Revelation

With Revelation our design objective was simple: to build an affordable speaker that could provide a level of accuracy and musical enjoyment that surpassed any other in its class.

This highly evolved model communicates so much information in such a natural manner that it readjusts expectations of musical reproduction.

At the heart of Revelation are 'pedigree' drivers, chosen from three points of the globe and integrated with a phase and impedance optimised crossover network to guarantee a totally seamless top-to bottom presentation.

The tweeters are individually tested and frequency matched for pinpoint focus and soundstage accuracy. The AcuflexTM Coated soft dome and perfect acoustic loading between the cavity under the dome and rear chamber ensures there is no sound compression or harmonic distortion.

Critical to any loudspeaker is the midband where the human ear detects so much of the layered inner detail, fine harmonic texture and overall realism. For Image there was only one choice, an extraordinary 17cm cone driver with a smooth and extended frequency range and the precise match between the bass and treble drivers.

With relatively high midrange and treble efficiency, and because Revelation is primarily for larger rooms, two fast response 21cm bass drivers are used to match the speed and dynamics of the midrange plus, have the necessary cone area to maintain the overall frequency balance. The rigid aerodynamic cast aluminium chassis and five layer sandwich cones are there to see, but the most important design features are hidden behind this and within the Revelation cabinet.

Bass is often a compromise. Our desired bass response was more to do with accuracy, dynamics and detail than extention, but though the low frequency room response (see Specifications) is noted at 35Hz, on test there is still considerable output from the rear mounted port below 30Hz which is a real 'designers bonus'.

The speaker enclosure is a critical and integral part of Revelation and the bass section has considerable vertical and horizontal bracing, all mechanically linked and bonded. The midrange driver also requires a specific 'sub' enclosure within the overall cabinet that provides acoustic isolation and further braces the overall structure. This makes for a very inert and structurally sound cabinet.

Internal acoustic damping is the proven real wool blend found in all Image loudspeakers and is positioned to maximise the absorption of rear radiation. And typical of all Image floorstanding models, a section in the base of each enclosure is hand packed with specific sand to absorb cabinet energy.

Revelation is more than suitable for use in medium size listening rooms, and due to the high efficiency and easy amplifier load it is perfect for large rooms as well. Revered by many New Zealand audio enthusiasts, Revelation is already stamping its mark as best in class.