REVELL Performa F32 Owner's Manual

Revel Performa F32 Loudspeaker

Owner’s Manual

3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | www.revelspeakers.com

Customer Support: Telephone: [phone] | Sales Fax: [phone] | Service Fax: [phone]

Please contact Customer Support for information about product shipments.

Part No. 350351-001 | Rev 0 | 12/03

®

™

“Revel,” “Performa,” and the Revel logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other
worldwide patents issued and pending.

©2003 Harman Specialty Group.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.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

About the F32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Highlights • Product Registration

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Loudspeaker Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Driver Complement • Cabinet • Filter Network • Woofer Port • Input
Panel

Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Loudspeaker Placement • Listening Room Acoustics • Adjustable
Spike Footing

Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Single-Wired Connections • Bi-Wired Connections • Vertical
Bi-Amplified Connections • Horizontal Bi-Amplified Connections

Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Loudspeaker Volume

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Dimensions

Obtaining Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS

This document contains general safety, installation, and operation
instructions for the Revel Performa F32 Floor-Standing Loudspeaker. It is
important to read this document before attempting to use this product.
Pay particular attention to safety instructions.

WARNING Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition,

or the like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in injury or death.

CAUTION Calls attention to a procedure, practice,

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

Note Calls attention to information that is essential to

highlight.

This owner’s manual assumes that two F32s are included in the
loudspeaker setup.

4

ABOUT THE F32

Thank you for purchasing the Revel
Performa F32 Floor-Standing Loudspeaker.
A true full-range reproducer, the F32 delivers
an impressive combination of expansive
frequency response, low distortion, and
maximum output across the entire audible
spectrum. Four proprietary transducers,
sophisticated filter networks, and an
acoustically inert cabinet allow the F32 to
achieve acoustical precision and performance
befitting the most demanding home
entertainment systems.

A critical aspect of loudspeaker design,
transducers convert electrical signals into
audible sounds, profoundly affecting
loudspeaker performance. Combining
superior form and function, the F32
transducers feature a distinctive design
that allows for smoother frequency
response. The woofer and midrange cones
are constructed with Organic Ceramic
Composite cone material to reduce
distortion, while the spiders are constructed
with a high-strength Nomex blend with
optimized geometry for increased linearity.

A three-way design, the F32 transducers
effectively cover the entire audible spectrum.
Two 6.5-inch (165mm) woofers deliver
highly refined and dynamically authoritative
low frequencies down to the very lowest
octaves. Housed in its own sub-enclosure, a

5.25-inch (133mm) midrange handles criti­cal mid-band frequencies with natural
tonal balance over a wide operating range.
And, a 1-inch (25mm) titanium-dome
tweeter reproduces high frequencies well
above audible levels, with wide dispersion
for open, airy treble.

An advanced woofer and midrange motor
structure includes two high-grade
Neodymium magnets placed at the center
of the motor structure, inside the voice coil,
for improved magnetic shielding. Inside
the motor, a black-plated steel shield cup
facilitates heat dissipation for higher power

handling. An integrated aluminum flux­stabilization ring minimizes modulation
inside the motor’s static gap flux field,
greatly reducing distortion. A copper ring
inside the motor’s gap reduces distortion
even further. Both rings are optimally sized
and placed to maintain constant linear
voice coil inductance with forward and
backward motions.

High-order filters at 220Hz and 2.8kHz
optimize loudspeaker on and off-axis
response, helping to ensure smooth octave­to-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. Removable shorting­straps and gold-plated binding posts
accommodate single-wired, bi-wired, and
bi-amplified connections, while separate
Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter
Level controls provide precise balance to
compensate for less-than-ideal listening
room acoustics and loudspeaker placement.

The F32 cabinet is constructed with 1-inch
(25mm) thick walls and extensive internal
bracing to reduce cabinet-induced
colorations. Rounded baffle edges minimize
diffraction and optimize treble response for
even greater sound enhancement. Adjustable
spike footing is attached to the bottom of the
cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating
installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted
floors. A sonically-optimized grille is also
included.

Since 1996, Revel has stood at the forefront
of loudspeaker design. Backed with Harman
International’s extensive research and
design facilities, the Revel Performa Series
Loudspeakers benefit from cutting-edge
tools such as a multi-channel listening lab
for double-blind listening tests; a laser
interferometer for detailed driver and
cabinet analysis; real anechoic chambers
for precise tests and measurements; finite
element analysis for advanced loudspeaker
modeling; and a stereo lithography apparatus
for tight tolerances.

5

Adding to the proud lineage of Revel’s
Ultima and Performa Series Loudspeakers,
the F32 further advances Revel’s reputation
as the leading designer and manufacturer
of high-quality, high-performance loudspeak­ers. Each F32 is individually hand-tuned
during manufacturing to match the
production reference standard within a
fraction of a decibel, ensuring incomparable
loudspeaker- to-loudspeaker consistency. As
a result, the F32 is an ideal match for most
home entertainment systems.

HIGHLIGHTS

•True full-range reproduction

•Two proprietary 6.5-inch (165mm)
Organic Ceramic Composite woofers

•Proprietary 5.25-inch (133mm)
Organic Ceramic Composite midrange

•Proprietary 1-inch (25mm) titanium­dome tweeter

• High output with low distortion

• Separate filter boards for each frequency
range

• Removable gold-plated shorting-straps

• Gold-plated binding posts

• Low Frequency Compensation control

•Tweeter Level control

• Advanced woofer and midrange motor
structure

• Magnetic shielding

• Large voice coils for wide dynamic
range without compression

• Hand-tuned to match the production
reference standard within a fraction of
a decibel

• Adjustable spike footing

• Elegant cabinet design in real wood
veneer finishes

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register the F32 within 15 days of
purchase. To do so, register online at
www.revelspeakers.com or complete and
return the included product registration
card. The product registration card serves
no warranty purposes. Retain the original,
dated sales receipt as proof of warranty
coverage.

UNPACKING

The F32 requires special care and handling
during unpacking. Pay particular attention
to the precautions that appear in this section
and to other precautions that appear
throughout this owner’s manual.

WARNING

Do not attempt to lift or move the F32
alone. Proper lifting requires at least
two strong people.When lifting the
F32, stand as straight as possible using
the leg muscles to lift. Do not attempt
to lift the F32 while bending at the
waist.When moving the F32, rock it
side-to-side into the desired position.
Failure to follow these procedures may
result in personal injuries and/or
loudspeaker damage.

When unpacking, save all packing materials
for possible future shipping needs. Refer to
the Obtaining Service section on page 21
for additional information.

To unpack the F32:

1. Place the packing carton on its side
and fully open the top flaps as shown
in Figure 1 on the next page (top-left).

(continued on next page)

6

Unpacking (continued)

2. Without allowing the top flaps to close,
stand the packing carton in an inverted
position as shown in Figure 1 (top-left).

3. Lift the packing carton off of the
loudspeaker as shown in Figure 2
(top-right). Use caution to avoid
damaging the loudspeaker cabinet
and objects located above the
packing carton. At this point, the
loudspeaker will be upside-down.

4. Remove the bottom pad and the front
and back middle pads. These items are
identified in Figure 3 (right). Then,
remove the grille from the back middle
pad.

Note

While the loudspeaker is upside-down, it
is recommended to adjust the spike footing
if the F32 will be placed on a carpeted
floor. Refer to the Adjustable Spike
Footing section that begins on page 12
for instructions.

5. Grasping the sides of the cabinet, place
the F32 on its side. Then, place the F32
in the upright position without allowing
the protective bag identified in Figure 3
(below) to become “stuck” under the
spike footing.

6. When the F32 is in the upright position,
remove the protective bag.

TOP

BOTTOM

BOTTOM

TOP

2

1

TOP

3

Figure 1: Unpacking the F32

Figure 2: Lifting the Carton

Top Pad

Bottom Pad

Front
Middle Pad

Back Middle Pad

Protective Bag

Grille

Figure 3: Packing Materials

7

LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW

DRIVER COMPLEMENT

The numbers in Figure 4 (left) correspond with the
numbered items in this section.

1. Tweeter

• 1-inch (25mm) titanium dome

• Under-hung with copper-clad aluminum
wire for low distortion

• Ferrofluid for high-power handling with
reduced compression

• Magnetic shielding to prevent video monitor
interference

2. Midrange

• 5.25-inch (133mm) cone constructed with
Organic Ceramic Composite cone material
for low distortion

•True pistonic operation for increased
freedom from coloration

• Optimized and shielded magnetic circuits
to minimize harmonic distortion and
prevent video monitor interference

• Copper ring inside the motor’s gap for
modulation control and low distortion

• Aluminum flux-stabilization ring for
modulation control and reduced distortion

• Butyl rubber surround for large, linear
excursion capabilities

• Oversized 1.5-inch (38mm) voice coil with
a high-temperature bobbin for high-power
handling

3. Woofers

•Two 6.5-inch (165mm) cones constructed
with Organic Ceramic Composite cone
material for low distortion

(continued on next page)

Figure 4: F32 Loudspeaker (Front View)

The numbers in Figure 4 (above) correspond
with the numbered items in the Driver
Complement section that begins in the next
column.

1

2

3

Cabinet

8

Driver Complement (continued)

3. Woofers (continued)

•True pistonic operation for
increased freedom from coloration

•Two high-grade Neodymium
magnets placed inside the voice
coil for optimal magnetic shielding

• Copper ring inside the motor’s gap
for modulation control and low
distortion

• Aluminum flux-stabilization ring
for modulation control and reduced
distortion

• Butyl rubber surround for large,
linear excursion capabilities

• Carbon composite aluminum
(CCA) flat-wire voice coil wound on
a 2-inch (50mm) fiberglass
bobbin for low mass and higher
power handling

•Vented center pole for improved heat
dissipation and low compression

CABINET

Reduces cabinet-induced colorations with
1-inch (25mm) thick walls and extensive
internal bracing. For even greater sound
enhancement, rounded baffle edges
minimize diffraction and optimize treble
response. Adjustable spike footing is
attached to the bottom of the cabinet for
optimal stability, accommodating
installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted
floors.

The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not
require routine maintenance. However,
cabinet surfaces that have been marked
with fingerprints, dust, or other dirt can be
cleaned using a soft cloth and a high­quality furniture polish. If a higher-gloss
finish is desired, a high-quality wax can
also be used.

To clean the cabinet:

1. Apply a high-quality furniture polish
to a soft cloth.

2. Use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet
surface.

To clean the grille:

1. Gently vacuum using a soft bristled
brush vacuum attachment.

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.

FILTER NETWORK

Optimize loudspeaker on and off-axis
response with high-order filters at 220Hz and

2.8kHz, helping 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. Removable shorting­straps and gold-plated binding posts
accommodate single-wired, bi-wired, and
bi-amplified connections, while separate
Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter
Level controls provide precise balance to
compensate for less-than-ideal listening
room acoustics and loudspeaker placement.

WOOFER PORT

Enhances low-frequency extension.
Computer-optimized internal and external
flares minimize distortion resulting from
air turbulence.