What Hi-Fi? Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the K2 but it’s by no means perfect
Pros
- +
Diverting looks, robust build
- +
extensive spec
- +
controlled, serene sound
Cons
- -
Can sound rather captive and small-scale
- -
lacks the oomph to fill a room
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Revo considers its K2 desktop dock/radio/streamer a 'slick, contemporary' device. A vocal minority in the What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision testing rooms reckon it looks more like a high-end Thermos.
Still, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, and, either way, there's no denying the visual statement the K2, a 33cm high tower of aluminium and rubber, makes.
Those who want to attach their K2 to a network (either wirelessly or via an ethernet cable) can also enjoy internet radio, a 31-day Last.fm trial subscription (it will cost you £3 a month thereafter) and music streaming from any network attached storage device.
Connectivity extends to a LAN input, and stereo RCA, digital optical and composite video outputs. And there's a headphone socket too.
Inevitably, when you consider its shape, its soundstage is quite confined, sounds emanating from a single, easily identifiable spot. Nevertheless, separation is passable and there's little hint of congestion.
Radio reception is similarly accomplished. Once you get beyond the K2's rather small-scale delivery, its facilities with timing and integration, and its articulacy, all impress.
Ultimately, the Revo's few shortcomings are a direct result of its unusual configuration – so if you like the looks, you'll just have to learn to live with them.
