Home theater has now become really important to all people in their homes. These days, instead of going to the theater or a concert, people are watching movies or listening to music in their own houses. And when it comes to audiophiles or film-enthusiasts, they only choose to purchase the most delicate audio devices for their living room. So comes the Revel Performa3 M106.
And you cannot compare any audio devices with your bookshelf loudspeaker, and Revel, a stunning luxury audio brand, produces some of the best speakers out there. Whatever the reason is, Since the Revel has launched its Performa 3 series, it has become one of the world’s fan-favorite items.
Revel: Modern Day Loudspeaker Manufacturing Company
Few names stand out as Revel in the world of enthusiast speakers. Since 1997, Revel, a US-based loudspeaker manufacturing expert, has been producing loudspeakers. It now has a comprehensive product range, mostly for home use and Lincoln vehicles.
It has a large number of funds, so you can imagine something exceptional as they are part of the Harman International Industries Company, which owns a multitude of audio labels such as JBL, Infinity, AKG, Mark Levinson, Harman Kardon, Lexicon, and others.
Revel believes that research and innovation first precede the esthetics of product design. They claim an untiring dedication to musical perfection and a determination to regard distortion as an arch-nemesis.
With Revel Ultima Gem, they entered the supreme audio business. They produce the world’s most classically gorgeous, robust, and stellar sounded speakers all over the world.
Each Revel model is compared to during production l oriented models in their unique double-blind role Listening laboratory. The new psychoacoustic analysis is included in this process to make sure these hearing checks are successful so that they can verify that before these speakers can be made, all Revel launches are superior to their competitors.
Revel Performa 3 series
Revel Performa3 bookshelf speakers are actual full-range devices with minimal footprints and elegant features that can seamlessly combine with your current décor. Their large frequency mix, uncompressed dynamic range, and low distortion in the audible spectrum are extraordinary.
All Revel Performa3 Series speakers come with an Acoustic Lens Waveguide that enhances the dispersions of high-frequencies and boosts off-axis performance to balance tweeter and midrange dispersal around the crossover area.
Revel Performa3 series’ speakers try to maintain some variable qualities, such as,
- Perfect frequency response with excellent off-axis efficiency
- Neutral presentation
- Can be used with the B110 subwoofer with the deep bass response.
- Gorgeous cabinet fit and tiny physical footprint
For whom the bookshelf speakers really are?
Before going out with all you have got to buy Revel Performa3 M106, you should take a moment to consider some general factors about your bookshelf speaker. The bookshelf speaker benefits the users who –
- There isn’t enough space in the room.
- Don’t care about the warped headphones.
- If you do not want to purchase speakers that are too thin.
- Have budgetary problems and don’t want to spend extra money on large speakers.
All about Revel Performa3 M106
A good bookshelf speaker will vanish and only allow the music to flow. Performa’s series is charming and incorporates much of the Revel flagship Ultima2’s technology, resources, and musical mojo.
In combination with the Revel’s optional speaker stand, the M106 gives your favorite music a closer look. The whole speaker acts, sounds, and performs like it’s worth a million dollars.
The Revel Performa3 M106 easily wins if there is a beauty contest ever for loudspeakers. Whatever music you play, you will hear no flaws — no variation from neutrality around the extended frequency spectrum of your stereo.
Every recording confirmed that the review samples were comprehensive and dynamic, with beautiful sound output.
General Specifications
| Type | 2-way dual bookshelf loudspeaker |
|---|---|
| Height | 15" (38.1 cm) Note |
| Width | 8.3" (21 cm) |
| Depth | 11" (27.8 cm) |
| Weight | 19 lb. (8 kg) Note |
| Crossover Frequencies | 2.3 kHz |
| Enclosure Type | Bass-reflex via Rear-firing Port |
| Finishes | Piano Black or High Gloss Walnut |
| High-frequency Driver Components | 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Input Connections | Gold-plated Binding Posts |
| Low-Frequency Extension | 10dB@39Hz -6dB@54Hz -3dB@59Hz |
| Low-frequency Driver Components | 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 50-150 |
| Sensitivity | 87 dB |
| Finishes | Piano Black, High Gloss Walnut, Piano white |
Listening Room Factors and Installation Considerations
Listening rooms, particularly at lower frequencies, have a profound influence on the sound. In reality, less than 400 Hz may be the result of the listening space.
Ideally, hearing rooms will have tailored dimensional dimensions in order to reduce resonance effects in the place. In fact, most hearing rooms are not equipped to increase the efficiency of the loudspeaker.
In most situations, a correct selection of the primary listening location and the correct orientation of the speaker may lead to better output at lower frequencies. The discrepancy between the higher and lower results sometimes is just a minor change of the primary loudspeaker location or location.
The following are relevant factors for the location of the M106:
- Remove all obstruction from the loudspeaker to the primary listening place.
- Place the speakers in such a way that they are the most pleasing stereo image both the same distance from the primary listening place, and so t they’re both at the same gap from the side walls.
- The speakers should be pointed almost directly at the primary listening location to ensure maximum stereo image and timbre.
- If the speakers are relocated further off the front, and rear walls, stereo imaging and the sense of spaciousness in the listening room can be strengthened.
- The loudspeakers can improve bass response by getting closer to the corners or walls of the hearing space.
- Place the speaker in a spot to balance the tweeter with the listener’s ears lying on the floor nearly 36 “(91 cm) up from the ground.
- Optional Performa3 M Stand pedestal stands are available for the M106 and M105 systems, which put speakers at the correct height for sitting listeners.
Check out more about Understanding speaker placement.
Design and Build Quality
One of the fun facts is that Revel claimed that they had overlooked artistic concerns and paid complete attention to the functionality and sound quality of their speakers. It already has a sleek and stunning design. I wonder how outstanding its all-around performance could be as a bookshelf speaker.
The M106 is a reasonably large two-way bookshelf speaker. It belongs to the Revel Performa series, positioned between the Concerta entry-level and the Ultima series cost-free items. The 6-1/2 “woofer M106 is fitted with an aluminum cone that has anodized both sides with a micro-ceramic composite.
In the concave acoustic lens guide from Revel, the M106’s 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter improves the dispersal of the tweeter at higher frequency ranges. Also, it aims to make it more smoothly fit the tweeter and the driver below it. The effect of it shows a very smooth, clear on-axis, and off-axis sound that generates a wider sweet position.
In spite of its small nature, the walls of the M106 have a complete 1” thickness, with the curved side and the back walls laminated in single contiguous couplings, for apparent resounding behavior. These curved walls are, in fact, more tightened than the traditional box forms.
The M106 uses rear-firing bass reflex ports with similar flares at either end. This increases low-frequency performance, thus eliminating dynamical compression and port noise. It contains a foam port connector, which can be mounted in the bookshelf to maximize bass response whenever you position the speaker against a wall.
The speaker has only one set of high-end binding posts that are barely used these days. It means that there are no noisy jumpers. The boxes are fully curved and are greatly strengthened as opposed to traditional box types.
The speaker grilles are mechanical, which ensures that there are no unsightly holes in the front baffle typical in smaller designs. Take a peek at these 2 Edifier Speakers with beautiful build qualities.
Overall Sound Quality
The sound of Revel Performa3 M106 is hard to explain. No matter what kind of music you play, you won’t be able to detect anything short of it, no deviation from neutrality across the broader frequency spectrum of the speaker. Each recording produced comprehensive, realistic performance samples of excellent sound stages.
The M106es could deliver strong low ends, which could fill any room, but you’d hear more clarity in other bookshelf speakers. With the Revels, you can listen to a tight, smooth bass that has not been tapered in the middle bass, which is going to confuse you into believing you are really hearing deep bass.
In this case, the M106 was certainly not bass low and diligent setting up pays a great deal of worth – but I wouldn’t advise someone who needs a flat low end. The M106 is far too disciplined to do so.
Revel did not define the response for the frequency of the M106 on the website, but stated that it has 59Hz, -3dB, 54Hz, -6dB, 39Hz, -10dB, and lower frequency levels.
This isn’t as poor as I’ve met other bookshelf speakers, which have similar dimensions and driver complements but can have a base for most music if they can deliver a functional bass up to 40Hz. If you’re generally searching for more detailed bass, you should think about adding a subwoofer for deep bass.
The M106 was a part of the squeaky-clean speaker cam, which was obvious. It has continuously created ultra-clear sounds, which allow me to hear profoundly in my CDs and LPs.
The Revels honestly sounded so clean that they persuaded me to take the volume free, which I was glad to do. The M106s continued to offer uncompressed dynamics and apparently distortion-free sounds as their output increased.
The M106 is incredibly transparent and is capable of presenting details about the room in which the music has been recorded. The aluminum-dome tweets of the M106es created crisp, joint-high, neither bright nor wavy, but extended and transparent.
Although the M106 might produce powerful basses and moving heights, its midrange simplicity is perhaps its greatest asset. Revel’s midrange’s openness and purity are fascinating, providing a magnificent combination of musicality and detail. Find out about these 2 Klipsch Speakers with beautiful sound.
Wherever you stand, the broad consensus resides with the Revel speakers’ great tone, and the M106 is an outstanding addition. Look no further than that. You can always buy this exceptional M106 if you want to fill your setup with many fantastic bookshelf speakers for less space.
Connectivity
The M106 is fitted with gold-plated posts for stable cables with banana plugs, spade lugs, pin connectors, or bare wires. The bookshelf loudspeakers at Revel Performa3 have a pair of foam port plugs that can be used in some installations to adjust the low-frequency output of a laundry amplifier.
If the speakers are installed into an entertainment or shelving device or if the loudspeaker lies at less than two feet (0.61 m) from walls or other complete items, it will minimize the unnecessarily offensive bass production generated by the proximity of the speaker to the large areas that reflect low energies when plugged into port openings.
The Revel model includes guidelines for runs of 90 ft. with 6 gauge wire. A 90 ft. 6 gauge cable run will lead to problems with inductance. 6 gauge wire is used for strong jumper cables. For runs shorter than 22 feet, Revel suggests 12 gauge.
For this length and gage combination, inductance is not a problem. If you’re thinking with wires, it’s better to position the space so that the power amplifier is next to the speakers to decrease the running duration.
Double banana plugs are not suitable, but Amazon has a decent selection of single banana plugs for about $20.00 for a bunch of 10.
Features you should definitely check out.
Motor-system distortion-reduction mechanisms are featured by transducers that balance the flux-field during operation.
Revel M106 transducers with low frequency have mechanisms for distortion decrease, which stabilize the flux field during service and ensure low distortion even at high volumes.
Ribbed aluminum cones generate piston-like action, removing large resonance sources.
The sensitive transducers use aluminum cones ribbed for perfect piston-like behavior, thereby eliminating a significant vibration source that is plainly detected in most other lamps.
Fluid-model port designs hold distortion low.
Their cast aluminum frames remove another cause of resonance that is typical in many lower-quality loudspeakers. These loudspeakers use a sophisticated low-frequency port designed for fluid with the same flares on both ends. This dramatically reduces dynamic compression and port noise, improving low-frequency distortion efficiency.
New waveguides provide clear sound across a broad listening field.
A newly built motor and dome assembly is developed with a tweeter that sets a new level of simplified management for speakers. The new integrated acoustic lens guide for the tweeter is based on a groundbreaking mathematical approach that matches the dispersion of the tweeter precisely with that of the low-frequency transducer in the crossover area.
This helps the loudspeaker make a very smooth and distant sound, a significant contributor to overall sound quality, which provides consistent sound over a comprehensive audio spectrum. Really, this new waveguide increases the dispersion of the tweeter in higher frequencies in an impressive way.
Enclosures made by luxury cabinet makers of Italy
The M106 is placed in enclosures similar to our Ultima2 Series flagship. The fully curved sections are generally more substantial than the standard box shapes and consist of continuous wood layers to avoid separation.
They have strategic bracing that reduces the propensity for coloration caused by the case. These elegant, new envelopes are made in high glass black piano, tall glass piano white, or genuine American walnut in a process that exceeds the standard of automobile finishes (developed and supervised by Italian luxury cabinet manufacturers).
Advanced crossovers maximize timbre precision both on-axis and throughout the space.
Revel Performa3 crossover networks feature carefully chosen components that lead to high performance and benchmark layout. These high-order crossover nets substantially minimize distortion and dynamic compression for simple sounds that retain an extensive dynamic range of the same standard.
This precision networks maximize the tumbrel precision of the speakers, boosting the musical experience of the crowd in the room and not just the sitting on-axis of the loudspeakers.
Magnetic Grilles
The grills have a sleek and smooth design to eliminate acoustic diffraction or veiling. The magnetic grid fixing system removes unpleasant hardware from the lampshade, meaning that if you intend to use the lampshade without grids, it would feel as if it was made to be used without grilles.
Affording in a distinctive budget
Putting your money in a speaker gives a lot of sound than investing your money elsewhere with the inclusion of an exemplary electronic room correction system.
The built-in Yamaha amplifier is capable of shifting the M106 to its maximum more than enough voltage swing. Partly due to the relatively strong impedance curve and fair efficiency. This results. The amplifier will push the load posed by the M106. You won’t get a return for your effort.
One other way to save money is to skip the elegance of cable and link your M106 to your amplifier with a 12 to 16 gage zip cord, which can cost up to $20.00, depending on the run rate.
Harman Labs showed that, due to cable resistance, minor frequency response differences can be detectable at the speaking terminal. A map in the user manual displays the Revel gauge for a certain length of the run.
Revel sells the speakers for $500 for comparable customer prices. The stands may be wired to the speakers directly. Montage of the stands and linking the stand to the speaker is better carried out as a two-person operation.
The completely integrated stands minimize vibration, in particular, by using tapestry spikes. If you can’t afford to stand, I’d argue not to step away from the M106 speaker.
They look fine and complement the speaker and can have a little increase in sound efficiency. Still, you can receive reasonable $100 stands. Go for the M106, and the cheapest stands if you’re on a limited budget.
A robust room correction system is the only thing you have to implement if you have more funds in your budget. If a system under 300Hz has a successful room adjustment, the system cannot be listened to when the room EQ has switched off.
If you buy the Revel M106, another place where money can be used is to install a subwoofer, particularly in a vast space, but only after providing an excellent bass management system for the rooms. I will chat with the M106 below about optimum setups.
Consider the multiple subwoofer solution if you still have money in your budget. You must not do it all at once, so you could install more equipment later. You need all the cash upfront when you’re getting a full-size mic. Look out also for these other Budget Audiophile Speakers.
Advantages of using Revel Performa3 M106
- Transducers feature motor-system distortion-reduction mechanisms
- New waveguides with clear sound across a large listening field
- Smooth, accurate sound
- Excellent tonality
- Great imaging and huge sweet spot
- Beautiful looking with immaculate fit and finish
Disadvantages of using Revel Performa3 M106
- Occasional bass bloom in smaller rooms
- Comparatively expensive
Alternative Options
KEF LS50
The KEF LS50 is one of the most award-winning speakers from KEF. It got recognition from Stereophile, What Hifi as well as The Absolute Sound. Its amazing features have impressed most of its users. The sound LS50 produces is remarkable. It radiates clear, fast, and expansive sound with its Uni Q driver array.
Pros
- Sparkly, clear sound
- Fills up the whole room convincingly
- Placement isn’t a big deal
- Distinctive appearance
Cons
Lack of the lowest bass.
Revel Performa3 F206
Revel Performa3 F206 has a gorgeous sleek design and an outstanding sound quality which enables them to easily blend into your current decoration. As a floor stander, obviously it’s not cheap but if you want an exotic but powerful speaker for your living room or home theatre system, this is the best option. The F206 didn’t only display magic with the midrange, from top to bottom, its tone is also remarkably quiet natural, neutral, and incredibly comprehensive, even in the bass.
Pros:
- Beautiful cabinet finish.
- Linear response
- Musical
- Excellently engineered crossover
- Well built
- Delightful highs
- Extraordinary midrange
- Compatible for all kinds of rooms
Cons:
- Not enough bass
- Metal tweeter and midrange
- Expensive
KEF R3
The KEF R3 has been in the speaker game for a while now and stands strong against all the competitions out there. It commands a high price point and yet audiophiles save up and make the financial decision of buying this product. Aside from the looks, the KEF R3 features crisp and clear audio which when seen graphically, will look like a flat curve.
Pros
- Sleek looks and minimalistic design
- Outstanding performance for money
- Deep bass
- Ideal for musical instrument practices
- Raw audio ideal for audio engineers
Cons
- Dull audio quality
- Too low details
Expert Review
The Bottom Line
These Revels are not front-runners, but they remain fundamentally professional and sophisticated throughout their performance. It is one of the beautiful speakers of Revel in its category.
The speaker sounds neutral but simultaneously, very clear. A really positive attribute is the broad sweet spot attributable to the tweeter centered on the acoustic lens guide. For a top-notch speaker, even with bargain amplifiers, it is really a good performer.
Therefore, its excellent fit, finish standard, and Revel’s Performa3 M106’s newest features made it an outstanding bookshelf speaker. If you consider new speakers in the $1,000 price range or above, this one needs to be included in your model catalog.
We can assume that if you purchase them for your house, you are going to smile from ear to ear, as we do!
FAQ
This FAQ section is going to answer your questions. Let’s find out more about this section.
Do Revel speakers improve with use?
Naturally, after a total of 20 to 30 hours of daily usage, these speakers are reasonably working and mostly develop and strengthen over the first hundred hours. You’ll also read a lot of internet disagreements over how long you’re expected to work in speakers for and frankly.
In general, however, the speakers won’t get any better given enough time or “age.” They will finally hit the end of their’ life cycle’ if they are not sufficiently protected and served from time to time.
Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More
