2Sunny
Active Member
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:
Result: KEF may sound more “spacious” due to wide dispersion; Revel often sounds more neutral and balanced, especially in less-than-ideal rooms.
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.
You can compare measurements (e.g., on AudioScienceReview or Erin’s Audio Corner) to see the objective differences.
Do kef speakers sound different than revel speakers?
Yes, KEF and Revel speakers can sound different, and here's why:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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