One of the key differences of larger and more expensive Revel speakers is they possess controlled directivity down to lower frequencies. Related, larger speakers can also have narrower directivity across a swath of the spectrum compared to smaller speakers.
This seems to be one of the differentiating qualities of larger speakers beyond the frequency response and SPL handling, that might make these sound better than something like a KEF R3 with a beautiful spin.
Yep. The differences between larger speakers and smaller that are otherwise similar such as the Revel family, seem to be controlled directivity lower in frequency, higher SPL, and extended low frequency response.
In the case of the Revels, I don't think lower controlled directivity plays too much of a role. The difference in speaker (baffle) width is only about 4" from Salon2 & 328, to 206.
That's might lower pattern control frequency a fat 100Hz around the 500Hz or so zip code. Not too big a deal I think.
SPL and bass extension do seem to be a bigger deal, especially for the 328 vs 206 (salon SPL less so due to it's lower sensitivity.)
The 328 with 91dB sensitivity and 300W amp recommendation, should be good for 116dB peaks.
The 206's numbers 88dB sens, and 200W, fall in at about 108dB peaks.
Knocking (you choose) 18 to 12 dB off those peak numbers for average SPL at 1m, that has no peak compression.
leaves the 328 with pure clean 104-98dB SPL, and the 206 with 96-90dB. That's a big difference sonically ime/imo.
Like wise the 328 extend f-3 to 35Hz, and the 206 just goes to f-3 @ 52Hz. Another big sonic difference.
My take is maximum unclipped/uncompressed SPL handling both average and peaks, all the way down to f-3....
....is probably more important than very good spins. I think once spins make it to the no glaring problems stage, SPL and bass extension take over.
