Opinions On The Revel F228Be?

[bluegrassphile]

Just curious of your opinions on the F228 Be? Most of you are more experienced regarding high end home audio vs myself and I'd appreciate a critique of this speaker. I did get to listen to the F228 Be on two separate occasions and hear them run by 2 different amps...the Audio Research VSi75 integrated and a McIntosh power amp (forgot the model). The speaker sounded gorgeous with both amps but I had a very slight preference for the AR. The entire system had such a smoothness to it. I loved it. However, I didn't compare the system or components to any others. Any forum members had experience with the Revel speakers? Could you compare them to speakers in a similar price range. The F228 Be goes for $10,000 a pair. Thank you so much.

[Mike]

As mentioned in another post, I have a pair coming in on trade in about a week. The customer traded them in on Magico A3’s. He told me last night the A3’s are “a lot better”.


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[bluegrassphile]

Mike, I thought those were the F228Bes that were taken on trade? Sorry if I had that wrong. I'm just starting to learn names and model numbers. As you well know, it's hard to keep them all straight. From what I've read so far the Magicos are truly top notch stuff. Wish I had some close by to audition. Hopefully I'll get to hear them.

[Mike]

Mike, I thought those were the F228Bes that were taken on trade? Sorry if I had that wrong. I'm just starting to learn names and model numbers. As you well know, it's hard to keep them all straight. From what I've read so far the Magicos are truly top notch stuff. Wish I had some close by to audition. Hopefully I'll get to hear them.

They are F228Be’s coming in.


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[Mr Peabody]

I've heard the 228B and they sound good. Unfortunately, they aren't in the best room so I think they could even be better, nor, have I been able to do a direct comparison between them and anything else.

Speakers are very much a personal preference, so if you do hear a speaker and love it trust your ears, another may be different, but "better" is highly subjective. Plus if you get an audition then you can see how th amp drives the speakers, is it loud enough, is there distortion, etc. Also, not all speakers sound good with every amp, so if the ARCRevel does something for you..... Another amp may not have that good synergy.

I liked the A3's as well but really can't comment since location and gear was so much different. Hopefully, I'll hear them again in April to refresh my memory.

I started a thread some time back in "speakers", something about $10k price point, there's a lot of options at that price.

It's sort of like Let's Make A Deal for you, d I want the 228b in my hand or go for what's behind door #2. LOL No, I can understand wanting to explore before deciding, especially just getting back into things.

[nc42acc]

How did you manage to get a customer a pair of A3s? I thought they were like 36 months out or something.

They are F228Be’s coming in.


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[Mike]

How did you manage to get a customer a pair of A3s? I thought they were like 36 months out or something.

They are, but I buy them in bunches. He got one from my August order.


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[joeinid]

Mike has everything coming in all the time

[CPP]

Mike has everything coming in all the time

Mike knows a guy

[bluegrassphile]

They are F228Be’s coming in.


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Sorry, Mike. My brain isn't in gear today.

[Mike]

Sorry, Mike. My brain isn't in gear today.

I can relate.


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[bluegrassphile]

I've heard the 228B and they sound good. Unfortunately, they aren't in the best room so I think they could even be better, nor, have I been able to do a direct comparison between them and anything else.

Speakers are very much a personal preference, so if you do hear a speaker and love it trust your ears, another may be different, but "better" is highly subjective. Plus if you get an audition then you can see how th amp drives the speakers, is it loud enough, is there distortion, etc. Also, not all speakers sound good with every amp, so if the ARCRevel does something for you..... Another amp may not have that good synergy.

I liked the A3's as well but really can't comment since location and gear was so much different. Hopefully, I'll hear them again in April to refresh my memory.

I started a thread some time back in "speakers", something about $10k price point, there's a lot of options at that price.

It's sort of like Let's Make A Deal for you, d I want the 228b in my hand or go for what's behind door #2. LOL No, I can understand wanting to explore before deciding, especially just getting back into things.

Yeah, I really like the 228b but I'm trying to keep an open mind. I'd love to hear the A3s. My speaker allowance will likely be in the $10,000 to $12,000 range, possibly more if I can spend a little less on amplification, streaming, cables, and incidentals. My total budget will be in the $20,000 to $25,000 range but it would be great if I didn't have to spend that much. I'll consider used if it's in very good or better condition.

[Mr Peabody]

If willing to buy used, does your Revel dealer have a set of Studio 2 in the shop? Not sure if it would be as tube friendly though. Joe probably knows. Studio 2 is a killer Revel and has been in the line for years along with the Salon 2 flagship.

[bluegrassphile]

If willing to buy used, does your Revel dealer have a set of Studio 2 in the shop? Not sure if it would be as tube friendly though. Joe probably knows. Studio 2 is a killer Revel and has been in the line for years along with the Salon 2 flagship.

No Studio 2s at my dealer that I noticed. Just the F228s.

[Mike]

Yeah, I really like the 228b but I'm trying to keep an open mind. I'd love to hear the A3s. My speaker allowance will likely be in the $10,000 to $12,000 range, possibly more if I can spend a little less on amplification, streaming, cables, and incidentals. My total budget will be in the $20,000 to $25,000 range but it would be great if I didn't have to spend that much. I'll consider used if it's in very good or better condition.

Come visit me and we can listen to a variety of speakers in your budget range, along with amps, etc.

[bluegrassphile]

Come visit me and we can listen to a variety of speakers in your budget range, along with amps, etc.

I would very much love to do that, Mike. It could possibly happen. Although I'm looking at a 1500+ mile drive from southern Iowa. The wife and I would have to make a vacation of it. Not an impossibility but not likely to happen soon. I'm retired but my wife still works. It would take a little planning. But, man, that would be a dream visit for me.

[Mike]

I would very much love to do that, Mike. It could possibly happen. Although I'm looking at a 1500+ mile drive from southern Iowa. The wife and I would have to make a vacation of it. Not an impossibility but not likely to happen soon. I'm retired but my wife still works. It would take a little planning. But, man, that would be a dream visit for me.

You could fly and be here in no time.

[bluegrassphile]

You could fly and be here in no time.

Yeah, I could but my arms are feeling kind of weak right now. Sorry, couldn't resist. But my wife and I were actually discussing it this AM. It would still have to be early next year. But it could be a visit where I could make some decisions and finalize my system. Getting excited just thinking about it.

[kzhtoo]

Yeah, I could but my arms are feeling kind of weak right now. Sorry, couldn't resist. But my wife and I were actually discussing it this AM. It would still have to be early next year. But it could be a visit where I could make some decisions and finalize my system. Getting excited just thinking about it.

Get there already!

If I’m shopping for $25k system, I’ll be at Mike’s tomorrow. Mike also has the Revel you like coming in on trade, just arrange for side by side comparison with A3’s. I don’t think this kind of opportunity comes around often.

For $25k, A3’s + Diablo 300 + Lumin T2 would give you a killer system.

[bluegrassphile]

Get there already!

If I’m shopping for $25k system, I’ll be at Mike’s tomorrow. Mike also has the Revel you like coming in on trade, just arrange for side by side comparison with A3’s. I don’t think this kind of opportunity comes around often.

For $25k, A3’s + Diablo 300 + Lumin T2 would give you a killer system.

I'll hop in the Lear and be there in about 2 1/2 hrs. That's just typical for my timing...a day late and a dollar short. The well's pretty dry right now. Gonna have to save some coin. I just hate it when great deals are offered and I'm pretty much helpless to do anything about it. But, a year goes pretty fast these days and there will be that final trip to pick everything out. I'll just have to be patient. I remember when I saved and saved for a top notch high end audio system back in the late '70s. Took a year and a half. But the time came and when the entire store staff delivered it we had a cookout and partied. It was wonderful.

[KeithR]

the F228Be must be amazing as it wins the Harman spinorama test

[nc42acc]

Mike what finish are the F228be that are coming in?

[Mike]

Mike what finish are the F228be that are coming in?

Walnut I believe.

[steve59]

I would seriously look at the used market when it comes to speakers. Amps and other electronics I put a ten year old limit on buying used, but there's just too many advantages. There was recently a pair of salon 2 on ag for $9100., I just got a pair of meridian dsp8000's for a fraction of their new price and when you take into account the cost of built in electronics i'm very comfortable putting them against any $20-25k new system.

The size of the room, the levels you play at, the purpose, ht or stereo or even the ability to expand all matter. I heard the f228be in the same room with the same gear and in the exact same spot as the salon 2 and the used salon2 was the same price and obviously a more refined experience...until I got them home.
Whatever you like in a shop or friends home may sound much different in your own room so as awesome as mike is I think he would recommend you work with a local shop, provided they're not just hustlers, and start bringing stuff home. most places don't swipe the card for a loaner. just when the time comes and you've spent a year give those guys your business.