Neat Petite 2

Posted by: Khalid on 03 March 2001

Hi,

I've been looking for a pair of speakers. Originally, I was very impressed with a pair of Linn Kan mk1 but its quite difficult to dredge up a pair here. Taking into consideration the advice of some of the forum goer's I decided to check up a pair of petites 2.

Initial impressions have been positive. They sound fast and agile with ample bass. Probably not as open or clear as the kans but certainly not lagging far behind. Plus they are probably more refined than kans which could suit my rather varied tastes.

I do have some questions. Is there any significant differences between the mk2's and mk3's, in terms of construction but more importantly in terms of sound? Are they designed to be used up against the wall or in free space? What stands would be optimal? I understand they need a lot of juice, would a 180 be enough? I can get a pair for about 350 pounds - is the price reasonable? Also there's presently no local dealer here for neat and i would be worried if they are prone to breakdowns.

My listening room is about 12 by 10 feet and the speakers would be against the long wall. My current system - 3.5/fc/72/180.

I'd probably be checking out a pair of Rega Ela next week. Any opinions? Also, I could get a pair of linn isobariks for about 500 pounds but its age and lack of drivers scares me. Also i suspect it wouldn't work in my small room. I'd welcome your thoughts though.

I'd welcome any thoughts and opinions. I'm open to suggestion of other speaker makes as well.

Thanks in anticipation

Regards

Posted on: 03 March 2001 by Top Cat

>I decided to check up a pair of petites 2.

Good move!

quote:
Initial impressions have been positive. They sound fast and agile with ample bass. Probably not as open or clear as the kans but certainly not lagging far behind. Plus they are probably more refined than kans which could suit my rather varied tastes.

You will probably find that your power amp is slightly lacking in grunt to drive the Petite's to show them off at their best - a 250 or greater would be better. They should demolish kans in all categories and equal them in speed - certainly, the MkIII is streets ahead!

quote:
I do have some questions. Is there any significant differences between the mk2's and mk3's, in terms of construction but more importantly in terms of sound? Are they designed to be used up against the wall or in free space? What stands would be optimal? I understand they need a lot of juice, would a 180 be enough? I can get a pair for about 350 pounds - is the price reasonable? Also there's presently no local dealer here for neat and i would be worried if they are prone to breakdowns.

Lots of good questions. They do like juice - consider at least a 250 - like Kans, despite being a small speaker they seem to like a bigger amp. The MkIII has a circular ribbon tweeter, don't know how that compares to MkII (I have MkIII); £350 is good - if you don't buy them, I will (for AV rears!). I believe they work best close-ish to a wall, but I have mine in relatively free space and they work well there too. Can't speak for breakdowns - they seem to be built well and so I think you'd be OK.

John

Posted on: 05 March 2001 by Top Cat

Is it the MkII or the MkIII you have? I actually like the look of the MkII speakers (I have MkIII) as the ribbon tweeter looks cool. What did the MkI Petite look like, btw?

John

Posted on: 05 March 2001 by yuri

hi john

i have sent you some pics of mk1 petites

yuri

Posted on: 05 March 2001 by Top Cat

So it's your Petites on Ebay

Thanks for the photos - we'll have to see how the bidding pans out...

John