Which speakers?? Please help me!

SBL. 

Naim SBL

From your list, I would choose the Neat Motive SX2, considering you are not in a position to home dem, they would be a safe bet, and would work well for you.

You already know that the Ovators' are the ones to pick since you used the words dry and controlled.

Neat Motive SX1, I also used them on 202 / 200 my room is 4 x 9 m 30cm from back wall 50cm from sides, slight toe in, great deatail and base they work well with all music types. Still have them on a 282/250.

So the SX2 could be a good upgrade compared to Ariva?

My Kudos X2s are fairly unfussy about room positioning, and they are about 20cm from the back wall. There is a limit to how much bass you get from such a small speaker, which also makes positioning easier. I run them with a 200, and surprisingly (or maybe not!) I found that bass control improved dramatically when I got a 282. 

when you say "There is a limit to how much bass you get from such a small speaker", you mean that you can not get a satisfactory low range?

I suppose that depends what you mean by satisfactory! Yes, a small speaker like that has less bass extension, but I’d rather that than loads of flabby, uncontrolled bass. Also, I have an N-Sub hiding behind the sofa, on quite a low setting so that the bass it puts out doesn’t intrude. 

angelodipa posted:

So the SX2 could be a good upgrade compared to Ariva?

Yup, they'll have a much sweeter top end for starters but will be much more restricted in big rooms compared to Ariva.

I have the same amp as you and love my Kudos C2's. They're a bargain if you can find some used! Good tight bass and very exciting

hungryhalibut posted:

SBL. 

Would love to have a listen to SBL's but are they of an age now where they are becoming rather delicate? Am I right in thinking certain spares are no longer obtainable? Bet they sound great however!

Try to listen to some Dynaudio X32 or X34.... or even the Emit bookshelf speakers.

Good evening

naim an Neat in fantastic synergy

Dan

Hello angelodipa.  One speaker I wouldn't recommend would be the Ovator S400s.  I had a demo of these once and, I have to say, I wasn't impressed by them at all.  To me, they sounded a bit nasal and closed in, yet opinions on these seem to vary.  They weren't a success, to be honest, and Naim stopped making them, alongside their bigger siblings, the S600.

I would like, if I may, to make an alternative suggestion: Monitor Audio silver or gold series.  They are in a similar price range to the Neat Motives.  I have a pair of MA RS6s which I absolutely love and wouldn't part with them.  The do have an absolute clarity and they go well with Naim equipment.  The bass is very strong, but without being bloated or flabby.  Very well controlled bass, with excellent midrange and sweet treble.  I absolutely love mine.

Hope this helps

Proac D20R maybe worth adding to your audition list.

Today I went to my dealer and he talked to me very well about Neat. According to him it is one of the best matched with Naim. I'll probably get a hearing in his shop with Neat SX1.

At this point, since I will have the opportunity to hear them before I can buy them, I will bet on them.

According to you, SX1 could be valid alternatives. Some opinions on them?

thx

angelodipa posted:

Today I went to my dealer and he talked to me very well about Neat. According to him it is one of the best matched with Naim. I'll probably get a hearing in his shop with Neat SX1.

At this point, since I will have the opportunity to hear them before I can buy them, I will bet on them.

According to you, SX1 could be valid alternatives. Some opinions on them?

thx

I think that you like them but remeber a dealers room may sound different to yours.

Your shortlist suggests your values in music reproduction match my own preferences. The Kudos X3s are wonderful speakers to live with, and while mine are around 50cm from the rear wall, and I've not tried them much closer, their overall character suggests they would be happy closer.  They have great bass depth, but the bass knows its place, and compliments, rather than overtakes, the main event.  Plus the midrange detail is crazy in the best possible sense.  I think they could be the winning speaker for you.  No speaker I have ever heard beats them, and I've listened to a good few in the price bracket...and above, 

I have Kudos X3's on the end of a second system Atom.
I suspect the bass on those in your situation may be too prominent depending on the room size.
Mine are in a very large room and the bass is quite "strong".

ursus262 posted:

Hello angelodipa.  One speaker I wouldn't recommend would be the Ovator S400s.  I had a demo of these once and, I have to say, I wasn't impressed by them at all.  To me, they sounded a bit nasal and closed in, yet opinions on these seem to vary.  They weren't a success, to be honest, and Naim stopped making them, alongside their bigger siblings, the S600.

I have Ovators' and the are picky creatures. I simply cannot listen to compressed music on them. Spotify is quite a no-go on them. However, (good) cd and hi-res from proper labels are a different story. I have not tried vinyl, but I have the feeling that they do not match.

If one has a good DAC or cdplayer, Ovators' are a relative bargain. Can be had relatively cheap and excel in a well controlled bass and a silky mid/ high.

Another non sonic benefit is that their build quality is extremely good. The survive well in my 4 kids + wife + cat family.

angelodipa posted:

Today I went to my dealer and he talked to me very well about Neat. According to him it is one of the best matched with Naim. I'll probably get a hearing in his shop with Neat SX1.

At this point, since I will have the opportunity to hear them before I can buy them, I will bet on them.

Absolutely the thing to do. Your dealer is your man.

blythe posted:

I have Kudos X3's on the end of a second system Atom.
I suspect the bass on those in your situation may be too prominent depending on the room size.
Mine are in a very large room and the bass is quite "strong".

Maybe, but the OPs 202/Hicap/200 probably has better bass control than the Atom.