KEF versus Revel. Anyone here owned & compared them in person?

[2Sunny]

Just read another thread where someone was deciding between Revel F226Bes, KEF R7 Metas, and Perlisten Rt5s. I see that the spinorama data is very very close but some minor differences and I saw a single comment from someone that said they owned both and preferred the Revels so that made me wonder if others here have tried and/or compared Revel vs. KEF. I ask'd ChatGPT and got an interesting answer.

Do kef speakers sound different than revel speakers?


Yes, KEF and Revel speakers can sound different, and here's why:

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1. Design Philosophy​

• KEF: Known for their Uni-Q coaxial driver, which places the tweeter in the center of the midrange/woofer. This promotes point-source radiation, aiming for more consistent off-axis response and wider sweet spots.
• Revel (a Harman brand): Designed according to scientific research on listener preferences (led by Dr. Floyd Toole and Sean Olive). Revel speakers prioritize flat on-axis response, smooth off-axis behavior, and controlled directivity, often matching "Spinorama" targets.

Result: KEF may sound more “spacious” due to wide dispersion; Revel often sounds more neutral and balanced, especially in less-than-ideal rooms.

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2. Voicing and Tuning​

• KEF: Often tuned for a slightly “audiophile” flavor—clear highs, sometimes a bit of added presence depending on the model.
• Revel: Tuned for accuracy and neutrality, aiming to reproduce what's on the recording without editorializing.

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3. Room Interaction​

Because Revel designs prioritize smooth off-axis response, they tend to interact predictably with room acoustics. KEF’s Uni-Q also helps with this, but differences in dispersion patterns might lead to variations in how they "light up" a room.

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4. Measured Data (Spinorama)​

• Revel speakers typically closely match the Harman target curve, and this aligns with what listeners tend to prefer in blind tests.
• KEF speakers, particularly the higher-end R Series and Reference, measure very well too, but with different dispersion characteristics due to Uni-Q.

You can compare measurements (e.g., on AudioScienceReview or Erin’s Audio Corner) to see the objective differences.

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Summary​

Aspect	KEF	Revel
Design	Uni-Q coaxial	Traditional waveguided tweeters
Sound	Wide, open, slightly voiced	Neutral, accurate, well-controlled
Room Interaction	Wide dispersion	Controlled, predictable dispersion
Preference in Blind Tests	Varies by model	Often scores high consistently

 

[kemmler3D]

I haven't listened to both myself, but this AI summary is a good example of what's wrong with using LLMs. KEF strives for a neutral response arguably just as much as Revel and the Uni-Q dispersion is typically on the narrow side, not wide!

As usual, it's something that sounds right, but with significant flaws and misleading bits. It also makes invalid comparisons by implication, like trying to contrast matching the Harman curve with dispersion characteristics. What does it mean by that? Nobody knows, least of all the AI.

Not just in this context, but I really think LLMs have laid bare that people barely read what's in front of them, and barely understand what they do read. The LLMs output always sounds solid, but often says very little, many times it makes no sense at all if you think about it, but people keep cranking this stuff out as if it was useful.

 

[mj30250]

Ignoring the AI output, it's too broad a question to answer perfectly, but in general, Revel speakers will offer wider dispersion than comparable KEF models. KEF's concentric speakers will do a better job of maintaining tonality at more extreme vertical angles. Both companies tend to target a neutral response, but of course this will vary by specific model. Both generally offer smooth directivity and are readily EQ'd if desired.

 

[goat76]

Revel speakers typically closely match the Harman target curve, and this aligns with what listeners tend to prefer in blind tests.

The Harman target curve!

 

[2Sunny]

I cast a broad net in order to capture anyone who might have tried both, but I'm really curios to hear if anyone has ever compared R7s to 226s. If the R7s had a distinct sound I might be interested in trying them myself just to see the difference, and I was kinda thinking that based on the few comments I found online related to those two speakers they may in fact sound quite different. The On Axis spin data looks alike, but there is a considerable difference in the Est. in Room Response so that's what makes me wonder if that translates to a differences in sound that is noticeable.

 

[Ellebob]

I haven't heard every model of all of these brands. As a generalization I would say Revel has the widest horizontal dispersion, followed by Perlisten and lastly Kef. The Kef definitely wins for vertical dispersion of course. Perlisten and Revel are more dynamic than Kef. All are pretty neutral.

 

[JRowland]

I cast a broad net in order to capture anyone who might have tried both, but I'm really curios to hear if anyone has ever compared R7s to 226s. If the R7s had a distinct sound I might be interested in trying them myself just to see the difference, and I was kinda thinking that based on the few comments I found online related to those two speakers they may in fact sound quite different. The On Axis spin data looks alike, but there is a considerable difference in the Est. in Room Response so that's what makes me wonder if that translates to a differences in sound that is noticeable.

I can’t help with the comparison but here is what the Audyssey mic (Denon x4800) picks up for my R7 meta actual response in a 12’x16’ basement room with 8 foot ceilings. I have them 9” off the wall with 7 1/2” thick panels behind them. They dig pretty deep, I can turn off my subs and be almost as happy.

 

[Arindal]

the Uni-Q dispersion is typically on the narrow side, not wide!

On the wide side for longer wavelengths, on the narrow side for shorter wavelengths, to be precise.

I fully agree regarding the complexity of the questions asked and what to expect from any algorithm other than nonsensical text. My understanding would be that a question like ´Do steaks or burgers taste better?´ would give a more precise and coherent answer than ´Revel or KEF?´.

 

[Sokel]

´Do steaks or burgers taste better?´ would give a more precise and coherent answer than ´Revel or KEF?´.

The ASR mentality is usually not about what tastes better but what's good for you

Edit: of course there's also some absurd posts telling people what to like but are rare and usually coming from newfound-faith zealots.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Do kef speakers sound different than revel speakers?

Yes. I owned the Revel Ultima2 Studios and reviewed the KEF Blade 2 Meta (Stereophile KEF Blade 2 Meta Review). See the section Reflections and comparisons.

 

[2Sunny]

Yes. I owned the Revel Ultima2 Studios and reviewed the KEF Blade 2 Meta (Stereophile KEF Blade 2 Meta Review). See the section Reflections and comparisons.

Very enjoyable read. Thank you for the link.

 

[Bob from Florida]

I have heard the Studio 2's and Salon 1's in the same room. I have also heard the Blade Meta 2's in a completely different room/system. Preference was the Kef. The bass was substantially better on the Kef - deeper, more clearly defined impact. Probably totally room, but the Kef does not have that annoying door on the back of the Revels that squishes your cables if you try and close it.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I have heard the Studio 2's and Salon 1's in the same room. I have also heard the Blade Meta 2's in a completely different room/system. Preference was the Kef. The bass was substantially better on the Kef - deeper, more clearly defined impact. Probably totally room,.................................

Probably but I agree and now own the KEFs.

.................but the Kef does not have that annoying door on the back of the Revels that squishes your cables if you try and close it.

I am told that the doors are removeable but, when I tried to remove them, it required more force than I thought was safe.

 

[Champster]

Probably but I agree and now own the KEFs.

I am told that the doors are removeable but, when I tried to remove them, it required more force than I thought was safe.

I have Salon2s and feel they might be too big/tall for my 16’x18’x8’ room. I have them set at a 10’ triangle currently, but have tried them at 9’ too. They sound beautiful but I feel they would sound better in a larger room. Do you get that feeling from the Blade 2s? I also have Linkwitz LXminis that open up and present a gorgeous soundstage in my room, so I know it’s not the room. TIA.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I have Salon2s and feel they might be too big/tall for my 16’x18’x8’ room. I have them set at a 10’ triangle currently, but have tried them at 9’ too. They sound beautiful but I feel they would sound better in a larger room. Do you get that feeling from the Blade 2s? I also have Linkwitz LXminis that open up and present a gorgeous soundstage in my room, so I know it’s not the room. TIA.

I do think they would benefit from a larger room but that's what I have. A neighbor has just ordered a pair for his larger room and, when they arrive, I'll find out. /

 

[Champster]

I do think they would benefit from a larger room but that's what I have. A neighbor has just ordered a pair for his larger room and, when they arrive, I'll find out. /

Thanks! What are your room’s dimensions? I look forward to your review of your neighbor’s setup.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Thanks! What are your room’s dimensions? I look forward to your review of your neighbor’s setup.

24' L × 14' W × 8' H. Speakers at the front, across the width. No wall at rear which is completely open to 10' × 7' foyer and a 12' × 8' dining area.

 

[mns3dhm]

I own speakers made by Revel and KEF but not the models you’re inquiring about so I can’t offer any insights. I think you’d be happy with any of the models you’re considering; to that list I’d add the MoFi 888 as a possibility. As you’re in Westchester NY, it should be possible to audition at least some of these locally on tracks you know well. At some juncture you’re going to have to trust your ears and pick the one that you like best.