Revel Performa M22 Monitor Loudspeaker Reviewed
- By: Andrew Robinson,
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When it comes to high-performance monitor loudspeakers, $2,000 per pair seems to be the Holy Grail price most manufacturers aim for with many top-flight offerings in the class. Revel is no different, which is apparent with their new M22 two-way monitor loudspeaker, which retails for $2,200 a pair. The M22 builds on the success of the former F series loudspeakers from Revel, but don't call it an update, as the M22 is a whole new speaker design.
The M22 is a true two-way monitor, featuring a single six-and-a half-inch bass/midrange driver mated to a one-inch titanium dome and a wide dispersion tweeter. The M22 is compact, well-braced and features a fit and finish that defies its asking price. The cabinet itself comes in two finishes, black ash and cherry, though the entire cabinet is not wood veneer; the rear quarter of the M22 is finished in a smooth semi-gloss black, giving it a unique, sophisticated look. Along the M22's backside rests its flared bass port and single-wire binding posts and treble attenuation controls, a Revel Performa staple.
Additional Resources
• Read Andrew Robinson's Revel Ultima Studio2 Speaker Review here.
• Read a review of Revel's Concerta M12 bookshelf speakers.
• Read a review of Revel's Performa F52 speakers from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• See an entire archive of audiophile floorstanding speaker reviews on this resource page.
• Follow Steve Stone's audiophile blog at AudiophileReview.com.
The M22 has a stated in-room frequency response of 46Hz to 15kHz and a sensitivity rating of 85dB into an approximately six-ohm load. The M22 uses a high-order crossover set at roughly 2kHz. Due to the M22's relative lack of efficiency, you're going to need to bring a fair amount of quality power to the M22 party for them to sound their best and, for truly full-range performance, you'll want to pair the Revel monitors with a capable subwoofer.
High Points
• The M22s are sublime, sophisticated and poised little performers that make sweet music at a level unheard of at or around their $2,000 price point.
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Comment on this article
HI,
Oh I guess I did it all wrong .I traded a TT and 2 Carts 4 this speaker system ( with stands ).
I put the speakers on a shelf ( less stands ),In a small room 12'x10',4',2" from the floor.
No sub being run by a Jolida 302RBC tube int . amp ( about 40 W per side). AND WOW do these things sound SSWWWEEEETTT!!!!!. I will say that they are not house rockers BUT they do hold their own with ANY thing I throw at them.The M22's replaced a set of totem mites that I still use in the same room with an NAD T754 multi ch. reciver 4 my dvd and cable viewing( sub and all ) this sounds great also. I also used a set of Klipsh RB81 's at 97 db they were loud TOO much 4 this room so they are part of the living rm. system the rb81's were great but no where near the detail of the M22's.I just post this to say that with the adjustments on the rear of the M22's you may be plesently suprised with what you can do with these speakers or what these speakers can do 4 you.
Hope this helps others .,Thanks,Paul
Try a Levinson or Krell amp on the speakers and they will rock harder. Clearly, you would lose your tube sound which I personally love?
Perhaps some day you will have both?
Congrats on the upgrade!!!!
Try a Levinson or Krell amp on the speakers and they will rock harder. Clearly, you would lose your tube sound which I personally love?
Perhaps some day you will have both?
Congrats on the upgrade!!!!
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