Kef To Neat Upgrade

The sx2 speakers work very nicely on the end of my (original) xs, so definitely a good match there. I've never heard the kefs so cant comment on how they might compare. You can certainly add the neats to your audition list, but it would be worth listening to others like pmc etc. even if just to rule them out.

The SX2 are not so precise or neutral as the Kef's but do have more bass 

I don't know the kefs but have original motive 2's with my current xs system and recently demoed sx2's at home and they were a great match for xs electronics. I don't think you will be disappointed. I do enjoy the Neat sound though, have you heard any of their speakers before? 

Naim/Neat is an excellent pairing    However,  demo in your own room essential. 

Regards,

Lindsay

+1 for the XS2 plus Neat's SX range. I listened to all 3 speakers and would strongly suggest the SX1 -- more authority and gravitas. At least for our musical genre (classical). Last summer I also listened to KEF's LS50 but was somewhat underwhelmed considering their rave reviews... 

There is a Neat dealer in the East Riding of Yorkshire with B grade Neat speakers at great prices but typically only very minor cosmetic imperfections... 

I have xs separates (152/155/fcxs/nd5) and previously had ls50s which I replaced with motive sx1s. Very happy with my decision, they work extremely well for me.

Compared to the ls50 they are perhaps not as detailed and don't have as wide of a soundstage but they can boogie all night long and sound superb, whereas the ls50s got a bit fatiguing after a few hours at loud volume. If you have the space (very important) then I also suggest that you audition the Sx1.

Neat are good, but so are Proac with Naim. Try them too. 

stuart posted:

I don't know the kefs but have original motive 2's with my current xs system and recently demoed sx2's at home and they were a great match for xs electronics. I don't think you will be disappointed. I do enjoy the Neat sound though, have you heard any of their speakers before? 

Hi Stuart

I don't like to admit this on the forum but I was initially drawn to the Neat's by there looks !! small for a floor stander and not overstated and available in white which will go down better with the other half.

I haven't heard the Neat's before so not sure what to expect although every report I've read seems to suggest there a good match with Naim and have some sort of synergy.

How would you characterise their sound

Hanumike posted:

stuart posted:

I don't know the kefs but have original motive 2's with my current xs system and recently demoed sx2's at home and they were a great match for xs electronics. I don't think you will be disappointed. I do enjoy the Neat sound though, have you heard any of their speakers before? 

Hi Stuart

I don't like to admit this on the forum but I was initially drawn to the Neat's by there looks !! small for a floor stander and not overstated and available in white which will go down better with the other half.

I haven't heard the Neat's before so not sure what to expect although every report I've read seems to suggest there a good match with Naim and have some sort of synergy.

How would you characterise their sound

They have great rhythm and dynamics, very cohesive and really make the music come to life. The motive 2s can be a bit harsh in he upper frequencies on some recordings but the newer sx2's are much more refined.

It may be worth considering the sx1's if your room is big enough. They are more open and a little more natural sounding. The bass is much better than the originals from what I can gather but in my room they were a little boomy on some tracks. In hindsight the bass wasn't overbearing, just on bass heavy tracks. It will depend on how they behave in your room. I may even re-visit them when I get my 272/250 as they may control the bass more effectively. Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on. 

I tried Neats when I was auditioning for speakers.  Loverly on rock, metal and indie music, less so on electronic music. Ultimately I went for PMC as I listen to a heck of a lot of electronica where the PMCs sounded great.  Definelt worth checking them out with your own music. 

Hi,

I have just recently swapped out my twenty year old Naim Credo speakers for a pair of Neat Motive SX2 compact floorstanders.  All I can add is that it's probably the best Hi Fi move I have ever done, truly brilliant speakers, so musical that I just cannot stop smiling everytime I listen to them, regardless of source or music genre. I'm running mine from a Nait 5si so can only imagine what an XS2 would bring to the party!

I would be amazed if you were to be disappointed with the Neat's. I've not heard the Kef's so i can't comment on those, sorry.

Happy auditioning !