Revel Gem 2 User Manual

Revel

Gem

®

2 Loudspeaker

Owner’s Manual

®

Ultima

Harman Specialty Group
3 Oak Park Drive
Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.revelspeakers.com

Customer Service
Telephone: [phone]
Sales Fax: [phone]
Service Fax: [phone]
Product Shipments:
HSG/Revel
Returns Dept.
RMA #
801 S. 75th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85043

Part No. 361560-001 | Rev 1 | 12/07

“Revel,” “Ultima Salon,” “Ultima Voice”, “Ultima Studio,” “Ultima Gem,”and the Revel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Harman
International Industries, Inc. U.S. patent numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending.

©2007 Harman International Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman Specialty Group. The information it contains is subject to
change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.

Introduction REVEL Ultima Gem2

DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS

This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the REVEL Ultima Gem2 Speaker. It is important to read this
user guide before attempting to use the product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions.

The following symbols are used in the document:

Appears on the component to indicate the
presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage
inside the enclosu
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Appears on the component to indicate
important operating and maintenance
instructions in the accompanying literature.

re – voltage that may be

WARNING

CAUTION!

Note:

Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury
or death.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
damage or destruction to part or all of the
product.

Calls attention to information that is essential to
highlight.

Table of Contents

ABOUT REVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About Revel Ultima2 Loudspeakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About the Gem2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Product Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What’s in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cabinet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Driver Compliment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Filter Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rear and Front Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . 12

Loudspeaker Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Loudspeaker Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Listening Room Acoustics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Acoustic Treatment Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MAKING CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Single Wire Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Bi-Wired Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Vertical Bi-Amplified Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Horizontal Bi-Amplified Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . 21

Loudspeaker Volume Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Gem2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Gem2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

OBTAINING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Product Shipment Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Wall-mounting Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Ultima Gem® 2 Pedestal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Ultima Gem2
Owner’s Manual

3

4

Ultima Gem2

Owner’s Manual

Congratulations and Thank You for purchasing your new Revel
Ultima Gem® 2 Loudspeakers. Please take the time to read the
following installation and setup information in order to optimize
your enjoyment of your new loudspeakers.

the standard-setting acoustic performance of the Ultima2 Series
Loudspeakers. The attractive rounded shape of the loudspeaker
cabinet design contribute to their superb off-axis response while
their single-piece, nine-layer construction results in an extremely
inert enclosure.

ABOUT REVEL

Since 1996, Revel has stood at the forefront of loudspeaker design
and performance. Backed by Harman International’s world
leading research and design facilities, Revel loudspeakers benefit
from cutting-edge resources such as:

•Multiple large anechoic chambers which allow for

precise testing and measurements.

•A multi-channel listening lab for double-blind, position

independent listening tests.

•A laser interferometer that enables detailed driver and

cabinet analysis.

• Finite element analysis, utilized for advanced

loudspeaker modeling.

•A stereo lithography apparatus, which rapidly “builds”

tooled parts.

ABOUT REVEL ULTIMA2 LOUDSPEAKERS

The Revel Ultima2 Series Loudspeakers exemplify subtle elegance
with their smooth, rounded shapes, easily blending into a wide
variety of decors. Available in either a high-gloss mahogany
veneer or high-gloss black finish, the Revel Ultima2 Loudspeakers
will be a welcome compliment to any fine home. The elegant
shape extends to their magnetically attached grilles, which
eliminates the need for any unsightly attachment hardware. The
acoustically optimized baffles offer eye-pleasing shapes when the
loudspeakers are used without their gilles. In fact, the complex
computer designed baffles drastically reduce diffraction. Such
unparalleled freedom from diffraction is a major contributor to

New transducers were designed from “the ground up” specifically
for the Ultima2 Series. Featuring dual neodymium magnetic
motor systems with sophisticated distortion reduction
mechanisms, titanium diaphragms, and oversized voice coils, the
Ultima2 Series woofers and mid-ranges represent the cutting edge
in transducer design. The new 1-inch tweeter, common to all four
Ultima2 Series loudspeakers, sets the standard for breathtaking
transparency and low coloration with its pure beryllium dome
and third-generation waveguide.

Using advanced CAD modeling and testing resources, Revel has
achieved demonstrably superior sound quality. Our unique
double-blind listening test facilities prove their superiority over all
competitors and Revel’s development process goes well beyond
proving superior performance. An exclusive “tuning” process is
used in producing each and every Ultima2 series loudspeaker,
matching its performance to the original reference prototype to
within a fraction of a decibel. Music and cinema sound lovers can
rest assured that their Ultima2 series loudspeakers sound as great
as the laboratory reference.

Ultima Gem2
Owner’s Manual

5

ABOUT THE GEM2

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Incorporating all the latest advancements of the new Ultima2
series, the Gem2 provides unprecedented performance in such a
small form factor. The Ultima Gem2 is a 3-way loudspeaker,
which can either be wall-mounted or mounted on an optional
pedestal. The low profile of the Gem2 when wall-mounted allows
their use as state of-the-art flat panel display loudspeakers.
Although the Gem2 Loudspeakers are compact, their 3-way
design utilizes an 8” woofer with a 2” voice coil wound with
ribbon wire, providing astonishing output with both low
dynamic compression and distortion.

The Gem2 is equally optimized for use as a Left/Right
loudspeaker in a two-channel system or as a surround
loudspeaker with just a “flip of a switch”, offering ideal timbre
matching with other Revel Ultima2 Series Loudspeakers. Close
timbre matching is especially important for multi-channel music
reproduction, which can only be achieved with very high-quality
monopole loudspeakers. Further, the expanded use of surround
channels by film sound mixers has increased the importance of
accurate timbre reproduction from surround loudspeakers.
Listening to a multi-channel system utilizing Revel Ultima Gem2
loudspeakers as surround loudspeakers is truly a breathtaking
experience.

• (1) Gem2 Loudspeaker

• (1) Grille

• (1) Gem2 Owners Manual

• (1) Wall Mount Bracket

• (1) Wall Mount Bracket Template

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Pedestal (Please refer to Appendix B)

WALL MOUNTING

For detail instructions on mounting your Gem2 upon a wall,
please refer to the directions in Appendix A.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register the Gem2 within 15 days of purchase. To do so,
register online at the www.revelspeakers.com website or call
Harman Specialty Group Customer Service. Retain the
original, dated sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

6

Ultima Gem2

Owner’s Manual

UNPACKING

The Gem2 requires special care and handling during unpacking.
Pay particular attention to the precautions that appear in this
section and throughout this owner’s manual.

Warning

The speaker will not stand on its own. Be sure to keep it
stable and supported while removing the packing
material.

To unpack the loudspeaker perform the following steps:

7. Remove the cloth cover and carefully remove the tape from
the red protective tweeter cover.

Caution

Use caution not to touch or allow any object or liquid to come
in contact with the Beryllium tweeter dome. Variations in its
finish are normal. Any attempt to clean the tweeter dome will
result in damage, which is not covered under the limited
warranty.

After unpacking the unit, carefully inspect the contents. If you
discover any damage, immediately contact your Revel dealer for
further assistance. .

1. Place the loudspeaker carton in an upright position, as
indicated by the “This Side Up” indications on the carton.

2. Open the flaps as shown in Figure 1, Step 1, on the next page.

3. Without allowing the flaps to close invert the carton onto a
carpeted area or soft cloth so that the open flaps of the box
are on the bottom. Be careful to keep the loudspeaker within
the box as you are tilting it onto the floor.

4. Lift the box off the loudspeaker and place it aside, Figure 1,
Step 2. Ensure that the speaker remains stable while the
carton is lifted off.

5. Carefully lift the loudspeaker into an upright position and
then remove the foam packing strips from the top. Slide the
grille carton out of the remaining center and bottom foam
packing material. Remove the center section of packing foam
by carefully sliding it up, and off the loudspeaker. Use caution
to avoid damaging the transducers while removing the foam
packaging, Figure 1, Step 3.

6. Place the loudspeaker on its back and carefully slide off the
remaining foam packing material.

Keep all packing materials for future shipping.

In the unlikely event a product will need repair. Revel will only
accept a unit in its original shipping carton. Using any other
packing materials may result in damage to the product and will
void the warranty. See Service Information for additional details.

2

Figure 1: Unpacking Instructions

2

1

3

Ultima Gem2
Owner’s Manual

7

LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW

CABINET

The Revel Gem2 Loudspeakers exemplify subtle elegance, which
easily blend in with a wide variety of decors. Available in either a
high-gloss mahogany veneer or a high-gloss black finish, Gem2
Series Loudspeaker will be a welcome compliment to any home.
The Gem2 reduces cabinet-induced colorations with 1-inch
(25mm) thick walls and extensive internal bracing. Adjustable
combination spikes/glides can be attached to the bottom of the
optional pedestal for optimal stability, accommodating
installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors.

The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not require routine
maintenance. Cabinet surfaces that have been marked with
dust, fingerprints, or other dirt can be cleaned using a soft cloth
and high-quality wax.

• To clean the cabinet, apply furniture polish to a soft cloth

then use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet surface. Use
care to avoid coming into contact with the tweeter dome or
any of the other drivers.

• To clean the grille, gently vacuum using a soft-bristled

brush vacuum attachment.

Caution

Use caution not to touch or allow any object or liquid to come
in contact with the Beryllium tweeter dome. Variations in its
finish are normal. Any attempt to clean the tweeter dome will
result in damage which is not covered under the limited
warranty. To prevent cabinet damage, do not use a cloth made
with steel wool or metal polish to clean the cabinet. To prevent
possible transducer damage, do not apply furniture polish
directly to the cabinet or on the tranducers.

8

Ultima Gem2

Owner’s Manual

Figure 2: Gem2 Loudspeaker (Pedestal Option) Figure 3: Gem2 Loudspeaker (Wallmount)

1

1

1

2

1

3

2

3

Driver Compliment

1. (1) 1-inch (25mm) Beryllium tweeter

2. (1) 4-inch (102mm) midrange

3. (1) 8-inch (203mm) woofer

Ultima Gem2
Owner’s Manual

9

FILTER NETWORK

The Gem2 Loudspeakers utilize high-order networks which
optimize both the on-axis and off-axis response. These
sophisticated networks help to ensure smooth octave-to-octave
balance and timbral accuracy. Separate woofer, midrange and
tweeter filter boards prevent mutual interference between filter
network components, dramatically reducing distortion over a
wide dynamic range. Gold-plated binding posts and shorting
straps accommodate single-wired, bi-wired, and bi-amplified
connections. Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter Level
switches provide the ability to compensate for acoustic effects
due to various applications and loudspeaker placement, as well
as less-than-ideal listening room acoustics.

REAR AND FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW

• Select the Boundary setting in situations where the

loudspeaker is mounted on, or very close to a wall.

2. Tweeter Level (dB) Switch (Front)

The tweeter output level can be adjusted in calibrated steps
by -0.5, -1.0, 0, +0.5, or +1.0 dB.

Note

Refer to the “Optimizing Performance” section for more information
about the Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter Level switches.

3. Listener Axis (Back Panel)

Use the “On-Axis” setting for stand mounted and equivalent
heights on walls. Use the “Off-Axis” setting for units
mounted on a wall above the listener’s ear height in order to
tilt the sweet spot down to the seated listeners.

Controls are provided on the front and rear panel of the Gem2
which allow the optimization of the Gem2 Loudspeaker response
for different loudspeaker applications and placement. Refer to
the “Loudspeaker Placement” section for more information. The
definitions below refer to Figure 4, front and rear panels on the
following page.

1. Low Frequency Compensation Switch (Front)

• Select the Normal setting for most stand mounted

situations if the loudspeaker is located at least 3 feet
(0.91m) from walls and other large objects.

• Select the Contour setting if mid-bass thickness is

encountered in a stand-mounted application. This
setting provides compensation for “boomy” or
“ill-defined” bass that can result from particularly severe
standing waves.

10

4. Input Terminals

Provides high-and low-frequency connections from the
associated power amplifier(s). One pair of high-frequency
and one pair of low-frequency gold-plated binding posts are
available. The input terminals can be configured for
single-wired, bi-wired, or bi-amplified connections. Refer to
the “Making Connections” section for additional
information.

5. Jumper Straps

Accommodates single-wired, bi-wired, and bi-amplified
connections. Two gold-plated jumper straps are installed for
single-wired connections. The jumper straps must be
removed when the input terminals are used for bi-wired or
bi-amplified connections. Refer to the “Making Connections”
section for additional information.

Ultima Gem2

Owner’s Manual