Modern Wilson’s (but not earlier generation) and Monitor Audio are not too far off. The Revel’s off-axis response and imaging is really good, so it shares that with modern Magico, but doesn’t have the coolness or mid bass bump of the Magicos I hear.
Last time I heard NHT it was a real R&R speaker, I would not have characterized Paradigm that way at all, but my experience with both is limited. Actually I remember NHT being a real ear drill. Closer to Dali, but harsh, as opposed to just more treble.
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I use Revels in one system and Monitor Audio in another. There is a wide difference between the systems and a wide price gap between the speakers. However, I chose and enjoy both because they appeal to me in the same ways. I don't know what models you are considering but I think the MAs are much, much closer to the Revels than either Paradigm or NHT. |
To me the Revel Ultima line (Salon / Studio) sound is accurate but dry. Far from Monitor or Paradigm and as Eric mentioned above similar to current Wilson designs. Like with the Wilson's, bring lots of power with good current capability to get them going. |
I think the persona series is akin to the Ultimas. There is a grandiosity to Salons, though, that is hard to replicate. I think are similarities to JBL Synthesis line as well, in that they both dry, big and dynamic. |
Nowadays, there are few and far between good audio stores to demo new speakers.
I wonder that phenomenal myself. I've read a study that show younger generations don't really care for "cars" as much and for them "cars" are just something to get from point A to point B. I wonder if it has to do with the Internet. Younger people are probably using the Internet as a mean for "escape" so music reproduction (such as a hi-fi system) is not that important to them. |
Kef has similar design goals with wide flat response and both brands need gobs of power while neither will bowl you over with their bass |
Revel needs way more power than KEF IME |
I would say that SOME of the Revel line requires a bit of power to get singing (Ultimas) but not that it is a universal given across all of their product line.
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My auditions in 2011 included both the Paradigm S8s and Revel Salon 2s. To me the Paradigms’ tweeter was way too hot and the Revels ended up in my room and have been there ever since, so no, to me they weren’t remotely comparable. |
There were a few other brands in the mix but the competition ended up between the Salon 2s and Wilson Sashas. The Sashas had really good dynamics and punch, but the Revels just sounded right to my ears. |
IMO the Salon 2 is a buy and keep for a long time. It really is an outstanding loudspeaker and can be found used in the 10-12k range. I’ll never forget a Jeff Rowland demo with Salon 2’s that simply blew my socks off.
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When we get to this level all the speakers I had in my home were of excellent resolution and dynamics with differences being more in personal preference as every single speaker is a compromise and there's nothing like having a few pair in your basement listening room at the same time to really get a feel for it. In my system the salon2 was best on better recordings, but took on a metallic edge on the average to poor recordings, as did the kanta 3. The usher be20dmd was my favorite and if I hadn't gotten a deal on my meridians I would have kept them. Very nearly pulled the trigger on the persona 7f with a pathos driving them. |
Thank you everyone for your input. It appears that NHT has really faded away from mainstream. Currently I own some Paradigm Studio 100V5’s. Nothing special, but I enjoy them and it is all I can currently afford. They open up decently with a good amp and pre.
I haven’t heard a good pair of Revel’s yet, but I am thinking that their top end may be a tad dryer than I prefer. It seems many people prefer speakers that are voiced that way. I tend to lean towards what many consider a tad brighter top end speaker. Not harsh by any means, but not rolled off either.
I judge how a tweeter should sound from playing my drum kit and jamming in a band. I have a pro level kit and have played for many years and my ears are pretty educated to cymbal sounds. Of course, my ears and brain are like everybody else’s (my opinion) but I do believe that it helps to educate your ears to musical instruments to be able to decipher true live sound.
Hopefully I will be able to make another step up in my search for audio nirvana with another set of speakers someday. It is just so expensive for the amount of improvement received as you get into the higher levels of equipment. Take care all.
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ohlala1,016 said: I think the persona series is akin to the Ultimas. I've had both in my system and they are not "akin." The Persona is brighter and more forward, both to its detriment.
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I agree with steve59; Revels are much like KEFs, in fact I was demoing both when I decided on KEF R-500s; I know KEFs need reference amps to get them to dance and I recently received advice that Hegels were a good match for both.
I never heard NHT. Paradigms always seemed too bright for me. Good luck! |
I have the F208 Revels for five years and have never upgraded yet. Been eyeing the Wilsons but am holding back. |
