Just changed from my magnificent Allaes to these little wonders. The Allaes just didn't suit the new room where they have to fire across the room instead of down and were about 5" from solid wall. I just couldn't tame the bass boom.
As good as the Allaes were, the new Neats are better in my circumstances. There's a lack of directness and absolute clarity compared to the Naims but the bass boom has gone and the little Neats still boogie. I'm sure that the Neats reputation as the new SBL's is exaggerated but it's amazing what comes out of such a small box. They are working well 5" from a solid rear wall and the rear bass port seems to be tuned to allow slight leakage with only faint air pressure. Must have something to do with the Isobarik loading.
The expense to get to this however is substantial and just shows what an absolute bargain the Allaes are if they suit your circumstances and room layout.
Posted on: 24 November 2018 by hungryhalibut
What a nice post. It’s really good to see someone keeping a perspective rather than the more common ‘it’s a night and day difference, X is the best thing ever’. The Neats are funny looking little things, but make a refreshing change from me-too boxes. My local dealer had a pair in the shop with red grilles when I visited in the week. I’ve owned various Naim speakers: SBL, IBL, nSat and SL2 and all have been brilliant in my room. I tried Allaes once and no matter where I put them the bass was boomy and the port chuff rather off-putting. I’ve also heard them sounding excellent, but in other people’s houses! I hope the Xplorers serve you well for many years.
Posted on: 24 November 2018 by blythe
I loved the XPlorers when I heard them at a dealers but, I couldn't get on with them in my (2nd system) home's sitting room.
Possibly they were still running in and not loosened up, but the bass weight simply wasn't there. I believe they hadn't run for many hours at all.
I'm now trying Neat Momentum SX5i, which have restored the weight and authority I was hoping for before.
It's a shame, as in my room, the clarity and punch was great on the Xplorer when cranked right up. They looked great in my setting too and I really wanted them!
