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Alternatives to Revel Studios?

I'm currently getting back into audio after a few years away from the hobby, and I'm trying to get a new system put together within the next few months. My previous system was a Sony SCD-777ES into a Krell KAV-250p, with a Music Reference RM-9 amp, and Revel Studios for the speakers. I found the setup exceptionally enjoyable, though I do feel the speakers could have really taken advantage of better electronics. Unfortunately, I moved to a condo with no usable listening room, and sold the speakers.

As good as the Revels were, I can't help but wonder if I could do better this time around. I really don't want to get stuck playing the audiophile upgrade game, so I'm trying to explore all of my options before I buy anything. My current amps are Lamm M2.1s, and my source will most likely be an Audio Aero Capitole MKII running direct to the amps. My musical tastes are quite eclectic, though mostly electronic music, and classic through modern rock. I do listen to a bit of classical and jazz as well, but it isn't my main focus. Because of the music I listen to, solid bass extension and good dynamics are critical to my enjoyment, and a speaker with any tendencies towards harshenss wouldn't go well with my many questionably recorded discs.

My comfort level for speakers is in the $7k-$8k range, new or used, though for a truly mind blowing speaker I might be willing to spend up to double that. So far nothing I've heard under $50k is as enjoyable to me as the Revels have been. I've heard them in half a dozen systems, and have loved them every time. Is there any other speaker I should really look for, or am I on the right track buying another pair of Studios?
steve01s4
rbirke
144 posts
 
just my opinion, but i found the revels not quite on a par with the lower priced aerial 9. my system now is a pair of rowland 201's, an aesthetix calypso, a tom evans groove, all kubala emotion cables, a fully decked out linn lp12 and a modwright sony 777 -- and shunyata power conditioning. so you can see that i'm a bit fussy about my equipment. and i listen to everything.

i found the revels a little hot on the top end and the aerials are a little bit sweeter without losing detail. otherwise, the philosophy is the same -- lots of small woofers and high quality mid and tweet in an awesome cabinet.

and i don't know if aesthetics matter, but the aerial in rosewood is beautiful

good luck

rich
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
If you liked the Studios, you'd love the Salons if you have the room!
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I understand your love for the Studios, as I have them too.
I think that your RM9's were not really powerful enough for the Studios, which is why you felt something was lacking. (I started out with a Levinson 27 (100wpc) and when I went up to the Levinson 23 (200 wpc) things really opened up. (I am considering upgrading again, to get even more power, as the Revels really like lots of power.)

That being said, and coming from a fellow Studio fan, I can tell you that if you don't need the last word in bass, that the Avalon Eidolons will be a real step up. Used they are going for $10-$12K, depenind on condition, (and finish - some of the finishes are really drop dead gorgeous, especially if you are into fine woodwork!). The sound is bit more refined than the Studio, especially on the top end. The bass is close to, but not quite as deep as the Studio's depth. One caveat, is that the Eidolons are even more revealing than the Studios, so you will need topnotch electronics throughout your entire system. Also, the Eidolons are also as power hungry as the Revels. My friend's system (and I am basing all of my knowledge based on pretty intimate knowledge of the two speakers, btw), uses VTL MB450 monoblocks. (He used to use a Classe CA-401 (400 wpc) very successfullly, in case you prefer solid state.) In any case, you will need at least 200 wpc, and double that to really get the most out of them. He is currently trying them out with the Rowland 501s, but he has stated that the sound is not as good as the VTLs (or even the Classe, although it is close to the Classe.)
In looking at your current electronics, I feel they would do fine with the Eidolons. (But don't downgrade in order to raise cash to pay for the Eidolons!)

Well, Good Luck in your search!
itsalldark
182 posts
 
I have a Audio Aero Capitol 2 as well. I also use it direct with a Cary V12-R with the oil cap upgrade. My choice of speaker is the Verity Audio Fidelio. They have very nice tight bass and unreal midrange. The speaker has great detail even at low volume. Soundstage is wide and deep, but I suspect some of that is the Capitol. It is a true full range speaker. If you can you should listen to a pair- you will not be let down by the experience.
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