Revel F36 or Dali Oberon 7


Hey guys,

Decided to let go of my Martin Logan 60xti.  They were just too harsh for me. I tried to like them, couldn't. get there.  Budget is 1000k per speaker.  

I've narrowed it down to Revel F36 or Dali Oberon 7.  

Looking for some advice (pros and cons)....room is large. My seating position is 9-10ft from speaker. I enjoy my music as higher volumes, 95 SPL.

  • Amps - Schiit Tyr(s), 
  • Preamp -- Schiit Freya+
  • Streamer -- Lumin T1 mini

Thanks!

rwalsh07

ML Motion 60xti "harsh"?  Are they broken in?  Did you buy them new?  How much empty space have you got behind your listening position?  Any untreated windows behind your listening position (e.g.  windows; sliders; etc. without curtains or drapes)?  Low ceiling (e.g.  less that 7')?  The ML have AMT tweeters.  So, if you've got less than say ... 6 feet ... of empty space behind your listening position then I can understand "harsh".  In that case, I would say stay away from speakers with AMT tweeters.  Think of your sound room as one of your major components.  Everything should be properly matched in order to achieve a marriage made in heaven, if you know what I mean.  On that point, 2K for a pair of speakers that you'll like with those monoblocks is really lean, even used, and likely nonviable, new.  Haven't heard any Dali speakers.  However, after a major months' long search of serious seat-time, auditioning somewhere around 15 or 16 different pairs of speakers in the 5K & less range for a two-channel system, I decided on a pair of Revel F206 for my system and my room.  Their design is very forgiving and versatile for most sound rooms.  If you're shopping, used, I would seriously consider Monitor Audio Silver if you can find them or some of the speakers used for this review:  Schiit Audio Tyr monoblock power amplifier | Stereophile.com

I probably have 10 hours on them.  I did buy them new.  I have 15ft of space behind my listeninig position.  The speakers are 10.5 ft apart and I'm 10 ft away from them.  And yes, harsh is how I describe them.  I dont think its the tweeter alone, I believe its how the upper midrange is crossed over with the tweeter. They're just not my cup of tea.  I was heavily disappointed.  Honestly, and this is just my opinion. whoever thinks these have a smooth upper end, must be deaf. 

From what I have read, 10 hours is not nearly enough time on the Martin Logans to judge them. I have not heard the 60's but I had a pair of the 40's which is the model just below. Harsh is not a word that I would use to describe them. Smooth, detailed, nice mids and bass, and the Folded Motion Tweeter was detailed and airy. I still regret letting them go.

I'll let you know whether or not the Dali's are smoother. Definitely know by end of week.