In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Revel. Revel Concerta2 M16 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the M8 SP2 is a On-wall speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel M16 and Revel M8 SP2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Revel M16 | Revel M8 SP2 |
|---|
| Brand | Revel
United States · founded 1996 | Revel
United States · founded 1996 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Anodized aluminum | 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55- Hz | 110-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 50-120 watts | 10-125 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.27kg / 16lbs | 1.57kg / 3.5lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14-7/8" x 8-11/16" x 11"
378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm | 11-11/16" x 4-1/4" x 4-5/8"
297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm |
|---|
M16 and M8 SP2 are members of Revel's Concerta series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Revel Concerta Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both M16 and M8 SP2 are 2-way speakers.
Revel M16Revel M8 SP2
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Revel M16 |
Revel M8 SP2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 3-inch
|
M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer. On the other hand, the M8 SP2 features a 1" MCC (Micro Ceramic Composite) Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite Woofer.
Frequency Response
M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz whereas M8 SP2 has a frequency range of 110-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the M16 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M8 SP2's min frequency of 110Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
M16 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the M8 SP2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. M16 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the M8 SP2's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel M8 SP2 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
M8 SP2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS, whereas M16 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 5 watts less than the M8 SP2.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
M16 features 5-way post type posts and M8 SP2 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both M16 and M8 SP2 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Revel M16's and Revel M8 SP2's external dimensions. Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm (14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) whereas Revel M8 SP2 has external dimensions of 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm (11-11/16 x 4-1/4 x 4-5/8inch).
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 113mm wider, 81mm taller and 162mm deeper than Revel M8 SP2.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Revel M16 needs about 386% more floor or shelf area. Revel M16 is 162mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Revel M16 is 81mm taller.
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 Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2 and base area of the Revel M8 SP2 is approximately 127.4cm2 / 19.7inch2. The M16 requires 386% more surface area than the M8 SP2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Revel M16?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of M16:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Revel M8 SP2?
Here are the items that come with the M8 SP2:
- 2 Satellite loudspeakers
- 2 Wall-brackets
- 4 Wall-mount end-caps
- 2 Rubber foot pads
- Hex-key
- Owners Manual