In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 and M126Be, 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 M126Be first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Revel M126Be 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Revel M126Be compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Bronze 2 and M126Be are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Revel M126Be |
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 M126Be features a 1" beryllium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" DCC Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas M126Be has a frequency range of 54-44k 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 M126Be's min frequency of 54Hz.
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 and M126Be have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Bronze 2 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the M126Be's is at 86 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M126Be, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the M126Be.
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. M126Be has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas M126Be 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 M126Be 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 M126Be'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 M126Be has external dimensions of 388.0 x 212.0 x 262.0mm ( 15-1/4 x 8-5/16 x 10-5/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is 27mm narrower and 38mm shorter than Revel M126Be but it is also 19mm 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 M126Be is approximately 555.4cm2 / 86.1inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 6% less surface area than the M126Be which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs and the Revel M126Be weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs. This makes the M126Be 89% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 2 and M126Be's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze 2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Revel M126Be?
Here are the items that come with the M126Be:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
350mm
vs
388mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
519cm2 (185x281mm)
vs
555cm2 (212x262mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
44k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Revel PerformaBe M126Be |
Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
50-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42-30k Hz |
54-44k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
DCC Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
3100Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
350.0mm (13.8") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
Width |
185.0mm (7.3") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
Weight |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
Walnut,Black,White,Silver |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
30-31" |
22-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |