Introduction

Last year, we published a review of the Revel Concerta F12 speakers by Michael Galvin. Michael tells you much about Revel, the company, the new testing lab, and a variety of other valuable information.

At the risk of sounding redundant, however, let me also throw in my praise for Revel, which, although not very old, is a very well respected speaker manufacturer that I've always admired, recently hearing again for myself the beauty of the reference Ultima Salon speakers that are not only gorgeous looking, but sound superb.

A brief history of my experience with Concerta started with my first hearing them at CES back in January of 2005. It was a tight hotel room, and the place was packed, with others waiting in line outside. I immediately put Concerta on my must review list. Thus began my requests for review samples from Andrew Clark, the VP of Marketing at Harman.

Although Michael's review concentrated on the Concerta's top-of-the-line F12 for two-channel material, this review further expounds on the new Revel line for a complete home theater setup.

In fact that may be the first point I’d like to make about Concerta, the line is very complete. Available are; the F12 floor-standing speakers, the M12 monitor speakers, the C12 center channel, a subwoofer the B12, and the versatile bipole/dipole S12 surrounds. For a surround system, you might choose four F12s or two F12s with two M12 monitors for surrounds, etc.

Revel positions this line for almost anyone, including those with modest receivers. Passing down the research and developed in the higher lines such as Performa and Ultima, Concerta benefits substantially. Drivers all have oversized magnetic assemblies, while crossover tolerances are kept tight, within 5%.

The Design

The Concerta styling hardly reminds you of the sensuous curves and soft edges afforded in the higher end Revels, such as the Ultima. The Concerta line has cherry vinyl veneer, but it is impeccably accomplished, and looks almost indistinguishable from the real wood. The only difference you might notice is that the Concerta veneer won't stain from a wine glass sitting on it. The entire line is available in cherry, maple, or traditional black.

The S12 surrounds on the other hand, are all white (available in black too), including a seamless white fabric cover that wraps the three sides. These seem to have been thought of as blending perhaps architecturally.

Other than the floor-standing F12s and the wall-mounted S12s, steel stands are available with the Concerta line. Very much like the simplicity of the speakers, the accompanying stands are functional. Although sturdy and complete with wire management, nonetheless the tubular design does not draw attention.

If you only wanted to know what I didn't like about Concerta, read no further. It's only accolades I'm afraid.

Click Here to Go to Part II.