M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Revel Performa3 Bookshelf Loudspeakers .................................................................................................................... 2
M106/M105 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Installation Considerations
Loudspeaker Placement, Listening Room Acoustics, Acoustic Treatment Materials .......................................................... 4
Making Connections
Observe Proper Polarity, Speaker Cable, M106/M105 Connections .................................................................................... 5
Optimizing Performance
Port Plugs, Adjustments, Loudspeaker Volume Levels ......................................................................................................... 6
Caring for Your Loudspeakers
Grilles, Finish......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Specications
M106, M105.......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
ABOUT REVEL PERFORMA3
BOOKSHELF LOUDSPEAKERS
Thank you for purchasing Revel Performa3 bookshelf loudspeakers.
These true full-range loudspeakers feature small footprints and sleek
designs, allowing them to blend-in easily with your existing décor.
They deliver an impressive combination of wide frequency range,
uncompressed dynamic range and low distortion across the entire
audible spectrum.
Revel M106 and M105 low-frequency transducers feature distortion
reduction mechanisms that stabilize the ux eld during operation,
assuring low distortion even at high listening volumes. These precision
transducers utilize ribbed aluminum cones for ideal piston-like behavior
that eliminates a major source of resonances that are clearly audible
in most other loudspeakers. Their cast aluminum frames eliminate
another source of resonances that is common in many lesser-quality
loudspeakers. These loudspeakers employ a sophisticated uid-model
designed low-frequency port with identical ares on both ends. This
greatly minimizes dynamic compression and port-generated noise,
assuring low-distortion low-frequency performance.
The M106 and M105 tweeter has been created around a newlydesigned motor and dome assembly that sets a new standard of
transparency for speakers anywhere near the Performa3’s class.
The tweeter’s integrated acoustic lens waveguide is based on a
breakthrough mathematical approach that accurately matches the
tweeter’s dispersion to that of the low-frequency transducer in the
crossover region. This gives the loudspeaker very smooth sound far
off-axis – an important contributor to overall sound quality, providing
consistent sound over an exceptionally wide listening area. In fact, this
new waveguide actually increases the tweeter’s dispersion at higher
frequencies.
The M106 and M105 are housed in enclosures that are similar to our
agship Ultima2 Series. These fully-curved enclosures are inherently
stiffer than conventional box shapes and are formed with contiguous
wood layers that prevent splitting. They feature strategically-oriented
bracing that eliminates the possibility of enclosure-induced coloration.
These beautiful, modern enclosures are nished in high-gloss piano
black, high-gloss piano white or genuine American walnut in a
process (developed and overseen by Italian luxury cabinet makers)
that exceeds automotive nish quality. The loudspeaker grilles are
designed to minimize sonic diffraction or veiling and provide a clean,
subtle appearance. The magnetic grille attachment method completely
eliminates ugly hardware on the loudspeaker bafe, so if you decide
to use the loudspeakers without grilles they will look like they were
designed to be used without grilles.
Revel Performa3 crossover networks feature carefully-selected
components that contribute to great performance and benchmarksetting value. These high-order crossover networks dramatically reduce
distortion and dynamic compression for clear sound that maintains the
same quality over a very wide dynamic range. These precision networks
optimize the speakers’ timbral accuracy, enhancing musical enjoyment
for listeners who are anywhere in the room, not only those seated onaxis to the loudspeakers.
During development, every Revel loudspeaker model is compared to
competitive models in our unique position-independent double-blind
listening lab. This process utilizes the latest psychoacoustic research
to assure that these listening tests are valid, enabling us to verify that
all Revel loudspeakers are superior to their competitors before they are
allowed to go into production.
2
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
M106/M105 OVERVIEW
Enclosure with 1"-Thick
Panels and Extensive
Internal Bracing
1" Aluminum Dome
Tweeter with Acoustic
Lens Waveguide
5.25" Aluminum Cone
Woofer with Cast Frame
6.5" Aluminum Cone
Woofer with Cast Frame
M105 M106
ENGLISH
Bass Reflex Port
Binding Posts
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
3
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Loudspeaker delity depends on the following three factors: loudspeaker
accuracy, loudspeaker placement and listening room acoustics.
Advanced Revel design features allow the M106 and M105 to achieve
exceptional acoustical precision. As a result, experimenting with
loudspeaker placement and listening room acoustics will have the most
signicant impact on the loudspeakers’ performance.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
The following are important loudspeaker placement considerations for
the M106 and M105:
• Remove all obstructions between the loudspeaker and the
primary listening position. For instance, a coffee table between
the loudspeaker and the primary listening position will create
reections that will degrade stereo imaging and timbre. Placing
the loudspeakers near large objects may also cause unwanted
reections.
• For the best stereo imaging, place the loudspeakers so that they are
both the same distance from the primary listening position and so
they are both the same distance from the side walls, as shown in
the illustration below.
Front Wall
Equal Distances
• For best results, place the speaker so the tweeter is aligned with a
seated listener’s ears, approximately 36" (91cm) above the oor.
Approximately
36" (91cm)
• Optional Performa3 M Stand pedestal stands are available for
the M106 and M105 that place the speakers at the proper height
for seated listeners. Refer to the assembly instructions that are
included with the stands for additional information.
CAUTION: When placed on the optional pedestal stands,
loudspeakers such as the M106 and M105 have a high
center of gravity, which may cause them to fall if tipped
or improperly positioned. To avoid this, anchor the stand
to the oor and/or wall using the same procedures and
hardware used to anchor bookcases, wall units, and other
furniture. HARMAN International Industries, Inc. assumes
no responsibility for proper selection and installation of
hardware or for any personal injuries or product damages
resulting from improper installation or a fallen loudspeaker.
Left
M106/M105
Equal
Distances
Primary Listening Position
Right
M106/M105
• For optimal stereo imaging and timbre, aim the loudspeakers
almost directly toward the primary listening position as shown in
the illustration above. If you wish to widen the stereo soundstage
you can reduce this toe-in angle, even to the point at which the
loudspeakers are pointing straight forward.
• Moving the loudspeakers farther from the front and side listening
room walls will improve stereo imaging and the sense of
spaciousness in the listening space.
• Moving the loudspeakers closer to the corners or walls of the
listening room will increase bass response.
LISTENING ROOM ACOUSTICS
Listening rooms have a profound impact on sound, particularly
at lower frequencies. In fact, the effect of the listening room can
dominate sounds below about 400Hz. Ideally, listening rooms would
include optimized dimensional ratios to minimize the effects of room
resonances. But in reality, most listening rooms are not designed to
enhance loudspeaker performance.
The interaction between loudspeakers and listening rooms is complex,
with two important determinants that affect the loudspeaker and the
listener:
• Surfaces and other boundaries often cause large peaks and dips
in low-frequency response. These peaks and dips can often range
12dB or more.
• Standing waves (also known as room modes or resonances) interact
with both the loudspeaker and the listener, resulting in large errors
in frequency response.
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution that addresses both of
these factors. Even computer software programs that examine one
or both factors may not calculate proper primary listening position or
loudspeaker placement values.
In most cases, proper selection of the primary listening position
combined with proper placement of the loudspeaker can result in
superior performance at lower frequencies. The difference between
superior and inferior results is often just a small adjustment of the
primary listening position or loudspeaker placement. Contact your
authorized Revel dealer for assistance.
4
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
ACOUSTIC TREATMENT MATERIALS
The M106 and M105 feature high-order lters that optimize the
loudspeakers’ on-axis and off-axis response, minimizing sonic
degradations that occur in overly “live” rooms (those with surfaces that
are acoustically reective). Placing minimal acoustic treatment materials
at the room’s primary reection points will reduce these distortions even
further. Ideally, acoustic absorbers should be placed at the rst reection
points on the front and side walls and either acoustic absorbers or
diffusers should be placed at the rst reection points on the rear wall.
Front Wall
Left
M106/M105
Acoustic
Treatment
Materials
Right
M106/M105
Because the listener’s eyes and ears are on the same plane, the “mirror
method” is an accurate determinant of critical reection points. This
method can be used to determine reection points for side walls, rear
walls, front walls, and even the ceiling. Applying acoustic treatment
materials to the side walls is most important, followed by the ceiling,
front wall and rear wall.
To determine reection points using the mirror method:
1. Once the loudspeakers have been placed, sit in the primary
listening position and ask another person to slide a mirror along
the listening room walls.
2. Note the locations at which you can see either loudspeaker in the
mirror from the primary listening position. Be sure to look for both
loudspeakers in the reection on each room boundary. These are
reection points that require acoustic treatment materials.
If acoustic treatment materials are not available, hanging a rug over
the reection points will help reduce sonic degradation in overly
“live” rooms. Carpeting the oor area between the loudspeakers and
the primary listening position and placing irregular surfaces such as
bookcases at the rst reection points will also help minimize strong
reections.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Never make or break connections unless all
system components are powered off.
OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY
Connect the amplier’s positive (+) terminal to the positive (+) terminal
on the corresponding speaker; connect the amplier’s negative (–)
terminal to the negative (–) terminal on the corresponding speaker. Do
not reverse polarities (that is, do not connect + to –, or – to +) when
making connections. Doing so will cause poor stereo imaging and
diminished bass response.
SPEAKER CABLE
Use high-quality loudspeaker cable with a maximum total loop
resistance of 0.07 ohms or less for each wire run. Refer to the table
below to determine the appropriate wire gauge for your installation.
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE
Maximum Wire
Length (Feet)
< 87 < 27 6
< 69 < 21 7
< 58 < 18 8
< 43 < 13 9
< 34 < 10 10
< 27 < 8 11
< 22 < 7 12
< 17 < 5 13
< 14 < 4 14
< 11 < 3.5 15
< 9 < 3 16
< 7 < 2 17
< 5 < 1.5 18
NOTE: High loop resistances that exceed 0.07 ohms (for each
wire run) will cause the loudspeaker’s lter network to be misterminated, resulting in considerable degradation of sound quality.
Maximum Wire
Length (Meters)
Minimum Wire
Gauge (AWG)
ENGLISH
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
5
M106/M105 CONNECTIONS
The M106 and M105 feature gold-plated binding posts that provide
secure connection for speaker cables terminated with banana plugs,
spade lugs, pin connectors or bare wire.
M106/M105
Connector Panel
Amplifier
(one channel shown)
Connect both loudspeakers using the same method, using speaker
cables of the same length for each speaker.
• Review the owner’s manuals for all associated audio components to
determine their correct connection procedures.
OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE
ADJUSTMENTS
1. Begin playback of a familiar music or lm source.
2. Listen from the primary listening position, increasing volume to a
comfortable level.
3. Experiment with the loudspeakers’ placement to achieve the
best overall tonal balance, stereo image precision, and sense
of spaciousness in the listening room. Refer to the Installation
Considerations section on page 4 for additional information about
loudspeaker placement.
4. Experiment with the port plugs to achieve the best low-frequency
performance for your particular listening room and installation.
LOUDSPEAKER VOLUME LEVELS
The high-order lters employed in Revel Performa3 series loudspeakers
include steep cut-offs to reduce potential transducer damage from “outof-band” frequencies. Combined with carefully selected transducers and
lter network components, this approach helps the Performa3 Bookshelf
loudspeakers maintain their performance under extreme operating
conditions.
However, all loudspeakers have limits when it comes to continuous
playback. To avoid exceeding these limits, avoid playback at volume
levels that distort or strain the sound.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, reduce volume level
immediately if the loudspeaker sound is not clean and clear.
PORT PLUGS
Revel Performa3 bookshelf loudspeakers include a pair of foam port
plugs that can be used to adjust the loudspeaker’s low-frequency
performance in certain installation situations.
If your loudspeakers are built into an entertainment center or shelving
unit, or if the loudspeaker is located less than about two feet (0.61m)
from walls or other large objects, inserting the port plugs into the
loudspeaker’s port openings can reduce the overly-aggressive bass
output that can be created by the speaker’s proximity to large surfaces
that reect bass energy.
Insert the port plug into the loudspeaker’s port tube opening far enough
so that the end of the plug is ush with the inside end of the port tube’s
ared section.
CARING FOR YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
GRILLES
Revel Performa3 bookshelf speakers feature grilles with a magnetic
attachment method that eliminates unsightly attachment hardware from
the speaker bafe, so if you decide to use your speakers with the grilles
removed they will retain their elegant appearance.
When installing the grille on the speaker, orient it so that the plastic
frame’s crossbar is more towards the top of the speaker cabinet.
Crossbar Towards
Top of Speaker
CAUTION: Be careful not to insert the port plug so far into
the port tube that it falls inside of the speaker.
6
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
CABINET FINISH
The cabinet’s wood nish does not require routine maintenance. Cabinet
surfaces that have been marked with dust, ngerprints, or other dirt can
be cleaned using a soft cloth – preferably micro-ber, and high quality
auto wax. Take care not to come in contact with the transducers.
• Use caution to avoid contacting the rubberized trim on the sides of
the loudspeaker with auto wax. If necessary, the rubberized trim can
be cleaned with denatured alcohol on a microber cloth.
To clean the grille, gently vacuum it using a soft-bristled brush vacuum
attachment with the vacuum cleaner set to the lowest possible suction.
CAUTION: 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
M106
Type: 2-way 6-1/2" bookshelf loudspeaker
Low-frequency transducer: 6-1/2" (165mm) aluminum cone, with cast frame
High-frequency transducer: 1" (25mm) aluminum dome, with acoustic lens waveguide
Recommended amplier power range: 50 – 150 watts
Low-frequency extension: 39Hz (–10dB); 54Hz (–6dB); 59Hz (–3dB)
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 87dB
Crossover frequency: 2.3kHz
Enclosure type: Bass-reex via rear-mounted port
Inputs: Gold-plated binding posts
Available nishes: Piano black, high-gloss walnut
Dimensions (H x W x D): 15" x 8-1/4" x 11" (381mm x 210mm x 278mm)
Weight: 18.5 lb (8.4kg)
ENGLISH
M105
Type: 2-way 5-1/4" bookshelf loudspeaker
Low-frequency transducer: 5-1/4" (130mm) aluminum cone, with cast frame
High-frequency transducer: 1" (25mm) aluminum dome, with acoustic lens waveguide
Recommended amplier power range: 50 – 120 watts
Low-frequency extension: 44Hz (–10dB); 56Hz (–6dB); 60Hz (–3dB)
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 86dB
Crossover frequencies: 2.3kHz
Enclosure type: Bass-reex via rear-mounted port
Inputs: Gold-plated binding posts
Available nishes: Piano black, piano white, high-gloss walnut
Dimensions (H x W x D): 14" x 7-7/8" x 9-3/4" (356mm x 200mm x 248mm)
Weight: 15.7 lb (7.2kg)
Revel Performa3 M106/M105 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
7
LIMITED WARRANTY
Revel Series speakers are warranted against defects. The duration of the speaker’s warranty depends on the laws in the country in which it was
purchased. Your local Revel
®
retailer can help you determine the length of your warranty.
HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA
© 2012 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Revel and the Revel logo are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated,
registered in the United States and/or other countries.
Features, specications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
For questions, assistance or additional information concerning any of our products, call us
at: (516) 594-0300 or (888) 691-4171. For technical support, submit your detailed inquiry
to:csupport@harman.com.
Part No. REVP4835 Rev: A
www.revelspeakers.com
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