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British company Quad has released its first new speakers in seven years, the Revela 1 and Revela 2. It says a critical component of both models is the new True Ribbon high-frequency driver, which it claims: “delivers effortlessly extended high frequencies that are audibly superior not only to those supplied by typical dome tweeters, but also other planar driver types that are not true ribbons”.

It works is by positioning a ribbon of thin aluminium foil in a high-strength magnetic field, through which the audio signal flows from the amplifier. According to Quad: “the advantage of this design is that the diaphragm is fully energised by the audio signal and does not suffer from the break-up modes and resonances encountered in domes and other planar types. Being driven evenly over the whole radiating surface and having a mass that is typically one tenth that of a dome means the precision and transient response of the ribbon to the audio signal from the amp yields a clean, detailed and pure output.”

This latest iteration of the Quad pure ribbon has a reinforced, sandwich diaphragm which the company claims is: “capable of handling the demands of modern music and the higher power output of contemporary solid-state amps without mechanical failure. The ribbon responds to the most subtle waveforms and correctly relays the harmonics of instruments and vocals in recordings to provide a realistic sense of space, depth and air.”

Additional innovations include a new material for the mid/bass diaphragms – a formulation of wood pulp and artificial fibres named ‘Reveal’ because of its natural, transparent and detailed output. The Reveal diaphragm is incorporated into a driver built on a cast chassis and fitted with a high-power magnet and voice coils to achieve high sensitivity.

The Revela 1 is a two-way standmount and features a single 165mm mid/bass driver, while the three-way floorstanding Revela 2 dedicates two 165mm drivers to bass with a 150mm unit handling the midrange. The mid/bass cones have been matched to custom rubber surrounds that incorporate a damping layer at the junction with the diaphragm to absorb reflections that would otherwise cause resonances in the upper part of the frequency range. This allows the crossover slopes to be accurately matched for optimal integration with the ribbon treble unit, as well as providing what’s described as a smoother and more open sound quality.

The drivers’ output is combined via an Acoustic Butterworth crossover network, fine-tuned in an effort to ensure a seamless blend between the drive units, while the cabinets utilise optimally stressed and braced panels with radiused edges to reduce unwanted diffraction effects. Around the back, bass reflex ports (the Revela 1 has one, the Revela 2 two) include longitudinal splines designed to help smooth airflow and increase the efficiency of the reflex system for deep, powerful bass performance.

Internal damping is formed from a mixture of acoustic foam and long-hair fibre, placed to absorb internal reflections and standing waves without obstructing the action of the bass reflex ports. In the Revela 2, the midrange unit is housed in its own sealed chamber with foam and long-hair fibre damping arranged to optimise its wide frequency bandwidth.

For the all-black finish option, multiple layers of lacquer are applied over deep black veneer to provide a lustrous finish, protect the cabinet and help damp unwanted acoustic radiation. The walnut finish maintains the piano black front baffle, top and base, and adds interlocked wood veneer on the sides and rear.

A pair of optional speaker stands have been specifically designed to suit the Revela 1, the stand’s main structure formed from laminated wood, selected for its combination of torsional rigidity and superior self-damping properties. This is lacquered to match the cabinet and attached to a carbon steel base supported by four large stainless-steel spikes (spike seats are also provided for hard floors). The Revela 2 comes with a pair of carbon steel plinths, stainless-steel spikes and spike seats.

The Revela 1 is priced at £1,800 and the Revela 2 at £3,500. The Revela 1 can be purchased with its purpose-made floor stands for £2,500 (the stands cost £800 if bought separately).

Available to buy now, you can find out more about the Quad Reveal series here.