Shout out to Revival Audio Atalante 3 speakers


Normally I’d write a long review of something as I never seem to keep it short. Right now I’m looking at over two pages of handwritten notes and can’t bring myself to put it all to pen, so to speak. Throw in images and links and it becomes a thing unto itself. And it’s sad to say I won’t for what deserves pages of accolades.

I will say this though: if you want a great all around speaker that’s eminently musical at the expense of nothing of import, then the Revival Audio Atalante 3 speaker should be at the top of you short list.

If you crave tone, body and soul, then listen to this speaker.
If you enjoy air, ambience, shimmer and decay, again, listen to this speaker.
If etch, shrillness and a hot top end bother you, no need to look elsewhere.
If the bottom octave is not of paramount importance but a strong mid and upper bass done realistically floats your boat, this will easily suffice.
If coherence and presence is a big deal for you, no need to ask for any more cards as you have a winning hand.
If a beautifully finished cabinet is important, one that harkens back to better days, then this will fit into any decor.
If pedigree matters, then rest assured that this is designed and assembled completely in France. Also, the designer has over 30 years designing speakers for Focal-JM Lab, Dynaudio and others. The drivers are unique to the brand and not off the shelf for other brands to use.
Finally, if price is a factor, these retail for only $2500 and if made by another company, would command multiples of it’s asking price, which I was told, is probably going to go up soon. One member who I’ve been communicating with told me they got 5 pallets of speakers in and they were all mostly accounted for and 5 pairs sold while he was at the dealer auditioning them (2 were of the larger 5 series).

Demand is so high that they came out with a less costly design (two models) to take up some of the slack and to spread the love to those of lessor pockets, which is admirable.

I can’t tell you how much I love these speakers but this should give you an idea: I no longer listen critically to anything anymore. I no longer crave this or that. I can listen at lower volumes and hear all I want or need to. These speakers emotionally connect with me and did so within the first few minutes of listening. There’s no more wind in my audio sails but if I had the money and the space, I’d give the Atalante 5 a serious listen and most likely get them.

Now I find most of the discussions here amusing, at best. Too many unicorns chased and nothing to show for it. Too many lost in search of that perfect tree when you have the whole forest to enjoy at any time and at any angle you wish, if you chose to. Time to choose.

All the best,
Nonoise

 

 

128x128nonoise

I was the lucky one to demo then purchase the 5's from the great @goldprintaudio 

I listened to them first on the floor with the installed riser lip. They sounded very, very good and were still not broken in.

I then installed them on their stands (the stands are a PITA to put together) and I like them much better on the stands. More coherent, open, focused. To me having the tweeters at ear level on the stands makes a significant improvement. 

I'm still tweaking placement and setup in my room but I really like these and consider them a bargain.

Great to hear from you. I experienced the same thing with my JBL 4319 speakers. Had them on their low riser stands for four years and tried them up on some stools and that was a game changer. Like you said: more coherent, more info, and more  focused. The only trade off was the loss of that mid century modern look for a more imposing look with them up on the stands. I got used to it rather quickly. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise

I really appreciate your write-up of the 3’s. Everything you state rings true with the 5’s and their added weight. And the bass is big, but not bloated or flabby, not at all. 
 

I’m sure the 3’s are fantastic. 
 

Like you state, the price is almost shocking for what these two models provide. 

@nonoise , I am happy for you. It is wonderful when you acquire a component, in this case, speakers, that emotionally connect with you. Are you meaning to say, " emotionally connect with the musicians " ?, as this is what it is all about. Enjoy ! MrD.

@mrdecibel , Yes indeed, that is what I mean. I've always leaned towards very informative speakers that had that leading edge but it was always at the expense of body and soul. These speakers give up nothing in being informative but they don't hit you over the head with it. 

They just kind of lull you, caressing your ears. I've done more toe tapping, foot wagging and head bobbing and swaying than I've ever done.

All the best,
Nonoise