Upgrade from Revel 228be?


I am currently running Revel 228be's with a single Rythmik sub, and recently changed to all Pass electronics: XP27 phono-pre, XP32 line-pre, and X260.8 monos. My SQ is very good, and the Revels have few weaknesses, but I'm considering a step up to a more refined speaker with a more inert cabinet.

Are there any Revel 228be owners out there who have made a successful upgrade? My budget is $15k-$25k, used (likely). I listen to pretty much everything but the emphasis is on Blue Note jazz, fusion, Zappa. I like percussive, instrumental music, so I need something that can handle the thump.

On my list so far are Rockport Atria II, TAD E1tx, a Magico or Borresen possibly, etc.

Thoughts, suggestions? 

willyht

Did you consider 328Be? In my experience, the 328 increase bass note distinction quite dramatically. 

@willyht 

I am buying some Sonus Farber speakers to replace my KEF’s When you rap on the side of the KEF’s there’s a hollow sound and when you rap on the SF’s, there is a solid thud!  Huge difference in SQ as well!

All the best.

If you want to stay with revel the salon 2 are a healthy upgrade that with enough power won't need sub's in your room. I found a pair of Usher be20dmd's that I preferred then midrange and soundstage ability over the salon 2, but the be20 bass was overbearing for my 17x27x7' room so the BE10DMD could go on your list, not easy to find tho' replacement drivers are available unlike the salon 2. The Perlisten S7t are very good, but read Kal's review because he explains a couple quirks. The KEF Blade 2 meta I haven't heard, but is grabbing headlines since their intro. If you could also find the new Dali RubiKore I think they're world beaters at $12k, I want to check them out. 

When I demoed the f228be my attention kept getting pulled back to the speakers, I can say with confidence speakers on your op have more inert cabinets that are an upgrade from what you have, subtle, but important upgrade. It's too bad Revel didn't improve on resonance control with the 328be as that could have been an obvious path for Revel lovers. Kennymack recommends the Salon 2 and if you have amps that can drive 500 watts into every resistance 2/4/8- ohms I think he's onto something, replacement drivers are getting harder to find tho'. 

Anyone familiar with the Rockport Atria II's? Will they play with similar scale to the Revel 228be?

I have read great things about the Salon 2's but am somewhat concerned about service/parts if they're discontinued.