Revel Concerta2 F35, Arendal 1961 tower, KEF Q7 Meta or something else?

[deniall83]

I'm currently in the market for some new speakers and originally I had my heart set on the JBL L82 with stands. However, in Australia they are expensive and I'm struggling to justify the cost while living in an apartment. I mostly play music at lower volumes due to neighbours, and the apartment is mostly open plan. The listening position is approx 2.5m from where the speakers will be and there is a wall behind, and a glass door on one side. Not ideal I know, but all I have to work with for now. I have started looking at small floorstanding speakers and am considering the options in the title. However, I would love to know if there are others I should consider. I value good engineering and design and my budget would be about $3000 AUD. I could stretch it a bit if required to get something I'd be really happy with. I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I'm currently in the market for some new speakers and originally I had my heart set on the JBL L82 with stands. However, in Australia they are expensive and I'm struggling to justify the cost while living in an apartment. I mostly play music at lower volumes due to neighbours, and the apartment is mostly open plan. The listening position is approx 2.5m from where the speakers will be and there is a wall behind, and a glass door on one side. Not ideal I know, but all I have to work with for now. I have started looking at small floorstanding speakers and am considering the options in the title. However, I would love to know if there are others I should consider. I value good engineering and design and my budget would be about $3000 AUD. I could stretch it a bit if required to get something I'd be really happy with. I appreciate any help you can provide.

I am familiar with the Revel and KEF options but not the Arendal. The Revel and KEF exhibit 'good engineering' in reviews. I perceive slightly more 'focused' imaging from the coaxial design of KEF loudspeakers but cognitive bias may be in play. I see Amir has reviewed and recommends the center channel variant of the Arendal 1961. I think any of the three speakers would be a low-risk choice.

 

[staticV3]

The Revel has wide horizontal directivity - not favorable with a glass door to one side.

The Arendal has narrow horizontal directivity, but also ugly woofer cancellation in the vertical axis, which you'd want to absorb using thick rugs and ceiling clouds.

If that's impractical, then that leaves the KEF.

 

[deniall83]

Thanks all for the replies so far. I appreciate you taking the time.

 

[eddantes]

As an owner and as an ASR denizen - I believe F35 represents the largest "bang for the buck" in a floor standing speaker.

 

[tw 2022]

I've heard the f36s , I'd say that at used prices they'd be a good investment compared to most anything I know of.... The f35 are probably just as good of a value...