Revel
 

I've enjoyed the Revel sound for years and currently own the Studio2.
All speakers have their own "sound" but Revel is the most neutral of the bunch. I guess I've heard dozen's or hundreds of brands and models of "home hifi" speakers. They all have their own coloration, some good some bad, but colorations nonetheless. Not Revel. Dead Neutral IMHO.
The original Studio and Salon are fabulous speakers but there appearance is a love'em or hate'em proposition which probably did a lot to diminish Revels popularity while brands like B&W and Sonus flourished.
The reviews are "over the top" on the current Revel Ultima2 lineup.
The Salon2 and Studio2 are probably the best neutral sounding speaker currently available.
The Salon2 is worth the trip from anywhere to hear.
Harman Specialty Group

I too have read the stellar reviews on the revel line-up. Although its been a real challenge to try and find a dealer who sells them so I can have a listen.

I have been looking for the last 6 months to find a dealer that has the Levinson line (looking at the 532 or 53 amps) and Revel line (Salon 2) on display for demo. The closest I have come too is David Lewis Audio in Philadelphia, who has the levinson stuff but is waiting for the Revels to arrive. From what I have read, the synergy between the 2 is outstanding (not surprising since they are both under Harman).

In year listening process. what electroncis did you hear them with?

I heard the Studio 2's at Take 5 Audio in New Haven CT paired with Ayre and McIntosh.
I actually liked the Ayre pairing better.

Revel Studio 2's got another great review in this month's Stereophile.

Of course the Elitist Audiophile's turn their noses up at products like Revel, Levinson, McIntosh, B&W and Wilson because they must produce dull products since they are too big and no longer produced out of their garages.

Wpines, what do you mean in the first post about a love 'em or hate 'em vis a vis the other brands if the Revels are so neutral? Do you mean they reveal flaws in the electronics or recordings that would be masked by coloration?

I'll have to try to track down a dealer here for a listen. Their website lists what seem more like home theater outfits that don't have showrooms, although I may be wrong with one or two of them.

I was referring to the APPEARANCE of the original Salon 1 and Studio 1. The sound of the originals has gained accolades throughout the audio community. The appearance, for many, was a non-starter.
The appearance of the current series mahogany Salon 2 and Studio 2 is very elegant.

Ain't that the truth. I've voted with my $$$$$. McIntosh and Revel.

Their is also an upcoming review of the Salon2's by Soundstage

Here's the Soundstage.com review of the Salon 2's: SoundStage! Equipment Review - Revel Ultima Salon2 Loudspeakers (12/2009)

They received a Soundstage Reviewer's Choice Award.

Brad,
Are you still using the Revels, or your new speakers, or both?

wpines...r u digging the Soundstage review/award of the Salon 2s? I posted it a few entries prior to this one. Doug Schneider, the editor in chief of Soundstage.com, said it was the best speaker he had ever heard in his room - completely coherent integration of the 6 drivers, with smooth, cleen extended highs, low impactful but precise and rhythmic bass, and transparent, clean and fast midrange. The prior speaker that held this distinction was the Magico V2 which could not match the Salon 2s on the bass (going to down to 30Hz vs, the Salon's 20Hz) but bettered it only slightly in midrange papability and a slight touch of warmth. The other main difference is that the Salon's need a larger room as it can easily overload moderately sized rooms whereas the V2s were better suited to smaller and mid-sized rooms.

I believe the salon 2s already got the big thumps up by JA at Stereophile but can't remember if TAS has reviewed them. Anybody here apart from wpines who has heard or own them?

I've been enjoying these (and other) Revel's for some time now.
If Ivan picked up the Harman line (hint, hint) they'd get more play around here.
Harman= Mark Levinson, JBL Synthesis, Revel, Lexicon
As well as;
AKG®
Becker®
BSS®
Crown®
dbx®
DigiTech®
Harman Kardon®
Infinity®
JBL® - Consumer
JBL® - Professional
Lexicon® - Consumer
Lexicon® - Professional
Mark Levinson®
QNX®
Revel®
Soundcraft®
Studer®

Hi guys,
I have Revel Salon2 and happy with them everyday. But from my experience.
This Salon2 can change sound in many different way. I've never reach their limit yet.
They can produce very deep and articulate bass. or blur bass. depend much on everything
before them, like amplifer, AC Cord, even the supplied WBT jumpers are much restricts Salon2 performance. they will sound good with most of upstream components, but can sound unbelievably good with top class cables, source, amplification.