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Revel F208 - worth a try?

Is anyone going to talk me out of buying a pair of Revel F208? I currently have Sonus Faber concerto book shelfs and a couple subs. I recently (couple weeks ago) got the benchmark amp and it sound great and really helped with the speakers, but I have had the SF for about 15 years and I am bored with them. I find they are too soft and not detailed enough (probably just their nature and they are getting old). I want something detailed and neutral (not bright !). I listen to male/female vocals, blues/southern rock, some electronic remixes, and some music from the 70s for fun (oh, HT use as well). I have a large room. The F208 would not be my end game and I might keep them for only a year or two but it is fun to try new things. I can get a pair for about $4k and return them if they hurt my ears. What do you think? Thank you.

12many
desferous
29 posts
 

Revels are a lot of fun.  I have Focal Spores now, but I do remember the Revels and liked them a lot.  The presented differently but I really enjoyed them and wish I could listen to them still. 

erik_squires
16,152 posts
 

I agree they are solid speakers.  My only concern is that giving up a sub for large floorstanders you may give up some control over the tonal balance you have now.  Placement and room treatment may become more important.

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matt_mccloat
6 posts
 

I’m actually picking up a pair of F208’s today! Fully support OP getting them. For those who have had F208’s, I’m between a few options to drive them: 

  • Rega Elex-r
  • Audiolab 6000a play
  • Rotel 1572 mk2
  • Marantz 40n

anyone have experience / thoughts on any of the 4 above?

hondaron
18 posts
 

What about Revel M126Be as a solid choice of a nice sounding bookshelf speaker? They are in the Performa series and may be worth considering. 

james633
1,042 posts
 

matt_mccloat,

 

I run my Revel 228be on a McIntosh MC462 which I find as a nice combo I can listen all day. I also own Rotel amps in my home theater and I would not recommend “lower end” Rotel with Revel. It makes them sound a little cold and hard. On the Mac they are detailed and fatigue free at any volume.   

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