Revel F208 vs Q Acoustics 5040

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5040, if you are buying new. The Revel F208 ranks higher than it (#16 vs #41 of 74 floorstanding speakers, 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Q Acoustics 5040 is still sold new at $2,472.98.

Revel F208 vs Q Acoustics 5040

Buy the Q Acoustics 5040, since the Revel F208 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Revel F208 Q Acoustics 5040
Price$4,800 per pair used, Discontinued$2,472.98 per pair
Ranked#16 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers#41 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers
Bass Extension (-10dB)24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Dimensions46.6”H x 13.5”W x 14.8”D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm)38.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.2”D (967 x 293 x 361 mm)
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review)6 ohms nominal (3.0 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
DriversDual 8” (20 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25” (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide0.88 in. decoupled dome tweeter, twin 5.0 in. C3 Continuous Curved Cone woofers
Sensitivity88.2dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88.5dB manufacturer specified)91.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight79.4 lbs (36 kg) each39.7 lbs (18.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, frontported, rear
Spinorama Preference Score6.353.80
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.676.41
DIY KitNoNo

More worthwhile head-to-heads for Revel F208:

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The Two Speakers In Full

Revel F208: $4,800 per pair used Discontinued eBay

Revel F208 ranking card

Newer model: the Revel F228Be, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5.

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with sensitivity matching spec at ~87-88dB. Predicted in-room response is a smooth, textbook-quality downward slope that should translate well to most rooms without correction. Early reflections sum so cleanly with the direct sound that side-wall absorption isn’t recommended: it would work against the speaker’s naturally well-integrated off-axis behavior. Distortion stays below 0.5% from 100Hz up at 96dB/1m, with all distortion components falling below audible threshold above 200Hz. Very wide horizontal directivity of about ±75 degrees. Measured performance was judged very close to Revel’s own flagship Salon2, and Revel’s speakers (including this one) are developed using Harman’s double-blind listening test methodology. Preference score of 7.4 (7.7 with a subwoofer added). Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.2dB.

Cons: Some directivity error and tweeter-response ripple right at the 2.2kHz crossover point. A notable on-axis dip at about 4kHz, attributed to probable cabinet diffraction. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows an unexplained resonance around 4-5kHz that the reviewer couldn’t pin down a clear cause for. Vertical directivity shows narrowband interference nulls just above and below the tweeter axis (roughly 2-3kHz), typical of a non-coaxial tower with vertically separated drivers, so listening height matters more than it would with a coincident design. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms, calling for a robust, high-current amplifier. Distortion climbs substantially below about 80-100Hz (up to ~5% in the deep bass) when driven hard, an excursion-limited trade-off typical of towers at high output. Isolating the woofers alone shows their usable range ending around 500-700Hz at the crossover, with somewhat elevated (though still low in absolute terms) 2nd/3rd harmonic distortion in the 100-300Hz region. Discontinued.

Bass Extension (-10dB)24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions46.6”H x 13.5”W x 14.8”D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm)
DriversDual 8” (20 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25” (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity88.2dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88.5dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score6.35
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.67
Weight79.4 lbs (36 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, front

Q Acoustics 5040: $2,472.98 per pair Amazon eBay

Q Acoustics 5040 ranking card

Pros: C3 (Continuous Curved Cone) driver profile technology provides smooth midrange integration, controlled cone breakup, and improved bass damping. High voltage sensitivity (91.5dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) allows loud listening with low-to-moderate amplifier wattage. Cabinet features Point-to-Point (P2P) internal bracing and Helmholtz Pressure Equalizer (HPE) tubes to suppress internal standing waves and panel vibrations. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.5dB.

Cons: Free-field frequency response exhibits a noticeable mid-bass scoop around 200Hz (~6dB lower than mean SPL), causing an F3 of 70Hz (F10 of 39Hz) in open space and requiring boundary placement (11-22 inches from front wall) to reinforce upper bass output. Measurements indicate an enclosure resonance near 300Hz visible in sound power data. Minimum impedance drops to 3.0 ohms, demanding a stable 4-ohm rated amplifier despite high sensitivity.

Bass Extension (-10dB)39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions38.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.2”D (967 x 293 x 361 mm)
Drivers0.88 in. decoupled dome tweeter, twin 5.0 in. C3 Continuous Curved Cone woofers
Impedance6 ohms nominal (3.0 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity91.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score3.80
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.41
Weight39.7 lbs (18.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear