Short answer: the Focal Aria 906 for better sound quality, the Revel Performa M22 for the lower price. The Focal Aria 906 ranks #67 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $2199. The Revel Performa M22 ranks #68 at $600, $1599 cheaper.
What the Focal Aria 906 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. Watch for: 3dB dip around 2.8khz.
On the Revel Performa M22 side: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Set against that: 3dB bass boost around 100hz.
Buy the Focal Aria 906 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Revel Performa M22 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Aria 906 | Revel Performa M22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.00 used, Discontinued | About $600 used |
| Ranked | #67 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #68 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 used, Discontinued Amazon
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about ±60 degrees is good and stays even out to about -12dB before getting erratic. Woofer distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL/1m.
Cons: 3dB dip around 2.8khz. Some resonance around 800hz, small directivity error around 7khz. A dip in the upper midrange also shows up in the predicted in-room response. Distortion becomes problematic at 96dB SPL/1m, with a notable peak around 1.3-1.5kHz alongside broader midrange elevation. Discontinued.
Full Focal Aria 906 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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Revel Performa M22: About $600 used
Pros: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz.
Cons: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light. Distortion rises substantially below 100Hz when driven hard.
Full Revel Performa M22 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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