In this review, we will be comparing L400 and Revel Performa3 C208, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk L400 and Revel Performa3 C208 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk L400 and Revel Performa3 C208 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 Polk L400 and Revel Performa3 C208 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 L400 and Revel Performa3 C208 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk L400 |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woofer . On the other hand, the Revel Performa3 C208 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has a frequency range of 50Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Revel Performa3 C208 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L400'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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
L400 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Revel Performa3 C208 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L400 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L400 sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the Revel Performa3 C208's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Revel Performa3 C208 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L400, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
L400 can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L400 has a max power handling value of 300 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Revel Performa3 C208.
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
L400 features Binding post type posts and Revel Performa3 C208 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk L400's Binding post terminals
Revel Performa3 C208's Binding post terminals
Polk L400 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 Polk L400's and Revel Performa3 C208's external dimensions. Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has external dimensions of 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm ( 12-1/16 x 29 x 13-11/16inch) .
Revel Performa3 C208 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 75mm wider, 62mm taller and 5mm deeper than Polk L400.
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 Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2 and base area of the Revel Performa3 C208 is approximately 2564.8cm2 / 397.5inch2. The L400 requires 11% less surface area than the Revel Performa3 C208 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 Polk L400 weighs 18.55kg / 40.8lbs and the Revel Performa3 C208 weighs 23.41kg / 51.5lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C208 26% heavier than the L400.
Here is a comparison of how L400 and Revel Performa3 C208's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk L400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-wiresCleaning clothOwners ManualOnline Registration
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 C208?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C208:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
245mm
vs
307mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2270cm2 (662x343mm)
vs
2564cm2 (737x348mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1799USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
300 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Polk Audio Legend L400 |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-300 watts |
50-350 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-38k Hz |
50Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
anodized aluminum cone with cast frames |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
245.0mm (9.6") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
737.0mm (29") |
| Depth |
343.0mm (13.5") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
18.55kg (40.8lbs) |
23.41kg (51.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |