Still have and love mine.
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Revel F208 Tower Speaker Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
Still have mine! Since 2022.
iNetRunner
Member
The thread is M8. I’m using Soundcare SuperSpikes on my F208. (That I still obviously use today.)
jwdevos
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. @Laserjock looking it up at IsoAcoustics was clever, that’s a good source to know.
@iNetRunner the SoundCare product looks very decent. Those might not have the perfect bottom surface to work with the tiles I have, but I’ll look into it.
Audio Physic also has a product that might be a good match, although I’d appreciate a bit larger diameter for additional stability.
www.audiophysic.com
Or maybe something simple like this, just have to add the M8 bolts. The hole in this example is slightly to small to accommodate M8 bolts, but I’m sure a similar product in the right size could be found.
@iNetRunner the SoundCare product looks very decent. Those might not have the perfect bottom surface to work with the tiles I have, but I’ll look into it.
Audio Physic also has a product that might be a good match, although I’d appreciate a bit larger diameter for additional stability.
DCF II M8 - Audio Physic Loudspeaker
www.audiophysic.com
Or maybe something simple like this, just have to add the M8 bolts. The hole in this example is slightly to small to accommodate M8 bolts, but I’m sure a similar product in the right size could be found.
I used the IsoAcoustic Gaia footers when I still had my F208s to good effect.Thanks for the suggestions everyone. @Laserjock looking it up at IsoAcoustics was clever, that’s a good source to know.
@iNetRunner the SoundCare product looks very decent. Those might not have the perfect bottom surface to work with the tiles I have, but I’ll look into it.
Audio Physic also has a product that might be a good match, although I’d appreciate a bit larger diameter for additional stability.
DCF II M8 - Audio Physic Loudspeaker
Or maybe something simple like this, just have to add the M8 bolts. The hole in this example is slightly to small to accommodate M8 bolts, but I’m sure a similar product in the right size could be found.
Still proudly owner since 2021, and looking at spinorama.org it's still a best buy. Few speakers have better preference score but are generally more expensive (e.g. Kef Blade 2 meta) with few exceptions (Kef Q11 and R5) having a bit less base extension.
Ranking table of speaker's measurements
www.spinorama.org
jwdevos
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I have an option to buy a pair of F208 for 2k EUR. They were built in 2021, still in pristine condition.
Something worries me however. I’ve read all F208 threads on ASR, and most of the other Revel information as well. There are some horror stories about broken drivers, misbehaving drivers, and failed crossover components. With difficulty to service on top of that, causing one member to chip the finishing on his speaker.
Maybe it’s statistically unlikely that I’ll run into a problem like this, I can’t really judge that. It’s possible though that a second hand pair, even in good condition, has a problem. Especially if the seller hasn’t noticed yet because he isn’t into things like measurements and room correction.
I’ve been in touch with a reseller and a local distributor and am assuming I can somehow acquire spare parts if necessary. I’m skilled/unafraid enough to attempt repairs myself. I don’t know how to perform measurements yet, but I could learn and already have a calibrated mic from AudioVero.
Still, would it be worth the gamble and potential hassle? When buying them for 2k EUR, I’m inclined to say yes. I was actually shopping for a new pair, but that’s become impossible in Europe. Of course, even a new pair could have problems, but then the reseller could assist in getting it resolved.
Another option, if I decide quickly, is to buy an ex-demo pair of F328Be for ~12k. That’s more than double the budget I had in mind though, when a properly functioning pair of F208 would probably make me very happy for decades.
Still another option is to go for MoFi 888 or V10, which have better availability (and support?) in Europe. From what I’ve seen, component quality (like crossovers) is better on the MoFi’s too. Which feels like it lessens the risk of malfunction to me.
There’s always KEF, but their aesthetics don’t really do it for me, and if I’m not mistaken the bass is better in the Revels and MoFi’s in my price range.
Something worries me however. I’ve read all F208 threads on ASR, and most of the other Revel information as well. There are some horror stories about broken drivers, misbehaving drivers, and failed crossover components. With difficulty to service on top of that, causing one member to chip the finishing on his speaker.
Maybe it’s statistically unlikely that I’ll run into a problem like this, I can’t really judge that. It’s possible though that a second hand pair, even in good condition, has a problem. Especially if the seller hasn’t noticed yet because he isn’t into things like measurements and room correction.
I’ve been in touch with a reseller and a local distributor and am assuming I can somehow acquire spare parts if necessary. I’m skilled/unafraid enough to attempt repairs myself. I don’t know how to perform measurements yet, but I could learn and already have a calibrated mic from AudioVero.
Still, would it be worth the gamble and potential hassle? When buying them for 2k EUR, I’m inclined to say yes. I was actually shopping for a new pair, but that’s become impossible in Europe. Of course, even a new pair could have problems, but then the reseller could assist in getting it resolved.
Another option, if I decide quickly, is to buy an ex-demo pair of F328Be for ~12k. That’s more than double the budget I had in mind though, when a properly functioning pair of F208 would probably make me very happy for decades.
Still another option is to go for MoFi 888 or V10, which have better availability (and support?) in Europe. From what I’ve seen, component quality (like crossovers) is better on the MoFi’s too. Which feels like it lessens the risk of malfunction to me.
There’s always KEF, but their aesthetics don’t really do it for me, and if I’m not mistaken the bass is better in the Revels and MoFi’s in my price range.
big part of the equation is sound dispersion and the room too, i would look into that as well. if your side walls will be close enough to speakers -narrower dispersion might be better, more room -more dispersion could be better,
wider vs narrower dispersion is subjective, but i can say from recent experinece on my own preference, and i do really enjoy concert recordings with wider dispersion (or at least even and wide enough)
wider vs narrower dispersion is subjective, but i can say from recent experinece on my own preference, and i do really enjoy concert recordings with wider dispersion (or at least even and wide enough)
jwdevos
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@kma100 That’s a fair challenge. Some additional context is appropriate. I’m looking for a pair of end game (for me) speakers, to use for stereo music without the added complexity of integrating subwoofers. That points me to towers that measure well and extend reasonably low. Besides that, wide dispersion for easier integration in a large-ish living room. I’m on the road for a couple of weeks but I might measure, draw and simulate the room later on.
I plan to apply EQ based on spinorama data, then room correction with Dirac or maybe actually read my copy of Mitch’s book and go manual with Audiolense.
Based on the above, I figure F208’s would be good enough for me to provide years of enjoyment. I can’t buy them new in Europe however, and even chances to buy them used are scarce. So if my opportunity to buy the pair I’m currently eyeing falls through, or I decide against it over reliability risks, I’ll have to spend at least 5k to 6k EUR on something with similar performance. This was basically the budget I had in mind. Doubling that to buy a pair of F328’s is more of a last resort and would be difficult for me.
There are stores within a two hour drive where I could listen to KEF R11 Meta and LS60, and MoFi 888. Revel not so much, except that last pair of F328Be if I’m lucky and it’s still available after I’m back from traveling. In any case, auditioning speakers wouldn’t tell me everything, the stores room is not gonna be my room, and I can’t really be measuring and EQ’ing in there.
Philharmonics and Ascend also sell some good options within my budget, but those don’t really make sense being based in Europe.
Besides the LS60’s, I’ve looked at Neumann KH420 and Genelec 8361. Those options stretch the budget a lot too though, and I’d rather not choose an active option. My hearing is sensitive, and my JBL 305P and 308P have a lot of hiss. Neumann and Genelec might be better, but I’m still not sure about those for the living room. Also, I enjoy building high-end DIY amps like Hypex Nilai and Neurochrome Modulus, thus it would be sensible to actually use my builds.
So, I think a pair of F208’s would be good for me. I’m just hoping to be reassured about the quality control risks. Or perhaps warned against them. Lots of happy F208 listeners in this thread though, I’m inclined to just take the plunge.
I plan to apply EQ based on spinorama data, then room correction with Dirac or maybe actually read my copy of Mitch’s book and go manual with Audiolense.
Based on the above, I figure F208’s would be good enough for me to provide years of enjoyment. I can’t buy them new in Europe however, and even chances to buy them used are scarce. So if my opportunity to buy the pair I’m currently eyeing falls through, or I decide against it over reliability risks, I’ll have to spend at least 5k to 6k EUR on something with similar performance. This was basically the budget I had in mind. Doubling that to buy a pair of F328’s is more of a last resort and would be difficult for me.
There are stores within a two hour drive where I could listen to KEF R11 Meta and LS60, and MoFi 888. Revel not so much, except that last pair of F328Be if I’m lucky and it’s still available after I’m back from traveling. In any case, auditioning speakers wouldn’t tell me everything, the stores room is not gonna be my room, and I can’t really be measuring and EQ’ing in there.
Philharmonics and Ascend also sell some good options within my budget, but those don’t really make sense being based in Europe.
Besides the LS60’s, I’ve looked at Neumann KH420 and Genelec 8361. Those options stretch the budget a lot too though, and I’d rather not choose an active option. My hearing is sensitive, and my JBL 305P and 308P have a lot of hiss. Neumann and Genelec might be better, but I’m still not sure about those for the living room. Also, I enjoy building high-end DIY amps like Hypex Nilai and Neurochrome Modulus, thus it would be sensible to actually use my builds.
So, I think a pair of F208’s would be good for me. I’m just hoping to be reassured about the quality control risks. Or perhaps warned against them. Lots of happy F208 listeners in this thread though, I’m inclined to just take the plunge.
iNetRunner
Member
@jwdevos The mounting hole on those specific cheap rubber feet you linked, obviously is 6.5mm. So, 8mm screw isn’t going to fit without drilling. Though, you might be able to simply rest the rounded end of the supplied feet on the hole. (If you don’t need to move the speakers, that could work just fine.)
Looking at HifiShark. Yes, there’s currently just one pair of F208 (in Germany) available in Europe. Last year there also weren’t too many around, but there were few. (They stayed on market from just a short while, to a maximum of six months.)
Looking at HifiShark. Yes, there’s currently just one pair of F208 (in Germany) available in Europe. Last year there also weren’t too many around, but there were few. (They stayed on market from just a short while, to a maximum of six months.)
jwdevos
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2024
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@iNetRunner I found a good deal on those Audio Physic feet I linked, they seem like a good match. Regarding those cheap rubber feet: the clearance size for an M8 bolt is 9mm. I would consider drilling them. The total clearance for the metal in between the rubber is 14mm. The head of an M8 allen key bolt is 13mm, leaving an overlap of 2mm all around to catch on the metal part of the feet. As the bolt carries only the weight of the feet, I think it would be an acceptable solution. The Audio Physic feet probably provide a bit better acoustic isolation, though I can't judge how much of a difference that would make. The cheap rubber feet are marketed as flight case feet, probably sturdy enough but a different use case.
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