sounds.
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post #2550 of 4113
12/10/12 at 6:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

You don't want to use volume control in digital domain unless it uses a 32 bit dac. Which the 95 and 105 do have.

Sabre ESS9018. It's 32 bit.
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