Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Good dynamic range, especially for the C426Be
- Very nice-looking
- Wide and even off-axis response
- Good build quality
- Delivers an extraordinarily flat response on and off-axis, making it a highly accurate loudspeaker
Product Considerations
- Size is large, potential buyers will want to be sure that the C426Be's size can be accommodated
- Measured impedance is closer to 4-Ohms than the claimed 8-Ohms, so plan amplification resources accordingly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The C426Be was a seamless sonic match to the Revel F228Be left and right channels
- C426Be has a very similar coherence to the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 center channel's coax, but with an accuracy and impact to its performance that was turned up by several notches
Takeaway: The C426Be is a great speaker that delivers accurate sound, and it could be one of the best performing center speakers on the market
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C426Be
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Type: 3-way quadruple 6.5" Center channel loudspeaker
- Low-frequency transducer: Four 6.5" (165mm) Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) aluminum cones with cast frames
- Midrange transducer: 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) aluminum cone, with cast frame
- High-frequency transducer: 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome with acoustic lens wave guide
- Recommended amplifier power range: 50-300 Watts RMS
- Frequency response: 38Hz-40kHz (-6 dB)
- Low-frequency extension: 35 Hz (-10 dB); 38 Hz (-6 dB); 41 Hz (-3 dB)
- Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 90 dB
- Crossover frequencies: 210 Hz; 2.1 kHz
- Enclosure type: Bass-reflex via 2 rear-mounted ports
- Inputs: Dual gold-plated binding posts with shorting straps
- Available high-gloss finishes: Black, White, Metallic Silver, and Walnut
- Dimensions – with grille (H x W x D): 10.4" x 38.6" x 14" (263mm x 979.7mm x 358mm)
- Product Weight: 61lb (27.7kg)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Revel's speaker designs are rooted in extensive research and double-blind listening tests conducted at Harman's advanced R&D facilities.
- They use custom-designed drivers with advanced materials, such as aluminum, titanium, and beryllium.
- Revel speakers offer a wide and even sound dispersion thanks to their Acoustic Lens Waveguide technology and sophisticated crossover designs.
- The brand balances a neutral and accurate sound with dynamic capabilities, creating immersive experiences for both music and movies.
Select products
Revel F36
- Positioning: Part of the Concerta2 series, positioned as an entry-level floorstanding speaker.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring a 2 1/2-way design with triple 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofers. Uses a patented waveguide to improve off-axis response, which is a step up from simpler designs in the lineup, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms and those on a budget.
Revel F328Be
- Positioning: The flagship model of the PerformaBe series.
- Description: Features a beryllium tweeter and triple 8-inch woofers, providing exceptional clarity and dynamic range. Its advanced waveguide and crossover design offer superior integration compared to other models.
Revel Studio2
- Positioning: Part of the Ultima2 series, positioned as a high-end option with a more compact design than the Salon2.
- Description: Features a three-way design with dual 8-inch woofers and a beryllium tweeter, offering excellent sound quality in a smaller footprint. Shares many technologies with the Salon2.
Revel Salon2
- Positioning: The top model in the Ultima2 series, representing the pinnacle of Revel's speaker technology.
- Description: A four-way system with three 8-inch woofers and a beryllium tweeter, delivering outstanding sound quality and depth. Its sophisticated design and advanced materials set it apart from other models.
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Used
Revel
What if you spend more?
At the center of it all and always the focus of any studio or home theater is the critical tonal balance provided by the center channel. Sharing the same driver compliment as our flagship S7T, this speaker makes the perfect choice for where the highest performance theater is desired. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. This array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire product line. Custom bass drivers made from TPCD deliver unparalleled dynamic range and musical finesse. The PERLISTEN S-Series speakers also have the distinguished honor to be the world’s first and only loudspeakers to be certified for THX Dominus – their highest. rating.
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Product Strengths
- The S7c center channel speaker is a standout performer and a tonal match to the mains and surrounds, creating a seamless blend across the main channels
- Movie dialogue was crystal clear from every seat with the S7c, and levels required no additional tweaking post-calibration
- Innovative in design and heavy duty in build quality
Product Considerations
- The price of the S7c and the system as a whole, may be intimidating for some
- The review sample had a lustrous high-gloss black with chromed silver binding posts and terminal plate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Perlisten S7t speakers seem to be able to bend the room to their will to an even higher degree than the Revel F328Be speakers that were reviewed earlier
Takeaway: The S7c is a top-tier center channel speaker that delivers exceptional clarity and seamless integration with other speakers, making it a great choice for a high-end home theater system. It's a high-performing product, making movies and music sound their best.
Video review
Our take on the brand
With the success of the S7c, the request for the S5c center for slightly smaller rooms and screens became too numerous to ignore. A world class center similar to the S7c with nearly the same SPL, sensitivity, and low frequency output. The S5c is sealed for the best integration into any room, and the same exquisite DPC array, for THX certified Dominus surround, or Ultra LCR home theater applications.
Smaller sibling to our S7c. The S5c is designed for applications requiring somewhat smaller center channel. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes.
All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers – bringing decades of research, culminating in this world class design. We teamed up with companies in the USA and Sweden to bring modern material science to hi-fi. Utilizing advanced Comsol acoustic modeling, our DPC-array is the result of 18 months of painstaking simulations and prototyping. The result is one of the most technologically advanced loudspeakers available.
This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire series. Custom bass drivers made from thin-ply carbon diaphragms (TPCD) used here in a compact acoustic suspension enclosure for predictable low frequency performance ideally suited for multi-channel systems.
Product Strengths
- Compact center channel designed to match the S7Ts without taking up too much space
- Properly designed to be a center channel, providing great off-axis performance
- When integrated as part of a system with S7Ts, it provides a cohesive sound, sounding very similar to the mains
Product Considerations
- Review mentions having to seal the bass drivers in the subwoofers and redo setup
- Review mentions it sounds best with 'really good musical subwoofers', which may mean it sounds less good without subwoofers
Takeaway: The S5C is a well-engineered center channel option that can be paired with other speakers to create an immersive sound experience. It offers great off-axis performance and a cohesive sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- New features and performance for the brand's high-end home theater speakers
- The slim profile allows for easy integration into any room, distinguishing them from bulkier alternatives
- Cabinets are crafted using multiple laminated layers of MDF with a 36mm front baffle and feature dual binding posts, plus high-quality jumpers for better performance
- The series features an updated top-tier midrange and woofer with Rigid Diaphragm Technology III for improved audio performance
- Build quality is first-rate with no expense spared in using today's technology
Product Considerations
- The speakers sometimes seemed like they were holding back from being their best—lacking a live and emotional connection
Takeaway: The Platinum 3G speakers from Monitor Audio are an achievement in engineering and aesthetic design and are built for easy integration into any home. They presented very good technical performance and compatibility with different amplifier types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- The HTM81 D4 is designed specifically as a center speaker to partner with the 801, sharing the same tweeter and midrange assembly
- A very serious center speaker, with a frequency response of +/- 3dB at 28Hz
Product Considerations
- A large speaker, it takes up considerable space
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The HTM81 D4 is a physical center speaker, preferred by Bowers & Wilkins over in-wall designs for optimal performance when paired with the 801
Takeaway: The HTM81 is a serious center speaker that ensures tonal consistency across the front channels, making movies and music sound great. This center channel is worth considering for the best possible home theater experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers clear, dynamic, spacious, full-range sound that reveals every detail in a recording
- Exceptional styling and build quality
- Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
- Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
- Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations
Product Considerations
- Large and heavy, requiring planning and effort for installation
- Requires high-quality amplification to reach its full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
- Cannot be auditioned before purchase due to direct-to-consumer model, with returns being a hassle due to size/weight
- May dominate smaller listening spaces, requiring a recommended listening distance of 13 feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It has better low bass than Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 and Estelon Aura
- It holds its own against speakers like Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be
Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 loudspeaker is a great choice for people who want exceptional sound and build quality. These speakers are versatile for both music and movies, making listening a truly immersive experience
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality with unparalleled clarity and detail
- Cutting-edge driver technologies are used for superior performance
- Stunning aesthetics with premium finish options (Datuk Gloss and Midnight Blue Metallic finishes)
- Versatile performance in both home theatre and hifi applications
- Robust construction with high-quality components
Product Considerations
- Premium pricing may not suit all budgets
- Substantial size requires adequate space for optimal placement
- May require high-quality amplification to reach its full potential
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Signature Centre Speaker offers exceptional sound and build quality, making it a worthy addition to any audio system. It is a great choice for those seeking the ultimate center channel experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The R5c center channel speaker allows dialog to be clear and intelligible amid layers of effects sounds
- The R5c maintains performance and clarity even when listening decently off-axis
Product Considerations
- Impedance drops rather low, so more quality power on tap to use with these speakers is better
- Too much bass or upper bass was present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Revel F228Be towers: Revels tended to make vocals and some instruments sound strangely "tall," whereas the Perlisten was far more of a point-source presentation with vocals and instruments being centered to the speaker
Takeaway: The R5c is great for listening to music or for home theaters. It ensures all voices can be heard clearly, even when there are a lot of other sounds.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unrivalled audio clarity and detail across a vast frequency spectrum
- Dynamic three‐way design delivers immersive, lifelike sound
- Innovative AMT tweeter produces crisp, sparkling highs
- Robust bass reflex technology for deep, resonant low frequencies
- Exquisite hand‐polished finishes that double as statement décor
- Flexible placement providing consistent performance throughout the room
Product Considerations
- A premium investment best suited to the discerning audiophile, where professional setup is recommended to fully exploit its potential
Takeaway: The Elysian C delivers immersive, lifelike sound with clarity and detail. Its design will enhance any living space and provide consistent performance throughout the room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
- Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
- Uncompromising build quality and attention to detail
- Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations
- Full-range performance with or without subs, with usable bass extension down to 17Hz
Product Considerations
- Extremely large and heavy; installation requires planning and effort
- Demands high-quality amplification (at least 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms) to reach full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
- Requires careful placement and meticulous setup/calibration to unlock full potential
- Some may find the tweeters noticeably bright initially, requiring adjustments and break-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Arendal 1723 THX Tower speakers, the 1528 serves as a worthy upgrade
- Vs Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetta VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, Paradigm Persona, RBH 6500-SF/R, RBH 8300-SF/R, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be—the Arendal 1528 series holds its own
Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 and Center 8+ speakers offer audiophile sound and exceptional build quality, making them a serious contender in their category. If one wants well-thought-out modern audio engineering and robust build at a competitive price, these are worth considering.
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