REVELL Performa F50, Performa F50a Owner's Manual

Revel Performa F50a Loudspeaker

Revel®Perform

F50a Loudspeaker

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. 352989-001 | Rev A | 2/04

Owner’s Manual

®

™

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

©2004 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...............................................3

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY.................................3

PRODUCT REGISTRATION...................................................4

DESCRIPTION .................................................4

WOOFERS ........................................................................4

MIDRANGE .......................................................................5

TWEETER .........................................................................5

CROSSOVER NETWORK .....................................................5

CABINET...........................................................................6

UNPACKING....................................................6

ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING...........................9

PLACEMENT .................................................11

CONNECTIONS..............................................14

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION..................................18

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER........................19

SPECIFICATIONS............................................20

OBTAINING SERVICE......................................22

2

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 1. The Revel

Performa F50a

loudspeaker.

INTRODUCTION

Revel leads the loudspeaker world in research, advanced engineer­ing techniques, and unique production processes. The Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker is the perfect demonstration of Revel’s
unparalleled engineering capabilities.

The driver complement includes three 6.5-inch ceramic-composite
cone woofers, a 5.25-inch ceramic-composite cone midrange, and a
1-inch pure titanium dome tweeter with a polymer surround and a
neodymium motor system, all working together to achieve low
distortion and extraordinary freedom from coloration. We also use
our groundbreaking measurement process to seamlessly integrate the
superb transducers with the high-order crossover network to achieve
truly full-range response with stunning realism and superb dynamics.

As a result, the Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker sets a whole new
standard in sound quality at anywhere near its price range. Its supe­rior performance, assured by our ongoing research, will greatly
contribute to the enjoyment of music or film sound in your home.

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

To begin enjoying your new loudspeaker, first read and then perform
the instructions in this owner’s manual. Maximum performance
depends on following all instructions described here, as well as those
found in the owner’s manuals of associated components in your
audio system. Save these instructions for future reference.

The F50a loudspeaker is covered by a limited 5-year warranty, so
save the bill of sale to protect your purchase and aid in any service­related questions.

3

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 2. The Revel Performa
F50a transducer and connection
locations.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register the F50a within 15 days of purchase. To do so,
register online at www.revelspeakers.com or complete and return
the included product registration card. Retain the original, dated
sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

DESCRIPTION

The Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker features a transducer comple­ment (see Figure 2) of three 6.5-inch (165m) woofers, a 5.25-inch
(133mm) midrange driver, and a 1-inch (25.4mm) tweeter.

Combined with an individually-optimized crossover network, this
transducer arrangement results in a superior off-axis response that
provides a large uniform listening area and an uncolored in-room
response, even in the presence of strong wall reflections.

WOOFERS

Each 6.5-inch (165mm) ceramic-composite cone woofer features:

•A ceramic cone that provides the advantages of stiff, light true
ceramic material through the use of a unique high temperature
process that results in a strong ceramic composite.

• Little or no energy storage and no breakup modes throughout
its operating range, resulting in low distortion.

•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.

•A vented spider for better cooling and low compression.

4

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

REVEL PERFORMA F50a Front

(without grille)

REVEL PERFORMA F50a Rear

Tweeter

Woofer Port

Tweeter
Level Control

Midrange

Woofers

Connectors (with

shorting straps)

MIDRANGE

The 5.25-inch (133mm) ceramic-composite cone midrange
transducer features:

•A ceramic cone that provides the advantages of stiff, light true
ceramic material through the use of a unique high temperature
process that results in a strong ceramic composite material.

• Little or no energy storage and no breakup modes throughout
its operating range, resulting in low distortion and unrivaled
clarity and detail.

•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.
fully-pistonic operation throughout its entire operating range.

TWEETER

The 1-inch (25mm) pure titanium dome tweeter with polymer
surround features:

•True pistonic operation for increased freedom from coloration.

•A neodymium ring magnet and Telar-57, low carbon, high satura­tion steel in the pole, back plate, and top plate for low distortion.

•Vented pole to a polyester-filled chamber with an integrated
heatsink for high power handling and low dynamic compression.

•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.

CROSSOVER NETWORK

Each Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker has an individually-opti­mized crossover network with:

•A high-order crossover at 225Hz and 2.3kHz to optimize the
on- and off-axis response of the system.

•Filter networks with carefully selected components for optimum
performance with low distortion across a wide dynamic range.

•Provision for bi-wired or bi-amplified applications via remov­able external shorting straps on the gold-plated binding posts.

5

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

CABINET

Minimizes 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. Refer to the
Adjustable Spike Footing section on page 9.

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 high-quality 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:

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.

UNPACKING

The F50a 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.

When unpacking, save all packing materials identified in Figure 2
at the bottom of the next page for possible future shipping needs.
Refer to the Obtaining Service section on page 21 for additional
information.

6

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

WARNING

Figure 3. Unpacking the Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker

Wa rning: Do not attempt to lift or move the F50a alone. Proper
lifting requires at least two strong people. When lifting the F50a,
stand as straight as possible using the leg muscles to lift. Do not
attempt to lift the F50a while bending at the waist. When
moving the F50a, rock it side-to-side into the desired position.
Failure to follow these procedures may result in personal injuries
and/or loudspeaker damage.

To unpack the F50a loudspeaker:

1. Place the packing carton on its side and fully open the top
flaps as shown Step 1 of Figure 3 (above).

2. Without allowing the top flaps to close, stand the packing car­ton in an inverted position as shown in Step 2 of Figure 3
(above).

3. Lift the packing carton off of the loudspeaker as shown in
Step 3 of Figure 3. Use caution to avoid damaging the
loudspeaker cabinet and objects located above the packing
carton. At this point, the loudspeaker will be upside­down.

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

7

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

TOP

BOTTOM

BOTTOM

2

1

TOP

3

Figure 4. A Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker with
its inner packing materials.

NOTE: While the loudspeaker is upside-down, it is recommended
to adjust the spike footing if the F50a will be placed on a carpeted
floor. Refer to the Adjustable Spike Footing section that begins on
the next page for instructions.

5. Grasping the sides of the cabinet, place the F50a on its side.
Then, place the F50a in the upright position without allowing
the protective bag identified in Figure 4 (above) to become
“stuck” under the spike footing.

6. When the F50a is in the upright position, remove the protec­tive bag.

7. Remove the tweeter dome protector. Then attach the grille to
the cabinet.

8

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Top Pad

Back Middle Pad

Bottom Pad

Protective Bag

Front
Middle Pad

Grille

ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING

When shipped, adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom
of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on
tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. The F50a is shipped with
spike footing attached as shown on the left side of Figure 5 at the
top of the next page, with the round end protruding from the
cabinet. The protective cap is placed over the round end to protect
tile and hardwood floors.

Note: When moving the F50a, do not drag it across the floor.

If the F50a is placed on a carpeted floor, the spike footing should
be adjusted as shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page),
with the spike end protruding from the cabinet. If needed, follow
the instructions that begin below to adjust the spike footing.

To adjust the spike footing:

1. Place the F50a on its side on a soft towel or carpeted floor.

2. Remove the protective cap from the round end of the spike.
Save it for possible future use.

3. Rotate the locking ring counterclockwise to detach it from the
spike. Save it for use in step 6.

4. Rotate the spike counterclockwise to remove it from the cabi­net.

5. Rotate the spike clockwise into the cabinet, round end first, as
shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page).

6. Reattach the locking ring, rotating it clockwise to firmly
secure the spike to the cabinet.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the remaining three spikes.

8. When all four spikes have been reversed, stand the F50a in the
upright position. If needed, repeat steps 1 and 6 to achieve a
level balance.

9. Repeat these steps to adjust the spike footing on the other F50a.

9

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

10

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 5. F50a adjustable spike

footing

Caution: Floor-standing loudspeakers such as the F50a
have a high center of gravity, which may cause them to
fall if tipped or improperly positioned. To avoid this,
anchor the loudspeaker to the floor and/or wall using the
same procedures and hardware used to anchor bookcases,
wall units, and other furniture. Harman Specialty Group
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.

Locking Ring

F50a

Round End

(Protective Cap
Attached)

Locking Ring

Round End

Spike End

Protective Cap

Spike End

Spike End

Round End

(Protective Cap Removed)

When shipped, the
spikes are attached as
shown here for
loudspeaker placement on
tile or hardwood floors.

The spikes should be
attached as shown
here for loudspeaker
placement on carpeted floors.

11

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 6. F50a room placement

PLACEMENT

Sound quality is heavily dependent on the accuracy of your loudspeak­ers, their placement in the listening room, and the acoustics of the
room itself. Since the F50a loudspeakers are extremely accurate, experi­menting with their placement is the most significant way to optimize
their performance in a given environment. The following guidelines
will help you obtain the best results:

•For best stereo imaging, place the F50a loudspeakers at equal
distances from the main listening position and in symmetry
with the room, as shown in Figure 6.

•Optimum timbre and imaging precision is obtained with the
loudspeakers pointing almost directly toward the prime listen­ing position. Some listeners prefer a wider “soundstage,” which
is achieved by reducing the toe-in angle, perhaps to the point of
aiming the loudspeakers straight ahead.

•Imaging and a sense of spaciousness will improve as the
loudspeakers are moved away from the wall behind the loud­speakers and the side walls.

NOTE: You may then need to move the listening position back to
maintain the best stereo image.

•For more bass reinforcement, try moving the loudspeakers closer
to the front wall or corners (also see Room Acoustics on next page).

NOTE: You may then need to move the listening position forward
to maintain an acceptable stereo image.

Listening Position
(e.g., on couch)

Absorption or

Diffusion

Panel

Absorption Panel

Absorption Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

R REVEL PERFORMA F50a

L REVEL PERFORMA F50a

12

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

•For best results, make sure there are no objects between the F50a
loudspeakers and the intended listening area (e.g., a coffee table
in front of the listener will degrade timbre and imaging). If possi­ble, avoid placing the loudspeakers near large objects, which can
cause unwanted reflections.

•Ideally, the listening room should be acoustically neutral,
neither producing any distinct echoes nor sounding completely
“dead” (also see Room Treatment on the next page).

ROOM ACOUSTICS

Listening rooms have a profound impact on sound quality, espe­cially at low frequencies. In fact, a listening room can actually
dominate the sound quality below about 300Hz. Ideally, a new
room being built from scratch would include optimized dimen­sional ratios to minimize the effects of standing waves.

However, most installations will be made in existing rooms. In
these cases, your only solution is to take special care in selecting
both the speaker and prime listening locations, which will pay off
in superior low frequency performance. Often the difference
between poor and excellent results is the result of relatively small
adjustments in speaker and listener placements.

The interaction of loudspeakers and rooms is quite complex, as the
loudspeaker and listener are affected by two mechanisms. First,
nearby surfaces, or boundaries, cause large peaks and dips in low
frequency response. These peaks and dips can often range 12dB or
more. Second, the loudspeaker and listener locations interact with
the standing waves, or room modes. These standing waves, or reso­nances, also result in large response errors. There are no simple
formulas that take both mechanisms into account. Even computer
programs that analyze one or both factors still may not provide
you with the proper speaker or listener placement values.

Here’s where real-world experience counts. Consult an authorized
Revel dealer for help in determining the optimum loudspeaker and
listener placement for your listening room.

13

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT

ROOM TREATMENT

F50a loudspeakers have very accurate off-axis response, which
minimizes any degradation caused by overly “live” rooms.
However, superior performance will be achieved by placing mini­mal acoustic treatment materials at the primary reflection points.
Ideally, special acoustic absorbers should be placed at the first
reflection points on the side and front walls along with either
absorbers or diffusers at the first reflection points on the front and
rear wall. Short of using acoustic treatment materials, even hanging
rugs can be a great help in overly bright rooms. Carpeting the floor
area between the speakers and listener and placing irregular
surfaces, such as bookcases, will also help break up strong reflec­tions.

Since our ears and eyes are located on the same plane, we can use a
mirror (also known as the “mirror method”) to accurately deter­mine the most important locations (the first reflection points) for
acoustic treatment, as follows:

1. After the loudspeakers are placed, the listener should sit in the
prime listening position. If additional seating locations will be
used, try all listening positions during this process to ensure that
the treatment materials adequately cover the listening areas.

2. A second person should slide a mirror along the walls.

3. Note the locations at which the listener can see either of the
loudspeakers. These will be the reflection points that would
require acoustic treatment materials.

Using this method, find all treatment locations for side walls, the
front wall, and rear walls with side walls taking priority. Where
possible, also determine the treatment locations for first ceiling
reflections.

An authorized Revel dealer can recommend acoustic treatment
materials, and can help determine the best plan for the listening
room. If it is a dedicated listening room, qualified room treatment
manufacturers or even acousticians may be consulted for optimum
results. Remember, properly treated rooms provide dramatically
better results with any loudspeakers than untreated rooms.

14

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 7. Wire gauge versus
maximum wire run (with a
maximum loop resistance of

0.07 ohms) for less than 0.2 dB
response error.

NOTE: “Loop resistance” is the
DC resistance measured at one
end of a loudspeaker cable, with
the other ends shorted together.

CONNECTIONS

Revel Performa F50a loudspeakers can be connected to your audio
system in three different ways: single-wired, bi-wired, or bi-ampli­fied. Please read the following three sections before proceeding with
the actual connections. Also, be sure to observe the following
points:

•Use high-quality speaker cable with a maximum total loop resis­tance (for each wire run) of 0.07 ohms or less. Use the chart in
Figure 7 below to determine the maximum wire gauge.

NOTE: A high loop resistance will result in mis-termination of the fil­ter networks, and serious degradation of sound quality. Use high-qual­ity connectors on the speaker cables. Consult an authorized Revel deal­er as to specific recommendations for your application.

•Turn off all audio system power before making any connections.

•Read the owner’s manuals that were included with your audio
components to confirm their connection procedures.

•Verify correct polarities (i.e., + to + and − to −) when making
connections. Failure to do so will cause poor imaging and
diminished bass response.

•For bi-wired or bi-amplified applications, remove the shorting
straps on the rear of each F50a loudspeaker (refer to Figures 8,
9, and 10 on the next three pages).

Wire Gauge (AWG) Length (feet) Length (meters)

68727
76921
85818

94313
10 34 10
11 27 8
12 22 7
13 17 5
14 14 4
15 11 3
16 9 3
17 7 2
18 5 2

15

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 8. How to connect the

F50a loudspeaker in a single-

wired system.

Figure 9. How to connect the

F50a loudspeaker in a bi-wired

system.

SINGLE-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

For single-wired applications, simply leave the shorting straps in
place and connect the + and - from a single amplifier channel to the
+ and – terminals on the rear of the F50a loudspeaker, as shown in
Figure 8 (below).

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Shorting Strap
(leave both in place)

redblk

REVEL

PERFORMA

F50a

Rear

Connector Panel

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

BI-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-wired system uses two pairs of loudspeaker wires connected to
a single amplifier channel. On the rear of the F50a loudspeaker,
remove the shorting straps and connect the + and - of one pair of
wires to the HIGH FREQUENCY INPUT terminals and the +
and - of the other pair of wires to the LOW FREQUENCY
INPUT terminals, as shown in Figure 9 (below).

Check with an authorized Revel dealer for recommendations and
possible benefits for your application.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi-wiring
may damage some amplifiers.

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

REVEL

PERFORMA

F50a

Rear

Connector Panel

Shorting Straps Removed

redblk

16

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 10. How to connect the
F50a loudspeaker in a vertical
bi-amplified system.

BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-amplified system may provide increased sonic performance,
with independent amplifier channels separately driving each set of
high- and low-frequency transducers. You can connect F50a loud­speakers in a vertical or horizontal bi-amplified system without
requiring an extra electronic crossover.

VERTICAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two identical amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps
from the rear panel; then connect each F50a loudspeaker, as shown
in Figure 10 (below).

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi-amplify­ing may damage some amplifiers.

NOTE: When using two dissimilar amplifiers, connect the F50a loud­speakers in a horizontal bi-amplified system (see next section).

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

redblk

Amplifier

(rear)

Ch.1 Ch.2

INPUT INPUT

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUTOUTPUT

REVEL

PERFORMA

F50a

Rear

Connector Panel

Shorting Straps Removed

17

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 11. How to connect the
F50a loudspeaker in a horizon­tal bi-amplified system.

HORIZONTAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps from the
rear panel; then connect each F50a loudspeaker, as shown in
Figure 11 (below).

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi-amplify­ing may damage some amplifiers.

NOTE: If the “gain factor” of the two amplifier channels is not identi­cal, a means of adjusting the input level of at least one of the channels
is required. Consult an authorized Revel dealer for specific recommen­dations.

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for low frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for high frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

redblk

REVEL

PERFORMA

F50a

Rear

Connector Panel

Shorting Straps Removed

18

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Figure 12. The location of the
F50a TWEETER LEVEL
CONTROL and its initial
setting for system optimization.

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

1. After connecting the F50a loudspeakers, initially set the
TWEETER LEVEL CONTROL on both rear panels to the
“0” position, as shown in Figure 12 (below).

2. Turn on the system power and play a favorite piece of music.
Slowly increase the volume to a comfortable level and listen
from your main listening position. If desired, experiment with
placement (see page 8) to achieve the best overall tonal balance,
image specificity, and spaciousness.

3. You may also wish to further adjust each TWEETER LEVEL
CONTROL. Varying the control will change the high frequency
balance and timbre. Differences in room acoustics often demand
different level control settings.

NOTE: Set the controls the same on both left and right channels.

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Install straps for

single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Connector

Panel

Set Tweeter

Level Control

To “0”

REVEL

PERFORMA

F50a

Rear

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER

Revel Performa F50a loudspeakers use high-order crossovers with
steep roll-offs to minimize damage caused by “out of band”
frequencies. Using this approach, in combination with carefully
selected components and transducers, helps minimize the potential
for loudspeaker failure, even under extreme conditions. However,
there is a limit to how loud any speaker can play continuously.
Avoid playing the system at volume levels beyond where the sound
is “clean.” If the sound becomes distorted or strained, reduce the
volume level immediately to avoid damage.

If unsure of the suitability of current or planned amplifier compo­nents, please ask an authorized Revel dealer to review them before
connecting the F50a loudspeakers.

19

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

Specification Value Definition

20

Sensitivity

Impedance

88dB SPL
with 2.83Vrms @ 1m
(4 pi anechoic)

5Ω (nominal)

3.2Ω (minimum @ 64Hz)

Indicates the amount of power the associated power ampli­fier must deliver to drive the loudspeaker at reasonable
volume levels. Conservatively-rated specifications indicate
moderate sensitivity, meaning that a massive power ampli­fier is not required to drive Revel loudspeakers to reason­able volume levels in large listening spaces.

Indicates whether the loudspeaker presents a “difficult” or
“easy” load on the associated power amplifier. Combined
with moderate phase angles, a minimal impedance
specification of 3.7Ω allows a reasonably designed power
amplifier to drive Revel loudspeakers.

In-Room Response

±1.0dB
from 33Hz to 18kHz

Indicates sound quality in context with other specifications.
An advanced measurement, this specification closely corre­lates to sound quality in a single curve – a long-standing goal
of loudspeaker engineers. Research and observation reveals
that “on-axis” response curves cannot distinguish between
two loudspeakers with radically different sound qualities.

Target Response

±0.75dB
from 31Hz to 20kHz

Indicates sound quality in context with the individual
loudspeaker’s application, considering the acoustical impact
of its placement. An ideal response goal, a target response
is not flat at either end of the audible spectrum and is used
when the ideal reference is not a flat line.

First Reflections
Response

±1.0dB
from 33Hz to 18kHz

Indicates the response listeners hear in relation to the first
reflections from walls, ceilings, and floors. This specification
indicates that Revel loudspeakers will remain accurate,
even in listening rooms that cast strong reflections.

Listening Window
Response

±1.0dB
from 33Hz to 19kHz

Indicates the on-axis response of the loudspeaker. An
improved “on-axis” measurement, this specification
reduces the visual confusion of inaudible interference. It
retains full accuracy without using “spectral smoothing,”
which results in significant data loss.

Low-Frequency
Extension

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

-10dB @ 23Hz

- 6dB @ 27Hz

- 3dB @ 32Hz

Indicates the low-frequency response of the loudspeaker.
Studies have shown that the –10dB specification best
correlates to controlled listening tests. At low frequencies,
most loudspeaker and listening room combinations
demonstrate significant “room gain,” which produces an
increase in levels as frequencies decrease. Unlike the –3dB
specification, the –10dB specification reflects the steepness
of low-frequency roll-offs.

Filter Network

Three-way, high-order @
225Hz and 2.3kHz

Indicates the acoustical characteristics of the filter network.
Steep filters indicate an optimized filter network that
produces minimal acoustical interference, low distortion,
and expansive dynamic range. Revel’s filter networks
feature carefully selected components. Woofer, midrange,
and tweeter filter boards are independent of one another.
Each includes provisions for single-wired, bi-wired, and bi­amplified connections as well as flexible controls for user
adjustments.

SPECIFICATIONS

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

21

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Width: 9.5-inches (241mm)

Height: 44-inches (1118mm)

45.5-inches (1155mm) with spike footing

Depth: 17.5-inches (445mm) with grille

Weight: 100 pounds (45.4kg) (not

including packaging)

Specifications are subject to

change without notice.

44"

(1118mm)

45.5"

(1155 mm)

9.5"

(241mm)

15.5" (394mm)

17" (432mm)

17.5" (445mm)

Figure 13. Overall dimensions for
the Revel Performa F50a loud­speaker.

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

22

OBTAINING SERVICE

Before returning a product for warranty or non-warranty service,
contact Harman Specialty Group Customer Support to
determine the extent of the problem and to obtain a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number. No products will be
accepted without an RMA number issued from Harman Specialty
Group.

If a Revel product must be returned for repair, Harman Specialty
Group will assume no responsibility for the product during ship­ment from the customer to Harman Specialty Group, whether the
product is or is not covered under warranty.

All returns must be:

•well-packaged using the original packing materials (if possi-

ble)

•properly insured and consigned

•pre-paid to a reliable shipping agent

The following information must be included when a product is
returned for service:

• name

• company name

• street address, city, state, and zip code

• telephone number, including area code and country code (if

applicable)

•product serial number

•a detailed description of the problem

• the preferred method of return shipment

• RMA number clearly marked on both the inside and outside

of the package

Do not return accessories such as owner’s manuals unless
instructed to do so.

23

REVEL PERFORMA F50a

Owner’s Manual

To contact Harman Specialty Group Customer Support:

Telephone: [phone]

Service Fax: [phone]

Sales Fax: [phone]

www.revelspeakers.com

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. 352989-001 | Rev A | 2/04