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Revel F208 Tower Speaker Review

I have F208, C208 and C426Be. Tonality is *very* similar, but there is a difference in resolution/detail. It manages this without ever sounding bright or harsh.

Sensitivity is also higher compared to C208, but I don't know if that's true for F228Be.

F208 + C426Be is a great combination.
I've said this before, but: the F208's linked to a pair of the Benchmark AHB2 amps joined using Speakon speaker cables is simply magnificent. The frequency range is wider and very much worth an audition if your listening space allows.
 
I've said this before, but: the F208's linked to a pair of the Benchmark AHB2 amps joined using Speakon speaker cables is simply magnificent. The frequency range is wider and very much worth an audition if your listening space allows.
That is a very good power amp. I couldn't' afford at the time and ended up getting the second best- hypex ncx500
 
I had the F208 and F228Be. Yes the beryllium tweeter has lower distortion (per Revel) and sounds smoother. The other differences were the better midrange and bass. All not day and night differences but combined to make it a clearly better speaker.

The F228Be I felt was as good a speaker as I ever needed but eventually got the salons due to an opportunity.

F208 vs M126Be is an interesting battle because the midrange that makes the F228Be is not in the F126Be so I’m not clear on which would win. I tend to go for the towers and 3 or 4 way speakers.
Did you hear the F226BE ? Wonder how does it compares to the 228BE. Both 226be with 426be centre and 228be with 426be centre fits the budget. I wonder if the few grand extra on the 228BE will be beneficial in a 13x18ft / 4x5.5 m room.
 
Did you hear the F226BE ? Wonder how does it compares to the 228BE. Both 226be with 426be centre and 228be with 426be centre fits the budget. I wonder if the few grand extra on the 228BE will be beneficial in a 13x18ft / 4x5.5 m room.
I never heard the F226Be but it’s supposed to be very close to the F228Be in performance and exceeds it in imaging. It’s a much smaller speaker though - I remember the F206 and F208 side by side and the F208 was much larger (as large as the studio2). I honestly don’t think it’s worth the additional cost for the F228Be except for the looks. The F228Be is slightly compromised with it being a little smaller than the F208 depth wise. I think Revel did this to not cannibalize the studio2 so the bass is a little less than it could have been. The F226Be is exactly the same size as the F206 so no holding back there. That’s why they are closer in performance from what I recall (it was a while back).
 
I never heard the F226Be but it’s supposed to be very close to the F228Be in performance and exceeds it in imaging. It’s a much smaller speaker though - I remember the F206 and F208 side by side and the F208 was much larger (as large as the studio2). I honestly don’t think it’s worth the additional cost for the F228Be except for the looks. The F228Be is slightly compromised with it being a little smaller than the F208 depth wise. I think Revel did this to not cannibalize the studio2 so the bass is a little less than it could have been. The F226Be is exactly the same size as the F206 so no holding back there. That’s why they are closer in performance from what I recall (it was a while back).
So, today I heard the m126BE and got the taste of Revel . The details and instrument separation in compared to my s300 were much better . Ordered the 228be with 426be in walnut as price was good for that color.
 
So, today I heard the m126BE and got the taste of Revel . The details and instrument separation in compared to my s300 were much better . Ordered the 228be with 426be in walnut as price was good for that color.
That’s a great combo. That center I heard was phenomenal! I never got to experience it because I went from the C208 to the Voice2. Nice work!
 
That’s a great combo. That center I heard was phenomenal! I never got to experience it because I went from the C208 to the Voice2. Nice work!
Not to go too far off topic, but how would you characterize going from the C208 to the Voice2? Reason I ask is because I use the C208 with a set of Studio 2s with Gem2 surrounds. I listen to a lot of Atmos music as well as up mixed stereo using both Dolby Surround as well as Auro3D. I'm very happy with the sound as things stand but often wonder if I should be on the lookout for a Voice2 or perhaps consider the 426be given the prominence of the center.
 
Not to go too far off topic, but how would you characterize going from the C208 to the Voice2? Reason I ask is because I use the C208 with a set of Studio 2s with Gem2 surrounds. I listen to a lot of Atmos music as well as up mixed stereo using both Dolby Surround as well as Auro3D. I'm very happy with the sound as things stand but often wonder if I should be on the lookout for a Voice2 or perhaps consider the 426be given the prominence of the center.
Like you I was very happy with the C208. I planned on never upgrading to the voice2. I mainly did it for the aesthetics but yes there is a little difference since the voice2 is the studio2 rearranged. If you can get a nice deal then I’d say go for it but it’s not necessary. It’s actually a little narrower than the C208 so at first glance you might think it’s a downgrade .
 
Here are near-field measurements of F208:

(I forgot to measure the port)

F208 nearfield.png


Looks very similar to F228Be, as expected:

Revel F228Be Driver Frequency Response Measurements Speaker floor standing.png


 
My story is that I walked into my local dealer to buy M106s after doing all the research. I demoed them and then asked to demo the F206 just in case. The difference was striking. I'll avoid using all of the run-of-the-mill adjectives, but suffice it to say that the bookshelves sounded very small in comparison. I believe the issue was that the bookshelves couldn't put out enough mid-lows to create the density that I like. Both the M106s and F206s were crossed over to an SVS SB16. So I decided to buy the F206s. But I wasn't impressed by the matching center, the C205. I walked out and did more research and the consensus was that the C208 was worth the upgrade over the C205. Well, if I was getting the C208, then I can't have F206s, now could I? Amir's measurements of the F208s, plus the commentators in this thread, plus finding them used on Craigslist for a great price sold me on the F208s. I thought I might regret getting towers this big, but I don't at all. They are going to put a smile on my face for years to come. Now I'm just working on integrating my subs...
I know this is an old thread, but do you still have your F208
Thank you
 
I absolutely love my F208s, they replaced my old B&W 802D2 which costed 3xs as much and the Revels sound (to my ear) so much better / balanced. It is the best bargain in speakers I have encountered in 30+ years. They’re excellent!
Just out of curiosity do you still use the f208
Thanks
 
Hi, yes, I do. Love em!
Thank you for the reply. That’s great news as I ordered a pair this weekend. It seems some people prefer the f206 because of price and that the f208 does not perform that much better, especially in the lower octaves. What is your opinion on the two speakers in performance. I’ve learned a lot from this site, so much information it’s like reading a good book you just can’t put it down. All the best
 
So the dealer came back to me today and said they forgot to add shipping and tax 3893.00 shipped to my door from Austin to Houston Texas for the 208. I can’t seem to find another pair of 208 anywhere I was just wondering if this is a good deal. Or if anybody knows they can be found for a little cheaper.
Thanks Kblade

Typically, Harmon offers free shipping with speakers. They did on all mine from M105 to F228Be. That makes me think you may be buying used/demo inventory. I would suggest getting a quote from @amirm by sending him private mail here and see if he can't offer you a price that works well for you.
 
Typically, Harmon offers free shipping with speakers. They did on all mine from M105 to F228Be. That makes me think you may be buying used/demo inventory. I would suggest getting a quote from @amirm by sending him private mail here and see if he can't offer you a price that works well for you.
Thank you will do
 
The Revel Performa3 line of speakers is end-of-line and is discontinued. Revel has had close-out prices on this line for most of the last 2 years. The Revel msrp close-out price was $1950 each or $3900 a pair. Many dealers (and Revel) would include shipping in this price.

Dealers can no longer order these speakers from Revel, but some may have remaining stock. The price you've been quoted is ~ the close-out prices. Dealers may not have stock to 'exchange' speakers with problems.

Revel says they are working on a replacement Performa3 line, which may be announced in 2025. The pricier PerformaBe line, with the expensive Beryllium tweeters, is a current Revel line.

If you can get them, jump on them soon, before they are all gone. The F208s are a very good value at ~$4K. :cool:
 
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The Revel Performa line of speakers is end-of-line and is discontinued. Revel has had close-out prices on this line for most of the last 2 years. The Revel msrp close-out price was $1950 each or $3900 a pair. Many dealers (and Revel) would include shipping in this price.

Dealers can no longer order these speakers from Revel, but some may have remaining stock. The price you've been quoted is ~ the close-out prices. Dealers may not have stock to 'exchange' speakers with problems.

Revel says they are working on a replacement Performa line, which may be announced in 2025. The pricier PerformaBe line, with the expensive Beryllium tweeters, is a current Revel line.

If you can get them, jump on them soon, before they are all gone. The F208s are a very good value at ~$4K. :cool:

Gosh, if I was going to pay $4,000 for a pair of F208 with limited replacement issues, I would serious look at trying to find a pair of F228Be for $6,000. That deal was awesome! To be honest, I can't imagine replacing my F228Be with anything else even at 4x the price. They are that good!
 
The Revel Performa line of speakers is end-of-line and is discontinued. Revel has had close-out prices on this line for most of the last 2 years. The Revel msrp close-out price was $1950 each or $3900 a pair. Many dealers (and Revel) would include shipping in this price.

Dealers can no longer order these speakers from Revel, but some may have remaining stock. The price you've been quoted is ~ the close-out prices. Dealers may not have stock to 'exchange' speakers with problems.

Revel says they are working on a replacement Performa line, which may be announced in 2025. The pricier PerformaBe line, with the expensive Beryllium tweeters, is a current Revel line.

If you can get them, jump on them soon, before they are all gone. The F208s are a very good value at ~$4K. :cool:
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it.
 
Gosh, if I was going to pay $4,000 for a pair of F208 with limited replacement issues, I would serious look at trying to find a pair of F228Be for $6,000. That deal was awesome! To be honest, I can't imagine replacing my F228Be with anything else even at 4x the price. They are that good!
Aren’t they at least required to have warranty parts if they’re selling me these pair under warranty. I mean, I’ve never had a problem with a busted driver or blown driver, but you never know. I wouldn’t think they would continue to sell speakers and not be able to warranty drivers if something were to fail, or am I wrong?
 
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