In the competitive world of high-performance audio equipment, Revival Audio has made a name for itself by producing high-quality speakers catering to audiophiles and casual listeners. Two standout models in their lineup are the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4. If you need help to choose between the two options, this in-depth comparison will guide you toward making an informed choice. Let’s investigate their features, performance, pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
What is Revival Audio?
Revival Audio, established in late 2021, is a French high-end audio company founded by industry veterans Daniel Emonts and Jacky Lee. With over 30 years of experience, Emonts has been instrumental in creating flagship models for top-tier Danish and French hi-fi brands. Jacky Lee, a Swiss-based Taiwanese strategist, has a background with leading Danish hi-fi brands IBM and L’Oréal. Based in Alsace, France, Revival Audio delivers premium sound quality through meticulously designed and engineered speakers. Their products, such as the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 loudspeakers, are crafted with in-house technologies to provide exceptional listening experiences.
Revival Audio has carved a niche in the audio industry by prioritizing sound precision and build quality. Their speakers cater to music lovers who seek detailed, authentic audio experiences without sacrificing aesthetics. The Sprint series exemplifies their design philosophy, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design.
In particular, the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 models have generated a buzz among audiophiles for their ability to deliver premium audio performance tailored to different listening environments. The Sprint 3, a compact bookshelf model, appeals to users who prioritize space-saving designs and refined sound clarity. On the other hand, the Sprint 4, a commanding floor-standing speaker, offers unparalleled bass depth and room-filling sound, making it ideal for home theaters and large living spaces.
This review will explore what sets these two models apart, from their technical specifications and build quality to their performance across various audio settings. By the end, you’ll clearly understand which model best suits your audio preferences, room setup, and budget. The Sprint series offers something exceptional whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile.
Revival Audio Sprint 3 Overview
Design and Build Quality
The Sprint 3 is designed with minimalism and functionality in mind, making it an excellent choice for users with smaller spaces. Despite its compact size, the Sprint 3 doesn’t compromise build quality. The cabinet is crafted from high-density wood, which minimizes resonance and ensures audio clarity. Because of its small size, it can be placed on desks, bookshelves, or entertainment centers and blends perfectly with contemporary interior design. Available in walnut or matte black finishes, the Sprint 3 complements various interior styles.
The speaker’s design includes strategically placed ports to enhance airflow and reduce distortion, which contributes to its balanced sound output. At just 10 pounds per speaker, the Sprint 3 is lightweight and easy to position, making it a versatile addition to any room. The overall craftsmanship highlights Revival Audio’s dedication to creating products as durable as they are stylish.
Revival Audio Sprint 4 Overview
Design and Build Quality
The Sprint 4 is a statement piece in any room. This floor-standing speaker combines Revival Audio’s signature craftsmanship with a bold, eye-catching design. Its larger cabinet allows for more advanced acoustic engineering, housing dual 6.5-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter. The high-quality wood construction minimizes cabinet vibrations, ensuring sound remains crisp and undistorted even at high volumes.
Weighing 35 pounds, the Sprint 4 is significantly heavier than its smaller counterpart, which adds to its stability and acoustic performance. It complements various interior styles because of its elegant and adaptable finish options, including matte black and walnut. The attention to detail, from the refined edges to the precise placement of drivers, underscores Revival Audio’s expertise in speaker design.
The Sprint 4 also incorporates front-facing bass ports, which improve low-frequency output and reduce placement constraints. This speaker commands visual and auditory attention in a dedicated home theater or a spacious living room.
Key Differences Between Sprint 3 and Sprint 4
| Feature | Sprint 3 (Bookshelf) | Sprint 4 (Floor-Standing) |
| Size | Compact, space-saving | Large, floor-standing |
| Bass Response | Moderate, suitable for small rooms | Deep, ideal for larger spaces |
| Drivers | Single woofer and tweeter | Dual woofers and tweeter |
| Power Handling | 50-120W | 80-200W |
| Frequency Range | 50Hz – 22kHz | 35Hz – 22kHz |
| Ideal Use Case | Small rooms, bookshelf setups | Large rooms, home theaters |
By examining these key differences, potential buyers can pinpoint the best option for their needs. While the Sprint 3 caters to users seeking compact design and clarity, the Sprint 4 targets those looking for powerful, immersive audio experiences. Both models share Revival Audio’s commitment to delivering premium sound quality.
Detailed Performance Analysis
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where both the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 truly shine, albeit in distinct ways. The Sprint 3 is an excellent option for listeners who prefer instrumental or vocal-focused music because of its remarkable mid-to-high balance. Acoustic guitars, pianos, and vocals are reproduced with a level of detail that brings performances to life. However, the Sprint 3’s smaller woofer size means it needs to improve to deliver the same bass impact as more prominent speakers.
The Sprint 4, by contrast, excels in providing a rich, dynamic soundstage. Its dual-woofer configuration ensures robust bass that can easily handle bass-heavy tracks. Genres like rock, EDM, and hip-hop genuinely come alive with the Sprint 4. Moreover, its ability to maintain clarity at high volumes makes it suitable for large spaces and gatherings.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price is essential for most buyers, and both speakers provide value relative to their features. The Sprint 3, priced at approximately $500 per pair, is an affordable entry point into high-quality audio. Its performance, compact size, and aesthetic appeal make it ideal for budget-conscious users who want to maintain quality.
On the other hand, the Sprint 4, priced at around $1,200 per pair, is a premium offering that justifies its cost with superior performance and build quality. For users looking to invest in a long-term solution for their home audio needs, the Sprint 4 delivers exceptional value.
Who Should Buy the Sprint 3?
The Sprint 3 is tailored for users who prioritize compactness without compromising sound quality. Its bookshelf design is ideal for small to medium-sized spaces such as apartments, offices, or cozy living rooms. If you enjoy listening to genres like classical, jazz, or acoustic, the Sprint 3’s precision and clarity will impress you. The speaker excels at reproducing subtle details in vocals and instruments, providing an intimate listening experience.
Because of its low cost, it’s a desirable choice for those creating their first high-end audio system or audiophiles on a tight budget. The Sprint 3 pairs well with entry-level amplifiers and doesn’t require extensive power to perform optimally, which adds to its cost-effectiveness.
The Sprint 3 is also an excellent choice for users who need flexibility in placement. Its lightweight build allows easy repositioning on a bookshelf, desk, or stand. While it may lack the deep bass required for bass-heavy genres, its overall sound profile is well-suited for most casual listening scenarios. If space is premium and you prefer refined mids and highs over booming bass, the Sprint 3 is the perfect choice.
Who Should Buy the Sprint 4?
The Sprint 4 is designed for users who want a speaker that delivers powerful, room-filling sound. Its dual-woofer configuration offers the kind of bass response that transforms a living space into a personal concert venue. If you’re a fan of bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop, EDM, or rock, the Sprint 4 provides a dynamic listening experience that rivals much larger systems.
Its ability to maintain clarity and precision even at high volumes makes it a standout choice for home theater enthusiasts. Whether it’s explosive movie soundtracks or subtle cinematic dialogues, the Sprint 4 ensures every detail is heard. The broad soundstage and immersive quality make it an excellent investment for larger rooms or dedicated home audio setups.
However, the Sprint 4 is not just about raw power—it also delivers finesse. Vocals and instruments remain crisp and detailed, balancing the deep bass with equally impressive mids and highs. If you’re looking for a premium speaker that combines aesthetics, durability, and performance, the Sprint 4 is worth every penny. Its size and power requirements may not suit smaller spaces, but it’s a top-tier choice for those with the room and budget.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer feedback for Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their ability to cater to different user needs.
For the Sprint 3, users frequently praise its clarity and balanced sound. Many mention that it performs exceptionally well for its size, delivering detailed audio without distortion. Its compact design is another major highlight, with buyers appreciating how easily it fits into smaller spaces. However, some users have noted that the Sprint 3 delivers a different bass punch than more prominent speakers, which could be a drawback for fans of bass-heavy music.
The Sprint 4 has earned accolades for its powerful soundstage and impressive bass response. Customers rave about its ability to fill large rooms with rich, dynamic audio. Movie enthusiasts, particularly, have noted its performance in home theater setups, where its clarity and depth elevate the viewing experience. Some feedback points out the size and weight as potential challenges for setup, especially in smaller homes. However, its overall performance and quality generally outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Amplifier Pairing Recommendations
The performance of any speaker dramatically depends on the amplifier used. The Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 are no exceptions.
- Sprint 3: This model pairs well with low-to-mid-powered amplifiers in the 50-120W range. Integrated amplifiers like the Cambridge Audio CXA61 or Denon PMA-600NE are excellent choices, offering enough power to drive the Sprint 3 efficiently while maintaining audio clarity.
- Sprint 4: Given its higher power handling (80-200W), the Sprint 4 benefits from a more robust amplifier. Consider pairing it with models like the Marantz PM8006 or Yamaha A-S1200 to unlock its full potential. These amplifiers provide the dynamic range for the Sprint 4’s dual-woofer setup.
Selecting the right amplifier ensures speakers perform at their best, delivering a balanced and dynamic listening experience.
Placement and Setup Tips
Proper placement is critical for maximizing the performance of Sprint 3 and Sprint 4. Here are some tips:
Sprint 3
- Position the speakers at ear level when seated.
- Place them on sturdy stands or shelves to minimize vibrations.
- Maintain at least 6 inches of space between the speaker’s rear and the wall for proper airflow and bass response.
Sprint 4
- Place the speakers at least 2-3 feet from the walls for optimal bass performance.
- Angle the speakers slightly inward to create a more immersive soundstage.
- Use spikes or rubber pads to stabilize the speakers and reduce floor vibrations.
Following these placement guidelines ensures you get the most out of your Revival Audio speakers.
Maintenance and Longevity
Investing in high-quality speakers like the Sprint 3 and 4 requires proper care to ensure longevity. Here’s how to maintain them:
- Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the cabinet surfaces with a gentle, lint-free cloth. Steer clear of aggressive chemicals that might harm the finish.
- Dust Management: Protect the drivers by using the provided speaker grills, especially in dusty environments.
- Cable Care: Check your speaker cables periodically for wear and ensure connections are secure to avoid signal loss.
- Room Environment: Keep the speakers away from direct sunlight and high humidity, as these can affect the materials over time.
Regular maintenance allows your Revival Audio speakers to provide exceptional performance for years.
Comparison to Competitors
How do the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 stack up against similar products in their class? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Sprint 3 vs. KEF LS50 Meta: The KEF LS50 Meta offers slightly more advanced driver technology but is more expensive. The Sprint 3 offers exceptional sound quality at a price that makes it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Sprint 4 vs. Klipsch RP-8000F: The Klipsch RP-8000F delivers a more aggressive sound signature with enhanced treble and bass, while the Sprint 4 offers a more balanced and refined audio profile. Audiophiles seeking a natural soundstage may prefer the Sprint 4.
This comparison helps users weigh their options and find the best fit for their preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sprint 3 and Sprint 4 compatible with home theater setups?
Yes, both models can be integrated into home theater systems. The Sprint 3 is ideal as a surround or bookshelf speaker, while the Sprint 4 works as a primary or front speaker.
Do these speakers require special cables?
Revival Audio speakers use standard speaker cables, but high-quality wires are recommended to minimize signal loss and maintain sound clarity.
Can the Sprint 4 be used in small rooms?
While possible, the Sprint 4’s size and power may overwhelm smaller spaces. The Sprint 3 is a better option for compact environments.
Where to Buy and Warranty Information
Revival Audio products are available through authorized retailers and their official websites. Always buy from reliable vendors to guarantee warranty coverage and authenticity.
- Warranty: Both models come with a standard 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Depending on the retailer, extended warranties may be available.
Conclusion
Deciding between Sprint 3 and 4 ultimately depends on your specific needs, space, and budget.
Choose the Sprint 3 if you’re working with limited space or prefer a minimalist design. Its sound clarity and affordability make it perfect for smaller rooms, casual listening, or even as part of a surround sound system.
On the other hand, opt for the Sprint 4 if you have a larger room or are looking for a speaker with powerful bass and a wide soundstage. Its robust performance and ability to handle various audio genres make it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
Both models are built with Revival Audio’s signature craftsmanship, ensuring a premium listening experience, whichever you choose. Investing in either of these speakers guarantees a step up in your audio setup, whether for movies, music, or gaming.