In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Revel M16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" C-CAM Woofer
- 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:5.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 350.0" x 7.2" x 11.0"( 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm )
Revel M16 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer
- 55- Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:50-120watts
- Weight:7.27kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 378.0" x 8-11/16" x 11"( 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Revel M16 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
Listening Environment* |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Revel M16 |
Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
Small Room |
Good |
Average |
Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Revel M16 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Bronze 2 and M16 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Revel M16 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Bronze 2 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz. On the other hand, the M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Bronze 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Bronze 2 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Bronze 2 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the M16's is rated at 86 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M16, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Bronze 2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the M16.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Bronze 2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. M16 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas M16 has a rear firing ports. Monitor Audio Bronze 2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Revel M16 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Monitor Audio Bronze 2's and Revel M16's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm ( 13.7 x 7.2 x 11.0inch) whereas Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is 36mm narrower and 28mm shorter than Revel M16 but it is also 1mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is approximately 519.9cm2 / 80.6inch2 and base area of the Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 16% less surface area than the M16 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.