Hello,

I have been looking for new main and center speakers for the past year now and I have narrowed the list down to these options: Axiom M80’s and VP150 or Revel F12 and C12. Here are my thoughts so far:

Axioms ($1,700 total)
- Price is right
- Have not heard them
- I like the fit and finish from what I see
- VP 150 center – 3way?
- Like the driver array on the M80’s
- VP 150 off axis sound good?
- Quality materials used?
i.e. Die cast frames for drives?
Butyl rubber surrounds?

Revels ($1,700 total)
- Have heard them and liked the sound
- Do not like the look of the speakers
- Like the 3-way center and driver array
- Looks like an Infinity Beta speaker dressed up to look like a Revel. I do not like Infinity speakers.
- Quality materials are used



I keep going back and forth between these two speakers. I cannot afford to buy both and audition side by side (plus the Revel dealer charges a hefty restocking fee on returns). Any thought on these two models I am looking at?

I listen to a wide variety of music in all genres. I prefer female vocalists and I am on a big Celtic kick right now. These speakers will be running off of an HK AVR520 which has 75 watts per channel in surround and 85 watts in stereo.

I know this may be a little biased being an Axiom forum, but I find that most people are pretty thoughtful in their responses and I look forward to any insights that people can give.

Thanks,

Don

Well, I haven't heard those Revels, but 2 of the best systems I've heard were using Revel Ultimas on the one hand and M80s on the other. I'm guessing the M80s are a little better than the Concerta series.

However, you should know that the VP150 is not 3 way.

Check the audition list to see if anyone has M80s near you.

I have not heard the Revels so can't help with the comparison, but as far as I know the VP150 is a 2-way, not 2-1/2 or 3 way.

Welcome Don,

Can't comment on the Revel's, never demo'd them...you could check the Audition thread in the Hearing Things section to see if someone is in your area and let you have a listen..

Randy

ps: Also, the Axiom Factory Outlet on the "Store" page will save you 10%.

Hello Corsabrin,

I really think you should check the thread in Hearing Things and see if you can find someone in your area where you can audition the Axioms.

That said, Revel speakers are designed by Kevin Voecks, who spent part of his career in Canada designing for Mirage. While there, he did work at the NRC where Axiom prototypes were developed and tested. Kevin left Mirage and designed some excellent speakers for Snell, then went to Revel.

I've heard the expensive Revels and they're very good--they have the same neutrality and transparency that the Axioms possess, and of course they are much more costly.

I've not heard the specific Concerta models you mention. Revel is owned by Harman International, who owns Infinity, so they may share some components, although Harman tends to let its individual companies run their own shows with little or no cross-pollination.

Given the costs of dealer maintenance, I doubt that the low-priced Revels would match the Axiom's performance, but that's just speculation on my part.

Regards,