REVELL Performa F50 User manual

Revel Performa F50a Loudspeaker Revel®Perform
F50a 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. 352989-001 | Rev A | 2/04
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....................................................6
ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING...........................9
PLACEMENT .................................................11
CONNECTIONS..............................................14
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION..................................18
LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER........................19
SPECIFICATIONS............................................20
OBTAINING SERVICE......................................22
2REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual

Figure 1. The Revel
Performa F50a
loudspeaker.
INTRODUCTION
Revel leads the loudspeaker world in research, advanced engineer-
ing techniques, and unique production processes. The Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker is the perfect demonstration of Revel’s
unparalleled engineering capabilities.
The driver complement includes three 6.5-inch ceramic-composite
cone woofers, a 5.25-inch ceramic-composite cone midrange, and a
1-inch pure titanium dome tweeter with a polymer surround and a
neodymium motor system, all working together to achieve low
distortion and extraordinary freedom from coloration. We also use
our groundbreaking measurement process to seamlessly integrate the
superb transducers with the high-order crossover network to achieve
truly full-range response with stunning realism and superb dynamics.
As a result, the Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker sets a whole new
standard in sound quality at anywhere near its price range. Its supe-
rior performance, assured by our ongoing research, will greatly
contribute to 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 F50a 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 F50a
Owner’s Manual

Figure 2. The Revel Performa
F50a transducer and connection
locations.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register the F50a 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.
DESCRIPTION
The Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker features a transducer comple-
ment (see Figure 2) of three 6.5-inch (165m) woofers, a 5.25-inch
(133mm) midrange driver, and a 1-inch (25.4mm) tweeter.
Combined with an individually-optimized crossover network, this
transducer arrangement results in a superior off-axis response that
provides a large uniform listening area and an uncolored in-room
response, even in the presence of strong wall reflections.
WOOFERS
Each 6.5-inch (165mm) ceramic-composite cone woofer features:
•Aceramic cone that provides the advantages of stiff, light true
ceramic material through the use of a unique high temperature
process that results in a strong ceramic composite.
•Little or no energy storage and no breakup modes throughout
its operating range, resulting in low distortion.
•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.
•Avented spider for better cooling and low compression.
4REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual
Installstraps for
single-wireoperation
Installstraps for
single-wireoperation
LowFrequency Input HighFrequency Input
Removestraps
forbi-wire
orbi-amp
+1-1
0+.5
-.5
FrontTweeterLevel (dB)
SerialNumber
xxxx
Revel
Northridge,California
Madein U.S.A.
REVEL PERFORMA F50a Front
(without grille) REVEL PERFORMA F50a Rear
Tweeter
Woofer Port
Tweeter
Level Control
Midrange
Woofers
Connectors (with
shorting straps)

MIDRANGE
The 5.25-inch (133mm) ceramic-composite cone midrange
transducer features:
•Aceramic cone that provides the advantages of stiff, light true
ceramic material through the use of a unique high temperature
process that results in a strong ceramic composite material.
•Little or no energy storage and no breakup modes throughout
its operating range, resulting in low distortion and unrivaled
clarity and detail.
•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.
fully-pistonic operation throughout its entire operating range.
TWEETER
The 1-inch (25mm) pure titanium dome tweeter with polymer
surround features:
•True pistonic operation for increased freedom from coloration.
•Aneodymium ring magnet and Telar-57, low carbon, high satura-
tion steel in the pole, back plate, and top plate for low distortion.
•Vented pole to a polyester-filled chamber with an integrated
heatsink for high power handling and low dynamic compression.
•Magnetic shielding to prevent interference with video monitors.
CROSSOVER NETWORK
Each Revel Performa F50a loudspeaker has an individually-opti-
mized crossover network with:
•Ahigh-order crossover at 225Hz and 2.3kHz to optimize the
on- and off-axis response of the system.
•Filter networks with carefully selected components for optimum
performance with low distortion across a wide dynamic range.
•Provision for bi-wired or bi-amplified applications via remov-
able external shorting straps on the gold-plated binding posts.
5
REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual

CABINET
Minimizes cabinet-induced colorations with 1-inch (25mm) thick
walls and extensive internal bracing. For even greater sound
enhancement, rounded baffle edges minimize diffraction and opti-
mize treble response. Adjustable spike footing is attached to the
bottom of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating
installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. Refer to the
Adjustable Spike Footing section on page 9.
The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not require routine mainte-
nance. However, cabinet surfaces that have been marked with
fingerprints, 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.
UNPACKING
The F50a 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 21 for additional
information.
6REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual
WARNING

Figure 3. Unpacking the Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker
Warning: Do not attempt to lift or move the F50a alone. Proper
lifting requires at least two strong people. When lifting the F50a,
stand as straight as possible using the leg muscles to lift. Do not
attempt to lift the F50a while bending at the waist. When
moving the F50a, rock it side-to-side into the desired position.
Failure to follow these procedures may result in personal injuries
and/or loudspeaker damage.
To unpack the F50a loudspeaker:
1. Place the packing carton on its side and fully open the top
flaps as shown Step 1 of Figure 3 (above).
2. Without allowing the top flaps to close, stand the packing car-
ton in an inverted position as shown in Step 2 of Figure 3
(above).
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 and objects located above the packing
carton. At this point, the loudspeaker will be upside-
down.
4. Remove the bottom pad and the front and back middle pads.
These items are identified in Figure 4 (next page). Then,
remove the grille from the back middle pad.
7
REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual
TOP
BOTTOM
BOTTOM
2
1
TOP
3

Figure 4. A Revel
Performa F50a loudspeaker with
its inner packing materials.
NOTE: While the loudspeaker is upside-down, it is recommended
to adjust the spike footing if the F50a will be placed on a carpeted
floor. Refer to the Adjustable Spike Footing section that begins on
the next page for instructions.
5. Grasping the sides of the cabinet, place the F50a on its side.
Then, place the F50a in the upright position without allowing
the protective bag identified in Figure 4 (above) to become
“stuck” under the spike footing.
6. When the F50a is in the upright position, remove the protec-
tive bag.
7. Remove the tweeter dome protector. Then attach the grille to
the cabinet.
8REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual
Top Pad
Back Middle Pad
Bottom Pad
Protective Bag
Front
Middle Pad
Grille

ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING
When shipped, adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom
of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on
tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. The F50a is shipped with
spike footing attached as shown on the left side of Figure 5 at the
top of the next page, with the round end protruding from the
cabinet. The protective cap is placed over the round end to protect
tile and hardwood floors.
Note: When moving the F50a, do not drag it across the floor.
If the F50a is placed on a carpeted floor, the spike footing should
be adjusted as shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page),
with the spike end protruding from the cabinet. If needed, follow
the instructions that begin below to adjust the spike footing.
To adjust the spike footing:
1. Place the F50a on its side on a soft towel or carpeted floor.
2. Remove the protective cap from the round end of the spike.
Save it for possible future use.
3. Rotate the locking ring counterclockwise to detach it from the
spike. Save it for use in step 6.
4. Rotate the spike counterclockwise to remove it from the cabi-
net.
5. Rotate the spike clockwise into the cabinet, round end first, as
shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page).
6. Reattach the locking ring, rotating it clockwise to firmly
secure the spike to the cabinet.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the remaining three spikes.
8. When all four spikes have been reversed, stand the F50a in the
upright position. If needed, repeat steps 1 and 6 to achieve a
level balance.
9. Repeat these steps to adjust the spike footing on the other F50a.
9
REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual

10 REVEL PERFORMA F50a
Owner’s Manual
Figure 5. F50a adjustable spike
footing
Caution: Floor-standing loudspeakers such as the F50a
have a high center of gravity, which may cause them to
fall if tipped or improperly positioned. To avoid this,
anchor the loudspeaker to the floor and/or wall using the
same procedures and hardware used to anchor bookcases,
wall units, and other furniture. Harman Specialty Group
assumes no responsibility for proper selection and installa-
tion of hardware or for any personal injuries or product
damages resulting from improper installation or a fallen
loudspeaker.
Locking Ring
F50a
Round End
(Protective Cap
Attached)
Locking Ring
Round End
Spike End
Protective Cap
Spike End
Spike End Round End
(Protective Cap Removed)
When shipped, the
spikes are attached as
shown here for
loudspeaker placement on
tile or hardwood floors.
The spikes should be
attached as shown
here for loudspeaker
placement on carpeted floors.