Quad Revela 1 and Revela 2 Loudspeakers Revealed

The Revela 1 and Revela 2 boast updated examples of Quad's audio technologies seen initially in the British brand's first speaker system from 1949 and wrapped in contemporary chassis; the Corner Ribbon's DNA remains strong even after 74 years, it must be said.

The Revela 1 is a two-way standmount speaker, while the Revela 2 is a three-way floorstander, both sporting the new Quad True Ribbon high-frequency driver. This debuted in Quad's first speaker system – 1949's Corner Ribbon – and has undergone many iterations in the decades since. This latest version took four years to develop.

Quad's Director of Acoustic Design, Peter Comeau, told StereoNET:

Quad has been responsible for many audio innovations since the mid-twentieth century. The ribbon tweeter is one such creation, and we are delighted to have developed a new version of Quad's 'true ribbon' driver as a centrepiece of the Revela design. Our Reveal cone material is another breakthrough, engineered to match seamlessly with the ribbon treble unit and ensure the listener revels in effortless drama and detail as music fills the room.

True ribbon drivers comprise a ribbon of thin aluminium foil within a strong magnetic field through which the audio signal flows. As the audio signal fully energises the diaphragm, it mitigates breakup modes and resonances typical of alternative solutions. Additionally, having a mass typically one-tenth that of a dome means that the precision and transient response of the ribbon to the audio signal from the amplifier promises an immaculate, detailed output.

Also debuting in the Revela line are mid/bass diaphragms made of Quad's proprietary material, dubbed Reveal. We are told that this unique mix of wood pulp and artificial fibres provides "superior bass control and smoothing upper-midrange resonances."

This diaphragm is incorporated into a driver built on a cast chassis and fitted with a high-power magnet and voice coil for greater sensitivity. The Revela 1 has a single 165mm mid/bass driver, with the Revela 2 boasting two 165mm drivers on bass duties with a 150mm unit handling the midrange.

Quad states that the Revela's mid/bass cones have been carefully matched to custom rubber surrounds that incorporate a damping layer at the junction with the diaphragm to absorb reflections that would otherwise cause resonances in the upper part of the frequency range.

Lower frequencies are augmented by bass reflex ports (the Revela 1 has one port, and the Revela 2 has two) featuring longitudinal splines that help that smooth airflow and increase the efficiency of the reflex system.

The drivers' duties are assigned via an Acoustic Butterworth crossover network that, we're told, has been fine-tuned over hundreds of hours of listening tests to create a seamless blend between drive units.

The Revela speakers' cabinets utilise "optimally stressed and braced panels" with attractively radiused edges that are said to reduce unwanted diffraction effects. The all-black finish option sees multiple layers of lacquer applied over deep black veneer to provide a lustrous finish, protect the cabinet and help dampen unwanted acoustic radiation. The walnut finish option maintains the piano's black front baffle, top and base, adding interlocked wood veneer on the sides and rear, again generously lacquered.

The Revela 1's optional speaker stands to position the speaker at the optimal listening height while also managing the effects of vibrations and sound reflections. The Revela 2 floorstanders come with carbon steel plinths, stainless steel spikes and spike seats.

The QUAD Revela 1 and Revela 2 loudspeakers are available from September at RRPs of £1,799 and £3,499 per pair, respectively.

The Revela 1 can be purchased with its purpose-made floor stands at an RRP of £2,499 (the stands are £799 per pair if purchased separately).

Visit Quad for more information