Quad Revela speakers update 1940s tech in a modern package

Quad Revela speakers update 1940s tech in a modern package
(Image credit: Quad)

Quad's latest speakers pack updated versions of audio technologies originally seen in the British brand's first speaker system from 1949. And with thoroughly modern chassis, they're looking pretty good for 74.

The Revela 1 and 2 are Quad's first speakers since 2016. The former is a standmount speaker with a two-way driver confirmation, and the Revela 2 is a three-way floorstander. We first glimpsed them back at High End Munich in May, but now we have more information about them.

Key to both is 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.

By positioning a ribbon of thin aluminium foil within a strong magnetic field through which the audio signal flows, it avoids breakup modes and resonances typical of rival systems. Revela claims a "clean, detailed and pure output" along with "a realistic sense of space, depth and air."

Quad

(Image credit: Quad)

The mid/bass diaphragms are made of a new material called Reveal that Quad has created. A mix of wood pulp and artificial fibres, it apparently 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 coils 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.

A damping layer in the rubber surrounds absorbs reflections that would have caused resonances in the upper frequency range, while the drivers' output is combined via an Acoustic Butterworth crossover network that's been fine-tuned over hundreds of hours of listening tests to create a seamless blend between drive units.

Bass is helped by bass reflex ports that smooth airflow and increase the efficiency of the reflex system. And the speaker's cabinets use stressed and braced panels with generously radiused edges to reduce diffraction.

The Revela 1's optional speaker stands 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.

Both speakers go on sale in September – they're £1799 per pair (about $2300 / AU$3500) for the Revela 1, and £3499 per pair (about $4500, AU$7000) for the Revela 2. Add in the floor stands, and the Revela 1 will cost £2499 (the stands are £799 per pair if bought separately). Both come in lacquered black or walnut finishes.

We're promised more new Quad audio electronics this year, presumably the Platina Series of separates we also saw at High End Munich.

MORE:

See the best hi-fi speakers around

Here's how to build the perfect hi-fi system

How to set up and position your speakers in 4 simple steps

TOPICS
Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 20 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (now defunct), Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more. His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

Read more
Quad 33 303 pre power amps in living room
Listen to Quad's new electrostatic speakers and retro-revived 33/303 amps at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Piega Premium 701 Gen 2
Piega's latest loudspeaker duo teases cutting-edge performance no matter where you put them
Bristol Hi-Fi Show
7 hi-fi products I’m looking forward to hearing at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show next week
White Onkyo GX30ARC speakers on a desk either side of a large video monitior
I really hope these three CES 2025 audio launches are the start of a trend
One walnut floorstander in a living room setting next to a yellow chair
Acoustic Energy’s overhauled mid-range 300 Series uses technology derived from its flagship Corinium speakers
Neat Iota II speakers in white
Neat Iota II are ultra-tiny speakers with big ambitions and are ideal for small spaces
Latest in Speakers
HomePod OS
An Apple HomePod with a screen might arrive this year after all
Elac Debut 3.0 DB53 standmount speakers
Elac Debut 3.0 DB53
KEF LS50 Wireless II streaming speaker system on a desk next to the the Technics SC-CX700
4 things Technics needs to do to beat KEF’s LS50 Wireless II hi-fi system and one area where it’s better
Elipson Planet L Performance speakers
These Planet-shaped speakers promise "exceptionally pure sound" with an out-of-this-world design
Bowers & Wilkins Radiohead The Bends event
I heard my favourite Radiohead album on the B&W speakers used to record it – and now I love it even more
JBL Flip 7 in white finish held in hand against backdrop of orange JBL beanie bags
JBL Flip 7 vs Flip 6: what's the difference between these two Bluetooth speakers?
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall