Philharmonic BMR tower vs Revel Salon 2. Worth the huge price difference.

[sneabs]

I have been looking at replacing my mains for some time. Also, still waiting on the reviews of the Arenal 1528’s.

There is a nice pair of the Revel Salon 2’s for $11,000 on us audio mart and a pair of philharmonics for $3000

Would the salons be slightly better than the bmr’s or would there be an $8000 dollar difference. Would the law of diminishing returns definitely be at play here.

 

[Astoneroad]

Negotiate the price of the Salons to $10k shipped and buy both pairs to compare. Then sell the Salons which will sound GREAT, but not
3x better GREAT (though I haven't heard the philharmonics personally). That's what I did... and believe it or not, I kept the F206's and sold the Salons and F208's. The Salons were $10k, the used 208s were $2500 and the 206's were $1200. Yes, the Salons were the best. Yes, the 208s packed more bass (punch), but the diminishing returns were SO apparent. The result is that I'm really happy that I've got such great sound and the balance of the $ in Treasury bonds... lol. I broke even on the Salons and 208s when I sold them on Usaudiomart. 208 ad Salons ad

The Salons live up to their reputation, imo... it just depends if the $/value means anything to you, which is sounds like it does from the title of this post.

 

[eddantes]

"would there be an $8000 dollar difference"

Does a monarch butterfly flapping its wings taste yellow? I think - "law of diminishing returns definitely be at play here" - when it comes to sound.

However - when it comes to resale - I bet you will have an easier time unloading the Salon's.

Not quite the same comparison - different BMRs. But the tilt suggests the BMRs will sound brighter.

I have a standing opinion: spend less and use the saving to buy presents for the loved ones.

 

[Astoneroad]

Does a monarch butterfly flapping its wings taste yellow?

Doesn't that depend on how fast the wings are beating, the speed traveled, and if it's flying toward or away from the observer... as well as the age of the butterfly in question. With butterflies and speakers... It's all a matter of taste... and spare change. I opted for the spare change. Your choice.

 

[Looneybomber]

Would the salons be slightly better than the bmr’s or would there be an $8000 dollar difference. Would the law of diminishing returns definitely be at play here.

The law of diminishing returns hits hard at about $10 for a bluetooth speaker so it really depends on what you want. Is a $100k car 10x faster than a $10k car? Is a $200 bottle of whiskey 10x better than a $20 bottle? No, but you may want each of them 10x more than the cheaper option. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[amper42]

I have been looking at replacing my mains for some time. Also, still waiting on the reviews of the Arenal 1528’s.

There is a nice pair of the Revel Salon 2’s for $11,000 on us audio mart and a pair of philharmonics for $3000

Would the salons be slightly better than the bmr’s or would there be an $8000 dollar difference. Would the law of diminishing returns definitely be at play here.

I have both the BMR Towers and the Revel F328Be. The Revel is definitely an upgrade. No doubt about it if you enjoy Jazz, Rock and Acoustic music. If you only listen to Classical then the BMR's will be a nice choice with a powerful amp. The other option is the Revel F228Be which offers 92% of what the F328Be provides. They are a tremendous value if you can find a new pair on sale for 6,000.

 

[Beave]

Yeah, whether or not it's worth the difference is purely a personal opinion and not something others can decide for you.

What I would say is to understand that, one, the Salon 2 is much bigger than the BMR tower, and two, it can probably play a lot louder without compression/distortion, but would need LOTS of amplifier power to do so.

So your particular use case matters. Big room? Like to play at really loud levels? Have a really powerful amp? Using subwoofers?

Here is a pic of the Revel 328Be next to the Phil BMR tower. The Salon2 is even bigger than the 328Be.

 

[amper42]

Yeah, whether or not it's worth the difference is purely a personal opinion and not something others can decide for you.

What I would say is to understand that, one, the Salon 2 is much bigger than the BMR tower, and two, it can probably play a lot louder without compression/distortion, but would need LOTS of amplifier power to do so.

So your particular use case matters. Big room? Like to play at really loud levels? Have a really powerful amp? Using subwoofers?

Here is a pic of the Revel 328Be next to the Phil BMR tower. The Salon2 is even bigger than the 328Be.

View attachment 407274

How funny those are my speakers.
@Beave is right about the Revels being much more capable at high volumes. The Revel F328 and F228Be are 6dB louder than the BMR Towers at the same volume level with the Purifi amp and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. The BMR Towers were never designed for high SPL sessions but with Classical music they offer a great sound even with no sub.

The Revel F328Be and F228Be are way more efficient and never seem to be working hard - even at high SPLs. They are a work of art. If you are looking for a beautiful, ballsy low end and a natural crisp sounding treble that sounds fabulous with highly rhythmic music the Revels would be my choice.

 

[tktran303]

When you compare BIG speakers, with BIGGER speakers, only you can decide how much is enough, or how much is too much.

The cost don’t go completely towards sonic improvements; massive, over-engineered cabinets with furniture grade finishes and fine detailing drives up the cost A LOT! (ask me how I know)

I auditioned the F328Be and liked it quite a bit, compared with Blade 2 (pictured off the far left)

But I found the B&W 801 D4 even better
(no picture shown).
But if I had to choose in terms of value for $,
I think the 802 D4 is better value, IMHO.

Or Philharmonic Audio’s TOTL HT Towers, plus a pair of 12” subwoofers…

 

[amper42]

When you compare BIG speakers, with BIGGER speakers, only you can decide how much is enough, or how much is too much?

The cost don’t always depend on the sonic improvements; furniture grade cabinetry drives up the cost A LOT!

In this case, the sonic differences between Revel and BMR Towers are BIG. For example:

1. The RAAL tweeter in the BMR is highly directional. You need to be seated at ear level to get the best sound. When you are up and walking around the room you instantly notice the difference in the tweeter sound versus sitting at ear level with RAAL. With the Revel F328Be, the tweeter sounds fabulous at ear level or when walking around the room. Very little difference in the quality of sound based on location. That one difference between the two speakers is very noticeable.

2. The BMR midrange is super omni directional. It offers a wonderful wide dispersion that can imitate a concert hall. While the Revel F328Be midrange and tweeter also offers wide dispersion its drivers offer better articulation and crispness at the listening position for highly rhythmic Jazz and Rock Music. Acoustic music also sounds refreshing. There is a totally different nuance to the music between these speaker designs. You can easily tell which is playing in an AB test. It's that different.

It's not just a matter of one plays louder than the other and that's the only difference. It's much more than that.
Revels will make you get up and dance with their enhanced articulation with syncopated music.
While BMR Towers will make you think you are in a concert hall with Classical music.
They are totally different beasts.

 

[tktran303]

Agreed. Directivity can be as important (or more important) than dynamic range.

I haven’t come to a conclusion what is more important. It perhaps depends on the room and listening material and personal tastes.

 

[Beave]

How funny those are my speakers.
@Beave is right about the Revels being much more capable at high volumes. The Revel F328 and F228Be are 6dB louder than the BMR Towers at the same volume level with the Purifi amp and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. The BMR Towers were never designed for high SPL sessions but with Classical music they offer a great sound even with no sub.

The Revel F328Be and F228Be are way more efficient and never seem to be working hard - even at high SPLs. They are a work of art. If you are looking for a beautiful, ballsy low end and a natural crisp sounding treble that sounds fabulous with highly rhythmic music the Revels would be my choice.

LOL, you busted me!

 

[Selkirks]

The cost don’t go completely towards sonic improvements; massive, over-engineered cabinets with furniture grade finishes and fine detailing drives up the cost

That contributed quite a bit to the cost when I owned these two.

 

[Mort]

New Philharmonic Audio BMR towers are about $4200 and you get a choice of finish, although I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pair used.

I don't own the BMR Tower or the Revel but I have the PA HT and BMR monitor. Amazing speakers. I have no interest in upgrading.