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Review: Revel Performa M-20 Speaker

Category: Speakers

I bought these after a home audition to ensure they were as neutral as they seemed in-store. They are wonderful speakers and made Stereophiles 2002 "A" list. After going through every other speaker available to me I was very frustrated. The others only excelled in one area; good on female vocals but colored instruments, good for piano but smeered vocals, etc... Then I found the Revels. They do what a speaker is supposed to do: accurately reproduce what is fed them. The M20's do that with ease. They are clear and precise. My wife is amazed every time she hears them. They play everything well. The McCormack amp is a great match with them as the system is musical and not stale sounding as it was with the Adcom GFA-555II amp (which the M20's also revealed the Adcoms' grainy highs). These speakers would satisfy anyone on any budget. They are a great deal here on audiogon as used ones go for around $1200 which is a steal. I picked up the black ash version with stands for $2000.
I have had these speakers for over 6 months and still love them. I have no need to change or upgrade. They are astounding.

Associated gear
Rega Planet cd palyer; Acurus RL-11 pre-amp; McCormach DNA-125 amp; Pioneer 9500 tuner

Similar products
B&W, Linn, Monitor Audio, NHT.
sherman1125
drbond
423 posts
 
It's been a while since this thread has been active, but I would like to agree with the concensus on the fine quality of sound that these speakers produce. I searched through dozens of high-end bookshelf speakers over a period of months, and these were the best. Now that I've owned them for six months, I am still thoroughly enjoying them.

I would like to know what stands people are using. In particular, warrenh said that he put together some stands. What stands did you use, warrenh?
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Click on "system" on warrenh. You can also read my review of the Sistrum Mini Monitor platforms. Then go to audiopoints.com to be set free. Robert be da man over there. peace, warren
alec
1 posts
 
I am trying to decide. Both sound great at each dealer however, I cannot compare them together(different dealers).
Paradigm seems to be more speaker (more drivers and size) for the money. M-20's seem to sound at least as good?
Any opinions?
Alex
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Why would you care what we think? It's your tympanics that know the deal. It's your show. You got one high class problem there, Alec. I would go with Harmonic Precisions' Caravelles. I am waiting on delivery of mine. Should be at the end of the week. Not even comparable to the M20s. Maybe the Revel Gems, nah, better. Killer monitors. You're going to be hearing lots about these babies. Sold by M20s a little too soon. Going through the sterophonic DTs. peace, warren
sherman1125 OP
13 posts
 
It's been 2 years and after several other speakers in house, the Revel's remain. I would like a full range speaker but, nothing has come close to the M20's. If I had $4500 laying around, I'd jump on a pair of F50's.
John
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