Speakers: Naim versus Neat

MFS will destroy SBL - Petite III managed that convincingly, so I've no doubt the more accomplished standmount will seriously outperform the 'ugly-looking-one' (to quote a common reaction)...

I'll say no more... NB, your turn...

John

Neat rule. End of story. Really. The only decision is which Neat model you want.

I chose Mystiques over Intro's. I'm absolutely no good at describing sound differences, so I won't even try, they just sounded better to my ears.

Those 2 were auditioned against Linn Ninkas on the end of an LP12/82/Hi/250 system. To my ears both the Neat and Naim speakers were miles better than the Ninkas. In turn the Neats were somewhat better than the Naims, though not by the same margin.

I've been very happy with them in my system.

Regards,
Steve.

So how about second-hand SBLs against new Elites? Both are around the same ballpark price of £1,200 or so.

It sounds like the Neats are convincing winners although I was lead to believe that the SBLs are very good value at that price.

I chose DBLs instead of ultimatum 9s. Not that the ultiamtums were bad, quite the reverse, but the DBLs worked far better in my room. I always felt that I wanted to be about 6 feet further back to listen to them which was not possible. DBLs are also pretty immense.

Sean.

DBLs.... ah, now there's a speaker which epitomises the phrase 'function over form'...

My candidate for 'tarred with the ugly stick - loudspeaker category', for sure.

John

I have never heard Neats and so cannot comment on sound. But, since you asked for "differences in general"...

Naim speakers are wall-proximity speakers. They work close to walls and even corners if you have to. In our living room, speakers that need 'room to breathe' are a non-option so it was Allaes for us.

Oh, I *believe* Neats are not wall proximity. Lemme know if I'm wrong on this.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

A lot of people tend to moan about SBLs and DBLs being ugly, and while much of this is clearly subjective, I think it is often forgotten that both of them are designed specifically to be placed hard up against a wall. Any speaket thus positioned will be vastly less of a visually dominant object within the room -- whenever I've seen DBLs in the flesh, they've always reminded me vaguely of bookcases, rather than boxes.

Other manufacturers can appear to overdo the flashy veneer a bit -- if I were in the market for expensive Neats (nice position to be in, too), I'd definitely want them to look more like Elite or Vito. Presumably proper grilles are available.

Best;

Mark

I've never heard Neats, and I'm not in the market for speakers at the present. However, I'm curious - has anyone on the forum auditioned Neat speakers and not been impressed? And if so, why? I can not think of any other speaker manufacturer that seems to have such universal support on the forum. They must be super speakers.

MBM

I have just received my Neat MFS after having been in the unenviable position of not being able to audition many spkrs given my geographic location (middle east).

I chose the Neat MFS, through a series of elimination and the strong comments from people on the forum (thanks to alexg., NB, Naimgaim, Nick Riley, etc).

It was with a certain amount of apprehension that I hooked them up. I need not have worried. Everything they say about them is true. Coming from Linn Ninkas, there has been a big step up, and contrary to some opinions in the end I believed the Ninkas were a good spkr (but very fussy over set up).

I think the Naim electronics + Neat MFS seem to complement each other well. You maintain what is called PRAT on this forum ( I call it life and energy, having come from a lifeless all Linn system), and you also have good stereo imaging and depth of soundstage (subject to recording).

The only Naim spkr I have heard is the Intro2, and that had a bit of a "flat pack" sound, and the DBL (but that was in a Stg 60K system - hardly a fair comparison).

One of the reasons that pushed me to the Neats was what I perceived to be greater flexibility in placing + I've always had a soft spot for standmounts (clarity, imaging, less cabinet coloration,etc). Many people on the forum had complained about the SL2's fussiness and lack of bass in certain positions. After months of messing around with placing with the Ninkas I didn't want that all over again.

I can't honestly make a fair statement between MFS vs SL2 having not heard the latter, but I am certainly very happy with the MFS!

Had there been a Neat dealer in the West Midlands, maybe I would have considered them. However, as there isn't one (according to the Neat web site) I have still never heard them....
Meanwhile, my old SBL's were truly great and my current NBL's awesome.

Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......

Jack,

There's a long thread on the differences between Neat and Naim speakers called the "jaw" thread. Its worth a read sometime.

The differences between Naim and Neat are quite aparant and it comes down to your listening preferences as to which you prefer.

Naim speakers are very analytical and to me are quite bright and aggresive. Neat speakers are more balanced and offer a greater frequency range.

Comparing the two speakers you mention the SBL is a floor standing speaker whereas the MFS is a standmounted speaker. The speakers sound very different. The SBL has a greater sence of speed and transparancy and allows you to get into the music and understand whats going on. Many forum members own SBL's and are very happy with them. They will go down as an all time classic.

Personally I couldn't live with the SBL's as I mentioned earlier they are too bright and agresive for me.

The Neat MFS's give a more powerfull sound, whereas to some the SBL's can seem a little bass light, the Neats have a powerful bass that give the Neats a greater sence of size and scale. They havn't quite got the level of detail that the SBL's have but they have more than sufficient detail.

Again many forum members own the Neat MFS's and are very hapy with them.

What the "Jaw" thread taught me was you have to get both sets of speakers back home and have a good listen to them. Ultimately it will be your listening tastes that determine which you purchase. Both are wonderful speakers and I wouldn't fault you for buying either.

I personally chose the Neat Ultimatum 9's as they gave me everything I wanted from a speaker.


Regards


NB

Quote:-

Had there been a Neat dealer in the West Midlands, maybe I would have considered them. However, as there isn't one (according to the Neat web site) I have still never heard them....
____________________________________________________________


Get yourself over to Cymbiosis in Leicester. Pete has a pair of Neat MFS's in his shop. Have a listen to them and see why many forum members have purchased Neats.


Regards


NB

I recently switched from DBLs to Ultimatum MF7s. Though the DBLs are a great speaker, I quickly realized that I was getting more out of my system with the Neats.

MBM, I live in NJ and you are welcome to visit anytime to listen to the Neats. Also, there will soon be a Neat dealer in NYC, Highwater Sound, who will shortly have a pair of MFS on display for audition.

MBM,

Go and get a listen to the Neats as suggested by Evan and then you will see why so many forum members prefer them.

They seem to have a synergy with Naim equipment.


Regards


NB

quote:

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Originally posted by NB:

... you mention the SBL (which) is a floor standing speaker whereas the MFS is a standmounted speaker ...

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Actually what I'm trying to choose between is new Elites and used SBLs. Interesting that you regard the Naims as being quite bright, I have heard that the higher frequencies on the Elite can also be a bit bright.

I take your point about comparing the two myself.

[This message was edited by Jack911 on THURSDAY 26 February 2004 at 15:57.]

My MF5's arrived last weekend. I live in Japan where there is no Neat Dealer (or Naim dealer for that matter). I auditioned many speakers (Naim included), here and in the UK. Many will think I'm mad as I only heard the Neats in the UK. No chance to audition in my living roon here. They are absolutely superb in every way possible. Mine are in an all Naim system and I can only echo NB's comments about the synergy between Naim and Neat.

Nick.

Jack,

I have to admit that I know the Ultimatums a lot more than I know the elites.

However I have also heard that the Ultimatums have an increased treble due to the supertweeters on the top of the speaker. Having listened to them intensively I wouldn't call Neats "bright and agresive", I would say they have got it just about right.

I still say get both speakers home and have a good listen to them and see which you prefer.


Regards


NB

Steve,

Very interesting. I also have thought of the Mystiques as an alternative to the Elites, but mainly because they do not have the ribbon tweeter which has been criticised for being too bright. I intend to audition both at the same time and then choose.

I got a pair of Elites last year but have hardly listened to them. However, my initial impression was that they were far from bright--the treble was resolved but quite smooth and natural. I'll be listening again shortly.

As to placement, I think they tend to be pretty close to the wall, 4 to 12 inches, which, combined with their small size, means they don't stick out more than SBLs would (and look quite a bit more neat IMO).

--Eric

NB

Are the neats sealed or ported?

Emil

Emil,

The Neats are ported at the rear.

Regards


NB

Hello all,
I am currently in the market for some speakers around the $1500-$2000(US dollar)price range. I am interested in neat, but must find a dealer. However I am haveing a home demo this weekend with a pair of Harbeth compact 7s. Any comparisons between the Harbeths and Neat? I have not heard any negative reviews of either the Harbeths or Neat in this forum. Anyways the offer on the table is a pair of Harbeth compact 7s (New in Maple) with a free pair of epos stands. Comments from those with experience.

Yeah-- I'll comment. I have owned both Mystiques and Harbeth C7's (currently for sale, as I am going for Neat MFS's).

I feel the Neats were faster with more/punchier bass and better at low levels.

I feel the Harbeths are better balanced tonally, image beautifully and are harder to drive and not quite as fast or punchy.

So you pays your money and you takes your chances.

If I listened to nothing but voices all day with a more meaty amp, then the Harbeths have it. But if you want more toe-tapping and a better low-level performance with maybe some compromise on tonality, the Neats take it.

David

quote:

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Originally posted by gavagai:
I am interested in neat, but must find a dealer.

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The Neat distributor for the USA is

Toffco
4600 McPherson Avenue
PO Box 4618
St. Louis
MO 63108
Tel (314) 454 9966
email: pranka@i1.net

They should be able to point you to a dealer in San Francisco.