Revel f12 owners....


Just curious what others auditioned before taking the plunge...I was impressed with what I heard...I ultimately went with another Harmon product...Infinity Primus 360/362 tower...very similar configuration/ construction to f12s...anybody done an informal comparison?...
phasecorrect

Showing 8 responses by phasecorrect

Thanks Kid...I used to own the Beta 50s as well as the Interlude 40s...both at higher price points then the P362...the Primus is a much more balanced, musical speaker...the excessive bass/mid-bass bloat of those made for a challenging listen at times...the Primus still retains the soft treble/warm bass/smooth presentation Infinity is known for...albeit far more neutral this time around...soundstaging, imaging, and transparency are excellent...I have no doubt the F12s are a better speaker...but the Primus are an exceptional value...Stereophile got it right...as measurements don't lie...
Update: After auditioning some F12s yet again...following thoughts on them vs Primus 362...the F12s have the edge in deep bass response...but the effect is not dramatic...touch more transparent/detailed in the midrange...but again, splitting hairs as the 362s are no slouch in this area...imaging and soundstaging are a virtual dead heat...as these are the 362s strenghths...their soundstage L-R width is really quite impressive...more so given the price point...they both are a bit on the polite side...but the difference between the two is closer than many would think...the Revels did receive a full grade(B) above the Primus in Stereophile...which means they are both excellent products
Another big bonus at this price point...Primus 362s have an abnormally large sweet spot...I assume to the wide dispersion characteristics noted in Stereophile...they really do a nice job of creating a "wall of sound" as a friend of mine suggested...far from perfect...lively cabinet...which Im surprised Harman didn't address...they obviously were aware of it...possibly price driven...but it doesn't seem to alter the good things the Primus are able to accomplish
Kid...not taking any thunder form the F12s...your happy with your purchase...I am happy with mine...362/363 share the same specs...which are very similar to the 360 reviewed in Stereophile...the Primus 36X models are extremely flat as well...they both have the benefit of Harmon's deep pockets testing facility...I just couldn't afford the 1k or more difference for the F12s...so I settled for the Primus...which isn't a bad compromise...enjoy your Revels my friend....
Final update for those curious about Primus line...more money will get one improved transparency, higher resolution,deeper bass,improved cosmetics, etc...however...as mentioned...the real strength of the budget design is in the imaging/soundstaging arena...this is where the speaker can compete comfortably with far pricier models...however lets be clear: don't expect 2k Sonus Faber sound for $600 MSRP...that being said... I prefer a BIG sonic picture...and the Primus offers a nearly full range depiction with a very nice separation of instruments...and a level of involvement and musicality that is virtually non-existence at its price point...one could go the reference monitor route with improved detail,etc...but once one factors in stands and a musical sub...the Primus becomes almost a no-brainer in terms of price vs Performance...I acquired a second pair in case Harmon ever decides to discontinue the line....
Interesting...I auditioned the MG 12s a few years back...as a friend had the 1.6s...and it really depends on your musical taste...I primarily listen to classic rock, new wave, electronica, reggae, etc...not really the strength of small planar speakers...they did sound amazing on vocals, small jazz ensembles, acoustic material, etc...add to the fact they are tricky to mate with subs...I passed
Revels are unique at their price point as the have no glaring weaknesses...and excel in many areas...they also cover a wide frequency range and don't require a sub or stands...outstanding value...Primus has same principles but executed through Chinese production to reduce cost...although I believe the F series is made in Mexico...still they are a lot of speaker for the money...I still have my Interlude 30s which are far more attractive than the Primus but not nearly as musical...there is something going on with P36x series that really make unique...one of the better Infinity products in the last decade IMHO