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Revel M106 vs KEF LS50 Comparison

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Revel M106

Passive Bookshelf | 59Hz- 20kHz

Revel Performa3 M106
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KEF LS50

Passive Bookshelf | 79-28k Hz

KEF LS50
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Revel M106 Revel M106
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KEF LS50 KEF LS50
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Revel M106
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KEF LS50
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Revel M106 vs KEF LS50 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing M106 and LS50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Revel and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Revel M106 and KEF LS50 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Revel M106 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 59Hz- 20kHz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:50-150watts
  • Weight:8.41kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 383.0" x 8-1/4" x 11"( 383.0 x 210.0 x 280.0mm )

KEF LS50 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Vented dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer
  • 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-100watts
  • Weight:7.20kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 302.0" x 7.8" x 10.9"( 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the Revel M106 and KEF LS50 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* Revel M106 KEF LS50
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 Revel M106 and KEF LS50 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 M106 and LS50 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Revel M106 KEF LS50
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

M106 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz. On the other hand, the LS50 features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.

Frequency Response

M106 has a frequency range of 59Hz- 20kHz whereas LS50 has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the M106 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50's min frequency of 79Hz.

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

M106
LS50
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Revel M106
KEF LS50
Min
Average
Max

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

M106 and LS50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. M106 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the LS50's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel M106 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

M106
LS50
Min
Average
Max

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.

M106 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the M106.

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

M106 features Post type posts and LS50 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Revel M106 Terminals
Revel M106's Binding post terminals

KEF LS50Post Terminals
KEF LS50's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both M106 and LS50 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

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 Revel M106's and KEF LS50's external dimensions. Revel M106 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 210.0 x 280.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 8-1/4 x 11inch) whereas KEF LS50 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.8 x 7.8 x 10.9inch) .

Revel M106 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 10mm wider, 81mm taller and 2mm deeper than KEF LS50.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Revel M106 and KEF LS50 in scale.

Revel M106 vs KEF LS50 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Revel M106 and KEF LS50 Size and External Dimensions

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 M106 is approximately 588.0cm2 / 91.1inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 is approximately 556.0cm2 / 86.2inch2. The M106 requires 6% more surface area than the LS50 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Revel M106 vs KEF LS50 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Revel M106 and KEF LS50 on a Media Console
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 Revel M106 weighs 8.41kg / 18.5lbs and the KEF LS50 weighs 7.20kg / 15.8lbs. This makes the M106 17% heavier than the LS50.

Here is a comparison of how M106 and LS50's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Revel M106
KEF LS50
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Revel M106?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of M106:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Foam port plug
  • Owners Manual
  • What's in the Box of KEF LS50?

    Here are the items that come with the LS50:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose Revel Performa3 M106 over KEF LS50
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 87 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 59 Hz vs 79 Hz Generates deeper bass

    Reasons to choose KEF LS50 over Revel Performa3 M106

    High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 302mm vs 383mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 556cm2 vs 588cm2 Takes less floor space
    Revel M106 vs KEF LS50 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Revel Performa3 M106 KEF LS50
    Brand Revel KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 50-150 watts 25-100 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 85 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.2 ohms
    Frequency Response 59Hz- 20kHz 79-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Aluminum Magnesium/aluminum alloy
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide Vented dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2300Hz 2200Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 383.0mm (15.1") 302.0mm (11.9")
    Width 210.0mm (8.3") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Depth 280.0mm (11") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 8.41kg (18.5lbs) 7.20kg (15.8lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish Wood/Lacquer Polymer/Lacquer
    Available Colors Gloss Walnut,Piano Black Black, High Gloss Piano Black, High Gloss Piano White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-25" 18-28"
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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