Speakers better than Revel Salon 2

Salon 2s are very hard to beat.

KEF Reference series have slightly better measurements due to the nature of the coaxial driver leads to uniform dispersion, the sound power/directivity is smoother than the Salon 2s because of the better vertical axis dispersion. But with coaxial drivers you generally trade off the smoother sound power for some mid-range dynamics because the midrange driver in a coaxial is designed for limited excursion (a moving waveguide is not a good thing...). The previous KEF series 207/2 along with Salon 2 were the co-winners the Stereophile products of the year in Class A. While Revel hasn’t refreshed their Ultima lineup since, KEF has come out with the new Reference series.

TAD Reference series are also great and would be an upgrade in a similar vein to the KEFs, although they are much pricier.

I owned the salon 2 and listened to them in several different systems. The fact that the speakers sounded different in every system and during my ownership they were able to show the different recording techniques was pretty impressive. I did find a pair of usher BE-20 DMD's were much more efficient so were an easier load and played louder in my room. There's also less transparent speakers that'll make those old 70's Zep  recordings more musical, but better...idk

I really like the Salon 2's and if/when I can do a serious upgrade I think they will probably be my choice. Here are some alternatives I've heard at audio shows that stood out.

Same Ballpark (or cheaper)
Dynaudio Contour 60 ($10K).
Golden Ear Triton 1 ($10k)

Somewhat More Pricey
Rockport Atria II ($26k).

Very Pricey
MBL 101E Mk II ($70k)
Sonus Faber Aida ($130k)
Raidho - several models
Borreson - several models

Eye Twitch
Von Schweikert Ultra 11
YG Sonja 

You may ask


https://forum.audiogon.com/users/whitecamaross

Yes, the Salon 2’s have been around a very long time- but they were and remain excellent