Reviews

Review: Revival Audio Atalante 3 2-way Bookshelf Speaker

October 9, 2023
Review: Revival Audio Atalante 3 2-way bookshelf speaker is equipped with the 28mm soft-dome tweeter and its built-in ARID (Anti Reflection Inner Dome) patented technology

Revival Audio: A Rising Star in High-End Audio

Established in 2021, Revival Audio’s rapid ascent in the high-end audio industry is turning heads worldwide. Within just two years, the French brand has gained a global presence, a feat that usually takes decades to achieve. This review explores Revival Audio’s remarkable journey and flagship product, the Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers.

Founders with a Wealth of Experience

The success of Revival Audio can be attributed to its founders, Daniel Emonts and Jacky Lee, who bring decades of experience in the high-end audio industry. Emonts, an accomplished acoustic engineer, started at 14 and spent his career working for top Hi-Fi brands in France and Denmark. Jacky Lee, formerly a chief commercial officer at a renowned Danish Hi-Fi brand, blends his corporate expertise with a keen understanding of market needs.

The Atalante Series: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Revival Audio’s Atalante series, featuring the Atalante 5 and the Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers, has garnered attention for its exceptional sound performance, elegant aesthetics, and competitive pricing. The Atalante 3, in particular, caters to users with limited space. Collaborating with the renowned Paris design firm “A+A COOREN DESIGN STUDIO,” Revival Audio ensured that aesthetics complemented acoustics. The result is a classic yet sophisticated design.

Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speaker
● Two-channel, two-unit reflex design
● 28mm soft dome tweeter, Revival Audio patented ARID (anti-resonance inner dome) technology, BCD large back cavity anti-resonance back cover design, low frequency extended to 520Hz
● 7″ BSC (basalt sandwich structure) bass
● Frequency response (+/-3db): 44Hz–22kHz (-3dB)
● Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 87dB / 2.83V / 1metre
● Rated impedance: 6ohms
● Minimum impedance : 4.4ohms at 175Hz
● Crossover point: 2.8kHz
● Recommended amplifier power: 30~150 watts
● Recommended listening space: 15 to 35 m2
● Dimensions (height x width x depth): 390 x 240 x 270mm
● Speaker weight: 11kg

Impressive Technical Specifications

The Atalante 3 is a two-channel, two-unit reflex design with a self-designed 28mm soft dome tweeter and a 7″ BSC (basalt sandwich structure) bass driver. These speakers achieve a remarkable low-frequency extension down to 44Hz, a rarity for bookshelf speakers of this size. The back of the speaker offers bass reflex ports and an optional sound-absorbing sponge for tuning. The included metal tripod is recommended for optimal placement.

let’s delve deeper into the impressive technical specifications of the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers:

  1. Two-Channel, Two-Unit Reflex Design: The Atalante 3 follows a classic two-channel design, comprising two speaker units: a tweeter and a bass driver. This configuration delivers well-balanced sound with distinct high and low frequencies.
  2. 28mm Soft Dome Tweeter: The Atalante 3 features a 28mm soft dome tweeter designed in-house by Revival Audio. This tweeter handles high-frequency sounds, including vocals, cymbals, and various instruments. It is a critical component for achieving a clear and detailed treble response.
  3. 7″ BSC (Basalt Sandwich Structure) Bass Driver: The bass driver, also custom-designed by Revival Audio, measures 7 inches in diameter. It incorporates a Basalt Sandwich Structure, known for its strength and lightweight properties. This design ensures excellent damping and energy regeneration, contributing to fast and precise low-frequency response.
  4. Super-Sized Φ100mm Large Ferrite Magnets: Both the tweeter and bass driver are equipped with super-sized Φ100mm large ferrite magnets. These magnets play a crucial role in controlling the movement of the speaker diaphragms, enhancing their efficiency and responsiveness.
  5. RASC (Resonance Absorption and Shielding Coating) Technology: The tweeter employs Revival Audio’s patented RASC technology. This special coating on the tweeter’s dome helps absorb more than 95% of resonance, reducing unwanted vibrations and ensuring a cleaner treble output.
  6. BCD (Back Cavity Anti-Resonance Design): The tweeter also features a large back cavity anti-resonance design. This design further minimizes unwanted resonances and improves the overall sound quality.
  7. Low-Frequency Extension: The Atalante 3’s bass driver, combined with its reflex design, allows for an impressive low-frequency extension down to 44Hz. This is noteworthy for bookshelf speakers of this size, as it delivers a solid and well-rounded bass response.
  8. Bass Reflex Ports: The speakers include bass reflex ports on the back. These ports help extend the low-frequency response by allowing the air inside the enclosure to move in a controlled manner. They are carefully designed to enhance bass performance.
  9. Sound-Absorbing Sponge: Revival Audio provides an optional sound-absorbing sponge that can be inserted into the reflex ports. This feature lets users fine-tune the speakers to their listening environment and preferences. It can be particularly useful for optimizing bass response when the speakers are close to walls.
  10. Metal Tripod: The Atalante 3 has an original metal tripod as an optional accessory. While not a speaker specification, this tripod is highly recommended for users who want to ensure optimal speaker placement. It helps minimize vibrations and provides stability for the speakers, enhancing the overall listening experience.

In summary, the technical specifications of the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers showcase a well-thought-out design, custom components, and innovative technologies that collectively contribute to their exceptional sound quality and versatility. These aesthetically pleasing speakers are engineered to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience.

Build Quality and Design

Build Quality:

The build quality of the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers is a testament to the brand’s commitment to crafting premium audio equipment. Here’s an in-depth look at the build quality:

  1. Solid Construction: Atalante 3 speakers are built with meticulous attention to detail. The cabinet is constructed from high-density MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), a material known for its stiffness and resonance-damping properties. This ensures the speaker cabinet remains rigid, minimizing vibrations that can negatively impact sound quality.
  2. Hand-Selected Wood Finish: The speakers feature hand-selected walnut wood veneer, which adds to the visual appeal and enhances the overall build quality. The choice of wood veneer is a testament to the brand’s dedication to using premium materials.
  3. Sturdy Binding Posts: The speaker terminals on the rear panel are of high quality and provide a secure connection for speaker cables. This ensures a stable electrical connection, contributing to the speakers’ reliability and longevity.
  4. Well-Crafted Drivers: The custom-designed drivers, including the 28mm soft dome tweeter and the 7″ basalt sandwich structure (BSC) bass driver, are engineered for performance and durability. The large ferrite magnets and patented technologies like ARID (anti-resonance inner dome) and BCD (back cavity anti-resonance design) showcase the brand’s commitment to superior components.
  5. Precision Engineering: The use of precision engineering techniques and high-quality materials results in a speaker that not only looks premium but is also built to last. Attention to detail in the manufacturing process ensures that each component fits seamlessly.
  6. Stability with Tripod Option: For users who opt for the optional metal tripod, these stands’ stability and build quality contribute to the overall user experience. The tripod enhances the speakers’ performance and increases their overall stability and longevity.

Design:

The design of the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers strikes a balance between classic and modern aesthetics, complemented by functional considerations:

  1. Classic Elegance: Atalante 3 features a classic bookshelf speaker design that exudes timeless elegance. Hand-selected walnut wood veneer adds a touch of luxury and warmth to the overall aesthetic.
  2. Minimalist Front Panel: The front panel is clean and uncluttered, with no visible screws or distractions. This minimalist approach focuses squarely on the sound output and enhances the speaker’s visual appeal.
  3. Eccentric Tweeter Placement: The deliberate placement of the tweeter slightly to the left or right of the center adds a modern twist to the design. This unique feature serves an acoustic purpose and makes the speakers visually distinctive.
  4. Collaboration with Design Studio: Revival Audio’s collaboration with the renowned Paris design company “A+A COOREN DESIGN STUDIO” underscores their commitment to aesthetics. This partnership ensures that the speakers are acoustically optimized and visually appealing.
  5. Ribbon-Like Lines: The ribbon-like design elements, including the central and side logos, add subtle flair to the speakers. These design accents contribute to the brand’s identity and create a cohesive look.
  6. User-Friendly Dimensions: The speakers’ dimensions are carefully chosen to make them suitable for bookshelf placement, which is practical for users with limited space. The compact size ensures that they can seamlessly integrate into various room layouts.
  7. Versatile Color Scheme: The combination of walnut wood veneer with black accents provides a versatile color scheme that can easily complement a range of interior decor styles.

In conclusion, the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers offer exceptional build quality and a thoughtful design that blends classic elegance with modern aesthetics. Premium materials, precision engineering, and attention to detail in construction and design make these speakers stand out for audiophiles and design-conscious consumers. Their visual appeal and solid build quality testify to the brand’s commitment to creating high-quality audio equipment.

Positioning and Usability

Revival Audio understands that speaker placement is crucial for an optimal listening experience. The Atalante 3 allows users to adjust the tweeter position based on room size and speaker placement. This versatility ensures users can fine-tune their setup to achieve the best possible sound.

Positioning:

The Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers are positioned as a high-quality audio solution that strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics. Here’s an elaborate look at their positioning:

  1. Audiophile-Grade Sound: These speakers are designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality. With custom-designed components and advanced technologies, Atalante 3 aims to deliver a premium listening experience, making it a suitable choice for those who demand exceptional audio clarity and detail.
  2. Versatile Bookshelf Placement: The compact and stylish design of Atalante 3 allows for easy placement on bookshelves, desks, or stands. This positioning flexibility caters to users with limited space or who prefer a clutter-free audio setup.
  3. Music and Home Theater: Atalante 3 is well-suited for music and home theater applications. It can be used as part of a stereo setup for music listening or integrated into a larger home theater system as front or rear speakers. This versatility appeals to users seeking a single-speaker solution for various audio needs.
  4. Elegant Home Decor: Revival Audio has collaborated with a Paris-based design studio to ensure that Atalante 3 sounds great and complements interior aesthetics. These speakers are positioned as a blend of classic and modern design elements, making them an attractive addition to any living space.
  5. Accessible Luxury: While Atalante 3 offers audiophile-grade performance, it has no exorbitant price tag often associated with high-end audio equipment. This positioning targets users who appreciate the value of premium sound without breaking the bank.

Usability:

In terms of usability, the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers offer several practical features:

  1. Ease of Placement: Their compact size and versatile tweeter positioning (inward or outward) make it easy for users to find the optimal speaker placement in their room, accommodating various room sizes and layouts.
  2. Optional Tripod: The inclusion of an optional metal tripod enhances usability. Users can invest in these tripods to ensure stable and vibration-free placement, which is crucial for achieving the best sound quality.
  3. Customization with Tuning Cotton: The provided tuning cotton for the reflex ports allows users to fine-tune the speaker’s bass response based on their room’s acoustic characteristics and personal preferences. This customization feature improves usability in different listening environments.
  4. Home Theater Integration: Users looking to build a home theater system can easily incorporate Atalante 3 as front or rear speakers. This versatility expands their usability beyond traditional stereo setups.
  5. Durable Construction: The use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship ensures the durability of these speakers, making them suitable for long-term use without concerns about wear and tear.
  6. Appealing Aesthetics: The elegant design of Atalante 3 enhances its usability by seamlessly fitting into various room decor styles. They can serve as both functional audio equipment and visually pleasing decor elements.
  7. Easy-to-understand Setup: Revival Audio provides clear instructions and recommendations for speaker placement and configuration, ensuring that users, regardless of their level of audio expertise, can set up and enjoy these speakers without hassle.

In conclusion, the Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers are a versatile, user-friendly audio solution catering to audiophiles and general consumers. Their practical design features, customization options, and compatibility with different audio setups make them user-friendly for many users, from music enthusiasts to home theater aficionados.

A Sonic Delight: Atalante 3 Sound Performance

Listening to tracks such as “Acoustic” by Billy Raffoul, the Atalante 3 speakers reveal remarkable detail and dynamics. Every nuance, from crisp applause to delicate guitar strings, is vividly reproduced. The speakers exhibit excellent elasticity and transient response, with instruments like drums showcasing speed and precision.

Switching to “Exist for Love” by AURORA, the Atalante 3 maintains its charm. Warm guitar tones blend seamlessly with silky vocals, creating a delicate and exquisite sonic landscape. The treble is beautifully rendered, rounding out the sound with smoothness and depth, all while maintaining rich layering and continuity.

Finally, “Come To My Door” by José James and Emily King showcases the speakers’ ability to convey the subtleties of music. The Atalante 3 captures the essence of the music, offering a balanced, three-dimensional, and captivating auditory experience.

Sound Test and Sound Quality:

The Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers offer a remarkable sound quality that captivates audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sound test and the impressive sound quality these speakers deliver:

Clarity and Detail: The Atalante 3 speakers deliver exceptional clarity and detail across the entire audio spectrum. During the sound test, it becomes evident that these speakers are finely tuned to reproduce even the most intricate nuances in music.

  • High-Frequency Performance: The 28mm soft dome tweeter, featuring patented ARID technology and a large ferrite magnet, handles high frequencies with finesse. It produces crisp and detailed treble notes without any harshness, ensuring that cymbals shimmer and vocals sound articulate.
  • Mid-Range Presence: The mid-range frequencies are rich and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to shine. Whether it’s the warmth of acoustic guitars or the emotional depth of vocals, the Atalante 3 delivers a lifelike representation of the mid-range.
  • Solid Bass Response: Despite their compact size, the 7″ basalt sandwich structure (BSC) bass driver impresses with its ability to produce deep and controlled bass. The fast low-frequency response ensures that basslines are punchy and impactful without overwhelming the rest of the audio spectrum.

Soundstage and Imaging: One of the standout features of the Atalante 3 speakers is their ability to create an expansive soundstage and precise imaging.

  • Soundstage Width: During the sound test, it’s evident that these bookshelf speakers can project a wide soundstage that extends beyond their physical dimensions. This quality makes them ideal for creating an immersive listening experience.
  • Imaging Accuracy: The placement of the tweeter slightly to the left or right of the center, which can be adjusted based on room conditions, enhances imaging accuracy. This means that instruments and vocals are precisely positioned within the soundstage, allowing the listener to pinpoint the location of each sound source.

Dynamic Range and Power Handling: The Atalante 3 speakers demonstrate impressive dynamic range and power handling capabilities, ensuring they can handle various music genres and audio sources.

  • Dynamic Range: These speakers can reproduce soft and loud passages with finesse. This dynamic range is particularly noticeable in classical music, where delicate passages and crescendos are faithfully rendered.
  • Power Handling: With a sensitivity rating of 87dB, the Atalante 3 benefits from a stronger amplifier. They can deliver an even more engaging and dynamic listening experience with ample power. This flexibility allows users to tailor the speakers’ performance to their preferences.

Timbre and Balance: The Atalante 3 maintains a harmonious timbre and balance across various musical genres. This consistency in tonal quality ensures that music sounds natural and true to the original recordings.

  • Timbre Fidelity: The speakers preserve the timbre of instruments and vocals. This means that the tonal character remains faithful to the source material, whether you’re listening to classical, jazz, rock, or electronic music.
  • Balance Between Frequency Ranges: The balance between the treble, mid-range, and bass frequencies is well-calibrated. None of these frequency ranges dominate the others, resulting in a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience.

Overall Musical Enjoyment: In the sound test, the Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers were consistently impressed with their ability to convey the emotion and energy of the music. Whether it’s the delicate nuances of an acoustic track or the powerful dynamics of a rock concert recording, these speakers enhance the overall musical enjoyment.

The Revival Audio Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers testify to the brand’s commitment to exceptional sound quality. Their ability to reproduce music with clarity, detail, and precision makes them a noteworthy choice for audiophiles seeking an immersive and authentic listening experience. With a well-balanced sound signature, impressive imaging, and a wide soundstage, these speakers excel across various musical genres, offering a rich and enjoyable audio experience that will delight music enthusiasts.

In Conclusion: Revival Audio’s Promise of Excellence

Revival Audio’s rapid ascent in the high-end audio market is a testament to its founders’ expertise and dedication. The Atalante 3 bookshelf speakers exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence, with remarkable sound performance, thoughtful design, and competitive pricing. Whether you have limited space or seek a captivating audio experience, the Atalante 3 is a testament to Revival Audio’s promise of delivering high-quality sound in an elegant package.

Why Buy the Revival Audio Atalante 3 Bookshelf Speakers:

  1. Outstanding Sound Quality: One of the primary reasons to buy the Atalante 3 speakers is their remarkable sound quality. These speakers deliver clear, detailed, and well-balanced audio across the spectrum, making them an excellent choice for music enthusiasts who value fidelity.
  2. Flexible Placement: The Atalante 3’s adjustable tweeter positioning allows you to optimize the speakers’ performance based on your room size and layout. This flexibility ensures you can achieve the best soundstage and imaging possible, making them suitable for various listening environments.
  3. Immersive Soundstage: These bookshelf speakers can create a wide, immersive soundstage beyond their physical dimensions. This quality makes them ideal for audiophiles looking to experience music in a more enveloping way.
  4. Elegant Design: The Atalante 3 speakers boast an elegant and timeless design featuring hand-selected walnut wood that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Their aesthetic appeal makes them a statement piece in addition to their audio prowess.
  5. High-Quality Build: Revival Audio’s commitment to building quality ensures these speakers are built to last. They are solidly constructed, and attention to detail is evident in their craftsmanship.
  6. Balanced Timbre: The Atalante 3 maintains a harmonious timbre and balance between different frequency ranges, making them versatile for various music genres. Whether you enjoy classical, rock, jazz, or electronic music, these speakers faithfully reproduce the intended tonal character.
  7. Dynamic Range: These speakers handle a wide dynamic range well, from soft passages to crescendos. This feature ensures that you can appreciate the subtleties and power of music.

Why You Might Not Want to Buy the Revival Audio Atalante 3 Bookshelf Speakers:

  1. Price Point: While the Atalante 3 speakers offer exceptional value for their performance and build quality, they may still be considered relatively pricey for budget-conscious buyers. More affordable options are on the market if you’re on a tight budget.
  2. Size Limitations: Although these bookshelf speakers are more compact than floor-standing models, they still require space on your shelves or stands. Smaller portable speakers might be better if you have limited space or prefer a minimalist setup.
  3. Amplifier Requirement: A high-quality amplifier is recommended to fully appreciate the Atalante 3’s capabilities. While they can work with various amplifiers, investing in a powerful one can enhance your listening experience.
  4. Lifestyle and Use: If your primary use case is for background music in casual settings, the Atalante 3 might be overkill. These speakers are best suited for dedicated listening sessions and audiophiles who prioritize sound quality.

In summary, the Revival Audio Atalante 3 Bookshelf Speakers are an excellent choice for those who seek exceptional sound quality, appreciate elegant design, and are willing to invest in a high-quality audio setup. However, if you have budget constraints or are looking for speakers primarily for casual background listening, you might consider more affordable or compact options.

Read more

Want to read more about speakers? Read our background articles. For instance, Know about Bookshelf speakers, Types of speakers and their positives/negatives, Bass reflex speakers, Two-way, 2 1/2-way and three-way speakers types, Buying speakers: which specifications are important, Understanding Loudspeaker efficiency: power, sound pressure (dB) and impedance, What is a Smart Speaker? The function of NFC in speakers, Position of speakers in a surround home cinema set, and Types of speakers available in the market.