How does Revel Ult. Salon II compare to B&W 800D?


I have been researching speakers for my home system and thought that I would only look at B&W 800D, 801D, or 802D. But I received so many e-mails recommending the Revel Ultima Salon II that I thought some of you folks might have compared the two. I'll be powering the speakers with a pair of McIntosh 501s. Thanks for your insights.
joeswest

Showing 1 response by yyz

I compared the Salon1 (owned 5 years), Studio2 (audition), B&W 802D (audition), Klipish P-39F (audition), and Thiel CS 3.7 (auditioned a few times) over the last 6 months. The Thiel was an easy choice for my musical tastes. I listen to mostly Rock, Pop and Reggae, and occasionally other genres.

You should check this speaker out for yourself. I won't go into superlatives because the sound is subjective to each person's hearing. I loved this speaker because it gave such a great emotional connection to the music.

Though I think the bass is very good on the Thiel, especially with a powerful amp, it was not as amazing as on the Salon1. A sub would likely equal things out but the current package is already pretty amazing.

BTW - I thought the upper frequencies on the Studio2 was better than on the Salon1. I imagine it would be just as good for the Salon2.

Another 2 cents: At the store that sold the Klipish they had the KEF 207/2 speaker. I wanted to hear that after I heard the Klipish but I got carried away listening to the Klipish and I run out of time. The store owner told me that he had owned the KEF 207/2 previously and changed them for the new Klipish P-39F. He told me that the KEF's were a little darker sounding than the Klipish and he preferred them to the KEF's.