REVELL Performa C50 User manual

Revel®Performa™C50a Loudspeaker
3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | www.revelspeakers.com
Customer Support: Telephone: [phone] | Sales Fax: [phone] | Service Fax: [phone]
Please contact Customer Support for information about product shipments.
Part No. 352991-001 | Rev A | 2/04
Revel Performa C50a Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
®™
“Revel,” “Performa,” and the Revel logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other
worldwide patents issued and pending.
©2004 Harman Specialty Group. All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman Specialty Group.The information it contains is subject
to change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...............................................3
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY.................................3
PRODUCT REGISTRATION ...................................................4
DESCRIPTION .................................................4
WOOFERS ........................................................................4
MIDRANGE .......................................................................5
TWEETER .........................................................................5
CROSSOVER NETWORK .....................................................5
CABINET...........................................................................6
UNPACKING....................................................7
ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING...........................9
PLACEMENT .................................................11
CONNECTIONS..............................................13
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION..................................14
LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER........................16
SPECIFICATIONS............................................17
OBTAINING SERVICE......................................18
2REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual

Figure 1. The Revel
Performa C50a
center-channel loudspeaker.
INTRODUCTION
The Revel Performa C50a center-channel loudspeaker draws upon
the same research, resources, and unique perspective made famous
by Revel’s Ultima™ Series, resulting in standard-setting low col-
oration and freedom from distortion over an extraordinarily wide
dynamic range.
The C50a loudspeaker provides this exceptional performance in a
wide range of applications (through the use of placement compen-
sation circuits) and uniformly throughout a wide listening area.
Individually hand-tuned crossovers assure that this loudspeaker will
produce the same extraordinary sound quality as the original refer-
ence standard, and an ideal timbre match to Revel left and right
front loudspeakers. Its superior performance, validated by objective
listening tests, will greatly enhance the enjoyment of music or film
sound in your home.
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY
To begin enjoying your new loudspeaker, first read and then perform
the instructions in this owner’s manual. Maximum performance
depends on following all instructions described here, as well as those
found in the owner’s manuals of associated components in your
audio system. Save these instructions for future reference.
The C50a center-channel loudspeaker is covered by a limited 5-
year warranty, so save the bill of sale to protect your purchase and
aid in any service-related questions.
3
REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual

Figure 2. The Revel Performa
C50a transducer and connection
locations.
DESCRIPTION
The Revel Performa C50a loudspeaker uses two 6.5-inch (165mm)
ceramic-composite woofers, a 4-inch (102mm) ceramic-composite
midrange, and a 1-inch (25.4mm) aluminum-dome tweeter.
Combined with an individually-optimized crossover network, this
transducer arrangement provides a uniform “listening window” or
area in which the sound varies little. The dual high power-handling
woofers and high-order crossover networks assure an extraordinary
dynamic range capability with very low dynamic compression. Full
magnetic shielding allows use near a video monitor.
WOOFERS
The two 6.5-inch (165mm) woofers feature:
•1.2-inch (30.5mm) diameter voice coils wound on glass-rein-
forced Kapton®bobbins for outstanding dynamic capability and
freedom from compression.
•Ceramic-composite cones feature an optimum combination
of stiffness and low mass for low coloration and distortion, and
fully-pistonic operation throughout their entire operating range.
•Massive motor system and specially vented spiders for
high-power handling and low dynamic compression.
•Die-cast basket to eliminate coloration from resonances.
4REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual
OnTopof
Monitor
Flush
Mounted
Stand
Mounted
0+.5
-.5
+1
-1
Placement
Compensation
(SeeOwner's Manual)
HighFrequency
Level(dB)
Revel
Northridge,California
Madein U.S.A.
SerialNo.
REVEL PERFORMA
C50a Front (without grille)
REVEL PERFORMA
C50a Rear
Woofer
Tweeter
Woofer High-Frequency
Level Control
Placement
Compensation
Control
Midrange
Connector Connector
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register the C50a within 15 days of purchase. To do so,
register online at www.revelspeakers.com or complete and return
the included product registration card. Retain the original, dated
sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

MIDRANGE
The 4-inch (102 mm) midrange features:
•1-inch (25.4mm) diameter voice coil on a glass-reinforced
Kapton®former for extraordinary power handling and freedom
from distortion.
•Ceramic-composite cones feature an optimum combination
of stiffness and low mass for low coloration and distortion, and
fully-pistonic operation throughout its entire operating range.
•Specially-shaped, synthetic and natural butyl-rubber composite
surround contributes to low coloration and distortion.
•Die-cast basket to eliminate coloration from resonances.
TWEETER
The 1-inch (25.4mm) tweeter features:
•Apure titanium dome for fully-pistonic operation.
•Integrated, cast heat sink for high-power handling and low
dynamic compression.
•Telar 57™, low-carbon high-saturation steel pole, backplate,
and top plate for low distortion.
CROSSOVER NETWORK
The Revel Performa C50a crossover network is designed to seam-
lessly integrate the transducers over a wide listening area, and to
compensate for a wide range of listening environments. The
crossover features:
•A3-way, high-order crossover at 260Hz and 2.1kHz for high
power handling, optimized dispersion, and freedom from
distortion and dynamic compression.
•Individual calibration to match each Revel Performa C50a to
the original reference standard.
•3-position placement compensation switch for low coloration
under a wide range of conditions.
•Calibrated, five-position, high-frequency level control for
accurate, repeatable settings.
•Separate woofer, midrange, and tweeter crossover boards to
eliminate any distortion-causing interaction.
5
REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual

CABINET
Minimizes cabinet-induced colorations with 0.75-inch (19mm)
thick walls and extensive internal bracing. For even greater sound
enhancement, rounded baffle edges minimize diffraction and
optimize treble response. Two threaded inserts on the bottom of
the cabinet accommodate spike footing, which provides adjustable
tilt when the C50a is placed on or above a video monitor.
The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not require routine mainte-
nance. However, cabinet surfaces that have been marked with fin-
gerprints, dust, or other dirt can be cleaned using a soft cloth and a
high-quality furniture polish. If a higher-gloss finish is desired, a
high-quality wax can also be used.
To clean the cabinet:
1. Apply a high-quality furniture polish to a soft cloth.
2. Use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet surface.
To clean the grille:
Gently vacuum using a soft-bristled brush vacuum attachment.
CAUTION:To prevent cabinet damage, do not use a cloth made
with steel wool or metal polish to clean the cabinet. To prevent
possible transducer damage, do not apply furniture polish directly
to the cabinet.
6REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual
WARNING

Figure 3. Unpacking the C50a
UNPACKING
The C50a requires special care and handling during unpacking.
Pay particular attention to the precautions that appear in this
section and to other precautions that appear throughout this
owner’s manual.
When unpacking, save all packing materials identified in Figure
2 at the bottom of the next page for possible future shipping
needs. Refer to the Obtaining Service section on page 20 for
additional information.
To unpack the C50a loudspeaker:
1. Place the packing carton upright on a soft towel or carpet-
ed floor and fully open the top flaps as shown in step 1 of
Figure 3 (below).
2. Without allowing the top flaps to close, stand the packing
carton in an inverted position as shown in step 2 of Figure
3 (below).
3. Lift the packing carton off of the loudspeaker as shown in
step 3 of Figure 3. Use caution to avoid damaging the
loudspeaker cabinet. At this point, the loudspeaker will be
upside-down.
7
REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual
Bottom
Top
Bottom
Top
1
2
3

Figure 4. A Revel Performa
C50a loudspeaker with its
inner packing materials.
4. Remove the left and right pads, grille and protective bag
identified in Figure 4 (below).
5. Remove the spike footing attached to the left pad as shown
in Figure 4 (below).
NOTE: While the loudspeaker is upside-down, it is recommended to
position the spike footing as desired. Refer to the Adjustable Spike foot-
ing section that begins on the nest page for instructions.
8REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual
Right Pad
Left Pad
Grille
Protective Bag
Spike Footing

Figure 5. Tilting the Revel
Performa C50a loudspeaker.
ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING
When the C50a is shipped, spike footing is attached to the left pad
identified in Figure 4 on the previous page. For optimal sound
quality, these spikes can be positioned in the threaded inserts on
the bottom of the cabinet.
Both 1.5-inch (38mm) and 2.25-inch (57mm) adjustable spikes
are included, allowing for achievement of the proper tilt angle
when the C50a is placed on top of a video monitor as shown in
Figure 9 on page 12 or a shelf. For best results, the C50a should be
tilted so the front of the speaker is facing directly toward the listen-
er’s head.
To position the spike footing:
1. Place the C50a upside-down on a soft towel or carpeted
floor.
2. Select the appropriate set of spikes to create a tilt angle that
aligns the tweeter with the listener’s head.
•Select the 1.5-inch spikes for a slight downward tilt as
shown on the top of Figure 5 (below).
•Select the 2.25-inch spikes for a greater tilt as shown on
the bottom of Figure 5 (below). These spikes are required
for a higher loudspeaker placement.
1.5-inch Spike
Rear of C50a
2.25-inch Spike
Rear of C50a
9
REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual

10 REVEL PERFORMA C50a
Owner’s Manual
Figure 6. Location of the C50a’s
threaded inserts for spike footing.
3. Locate the two threaded inserts on the bottom of the cabinet.
These inserts are identified in Figure 6 (below).
4. Rotate the first spike clockwise, spike end first, to attach it to
the threaded insert.
5. Repeat step 4 using the other spike and threaded insert.
Make sure the two spikes are evenly threaded to achieve a
level balance.
6. Place the protective caps over the round end of the spikes as
shown in Figure 7 (below) to prevent the spikes from scratch-
ing the mounting surface.
7. When both spikes have been inserted, stand the C50a in the
upright position. If needed, adjust the spikes to achieve a
level balance.
CAUTION: Do not mount the C50a precariously on the edge of a
monitor. Be sure to properly mount as instructed.
Round End
(Protective Cap)
Spike End
C50a Cabinet
Mounting
Surface
Threaded
Insert
Figure 7. C50a spike footing
detail