Image launch Petite Performa 2

[Michael Jones]

Petite Performa2 replaces our original Petite Performa. Our goal with this new model was to perfect what was always revered for sonic accuracy and balance by using the latest in driver design, crossover components and cabinet detail.

We believe that this new model offers a level of performance unmatched in the class of stand mount loudspeakers.

We have a personal preference for the Morel Supreme 110 tweeter. For us it is the most accurate and revealing HF unit available and is also used in our PARAGON model.

This tweeter works flawlessly together with the revolutionary new 16cm bass/midrange driver from Morel which is at the heart of the new Petite. Carbon fibre is layered either side of Rohacell (used in helicopter blades) to create an ultra-stiff/self damped sandwich cone structure with superb technical parameters and stunning sound quality. Morel describes this driver as their flagship reference and we can “hear” why. ‘Air’ around voices never heard before, pinpoint imaging, and finely layered depth of field that is seldom revealed.

Petite Performa2 has the ‘traditional Image’ appearance but construction is from a time-consuming build up of internal laminated sections with a resulting wall thickness of 31mm. Additional bracing creates a totally inert and sonically dead cabinet. Open-cell acoustic foam and a specific density of NZ wool is placed within the enclosures for critical acoustic damping and energy control.

The crossovers use only the best components to ensure that every piece of music reaches the drivers. Copper foil inductors, polypropylene film capacitors with pure silver leads and Mundorf non-inductive resistors are all hardwired and then connected to the drivers by OFC Supra cable from Sweden for the ultimate signal transfer. As expected of Image, we use WBT gold-plated input terminals from Germany.

Petite Performa is designed to be placed on rigid high mass stands, or THE STAND, our answer to correct height placement, stability and perfect aesthetics.

For these speakers to perform at their best we recommend that they are positioned in free space and away from side walls and furnishings. This will ensure a well-spread soundstage and layered depth of field.

For that extra bass extension or in larger rooms, we recommend Image MASS, a two driver bass system designed specifically for Petite Performa2. MASS is basically THE STAND with the addition of drivers, ports and inputs, plus the low-pass crossover designed to match the Petites perfectly.


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SPECIFICATIONS

System type: 2-way, rear ported
HF driver: Morel Supreme 110, 28mm soft dome, frequency matched pairs
Bass/midrange driver: Morel Carbon fibre/Rohacell composite sandwich cone in Uniflow Aluminium diecast chassis. 3” Large Hexatech Aluminium voice coil with Copper insulated centre pole.
Room response: 45Hz-22kHz
Averaged sensitivity: 87dB/1 watt
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
Crossover: 2600Hz
Dimensions(cm): 42.5 x 19.5 x 29.6 (h x w x d)
Weight: 11.5kg nett each
Facilities: Single WBT gold input terminals

[Ilikecrumpets]

Wow, that is simply an outstanding looking loudspeaker! Chris should be proud of them, if they sound half as good as they look they'll be a huge success.
Better have a listen, methinks :D:D

And the plinth is a great idea, it adds a touch of class to the aesthetic as well as aiding stability. Bravo!!

[neil]

They sound mighty fine! And they look better in the flesh too.

[Callum]

Are there RRPs for the performa with stands or with the bass units?

[nixon76]

They are the first Image speakers I've liked the look of (yeah, I'm a picky so and so). Funny it took something as trivial(?) as a split top/bottom unit to do it.

What's the pricing (incl MASS)?

Chris, how would they handle close running to a rear wall (i.e 300mm)? It only mentions being away from side walls and furnishing in the blurb.

Also, I assume when the MASS is in the system, the sensitivity of the 'whole' changes. What is this? Better than the 87db of the Performas on their own?

[chris]

Petite Performa2 is $3500/pr RRP
THE STAND is $800/pr RRP
MASS is $2000/pr RRP

Converting THE STAND to MASS at a later stage (e.g. for someone moving from a smallish room to a larger one and needing to move more air) is $1200/pr RRP

This design is a first for Image. It gives Image owners the opportunity to purchase an extremely accurate monitor with matching stand (THE STAND) and either keep things as they are or have THE STAND fully 'woofed' and have it completed to THE MASS. I should state here that converting THE STAND to MASS at a later stage ends up with EXACTLY the same result.

PP2 are not designed to be placed 30cm from a rear wall. 40cm would be the minimum to obtain a reasonable depth of field. Every room differs though.

The plinths come standard on all floorstanding Image models now to add a larger footprint. The differences are astounding between with and without plinth models. Retro plinths can be purchased for all floor standers, $200/pr RRP.

Chris

[chris]

Also, I assume when the MASS is in the system, the sensitivity of the 'whole' changes. What is this? Better than the 87db of the Performas on their own?

No, the sensitivity remains 87dB/1 watt. If the bass system efficiency was above this there would be an imbalance in the overall frequency range.

An interesting point though is that PP2 can be run from one amplifier and MASS from another, i.e. Bi-amping. If the amps have gain controls, the user has even greater control over MASS and PP2 sensitivities, making the in-room balance more accurate.

Hope this answers the earlier question.

Chris

[too_tall]

Chris, These are nice looking speakers, good work. Far above my little 412's I have as backup/bedroom speakers, although they dont look bad either!.

However, I would like to see an active crossover option if I were in the market. Allows the use of lower powered amplifiers and to my ears, active speakers just have it over passively crossed speakers everywhere.

Just a thought, I am not in the market at present for speakers :)

[Des W]

Goddam Folks! Can't our resident Speaker Guru make a Bad speaker-Ha?-- what a superb looking Pair and we know they'll sound fabulous-nothing shonky get's outa his workshop indeed a credit to the local Industry

OOps!!--- better stop there as here in the US I'd be termed a "Bloviator"
Obama's comment on the talkfest re his HealthCare Bill--

The term means to suck to much-------- well I think you'll get the drift from there ahem!

Chris probably won't like me saying this, this early but he is hinting at showing CES or THE SHOW LV next year--considering the overpriced Speaker garbage I heard here in Jan, his product would do damn well on the International stage.I am currently spending 6-9 months of the Year in the US with Vegas as my base and will assist him in any way to realise that ambition.

Go for it laddie!

I'll be back in NZ for week on Sunday- Gonna have a good listen so warm those buggers up boyo!

Des

[C33]

[QUOTE=too_tall;118133]...However, I would like to see an active crossover option if I were in the market...QUOTE]

Agreed, at least between PP2 and MASS.
Hot design, nice grain matching too.

[chris]

[QUOTE=too_tall;118133]...However, I would like to see an active crossover option if I were in the market...QUOTE]

Agreed, at least between PP2 and MASS.
Hot design, nice grain matching too.

One of the many options with this overall design is that PP2 and MASS can be driven by separate amplifiers but of course this is NOT active as such.

PP2 will not be made available as an active system (i.e. tweeter and carbon bass/mid driven separately), but MASS can be supplied to order without a lowpass passive crossover so then, yes, the two cabinets can then be driver actively. The final details would need to be discussed and decided on as individuals requirements.

Chris