Supernait/ Hicap/NACA5/iMac - Harbeth SHL5 vs Neat Ultimatum MFS

Posted by: imtombi on 04 October 2015

I have the opportunity to get hold of some nice second hand Neat Ultimatum MFS and wonder how they would compare to my Harbeth SHL5 with the above setup. My listening room ist about 4,5 x 5 meter with a wooden floor and not much furniture. How would the presentation differ? Before I bought the Harbeth, I auditit a pair of MFS in a similar sized listen room, which I remember, really impressed me with their airiness and bunch - but they got sold, before I could make my mind up. There is nothing wrong with the Harbeth though, but sometimes I feel this setup is a bit laid back, especially with complex 70th Rock Music. If someone has experience with a similar setup, I'd really appreciate any answer to help me with the decision...

Thanks in advance,

Greetings

Gerd

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by The Strat (Fender)

I don't know but I'd be very interested to see the responses you get. I love Neat speakers - amongst a few others.

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by christoph

hi, i don't find my harbeth shl 5 laid back, i hear complex 70th rock too... christoph

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

From what I know of the MFS you need at least a 250, and ideally a 300, to drive them properly. I'd suggest that using them with a Supernait is a non-starter.

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by The Strat (Fender)

I think things have moved on H - quite a little while ago PB and I heard the XL6 with a 282/260 (non DR) and it was excellent. I would have thought the SN would do well with the XLS.

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by hafler3o

Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

From what I know of the MFS you need at least a 250, and ideally a 300, to drive them properly. I'd suggest that using them with a Supernait is a non-starter.

This is my understanding as well. The XLS may be an easier drive but the OP is trying out the older model.

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by The Strat (Fender)

Worth a call to Neat.

Posted on: 04 October 2015 by Polarbear

Originally Posted by The Strat (Fender):

I think things have moved on H - quite a little while ago PB and I heard the XL6 with a 282/260 (non DR) and it was excellent. I would have thought the SN would do well with the XLS.

yes we did and it was a great combination, however the MFS's are difficult to drive and need plenty of power. I am sure the Supernait will drive them but they may be a little lacklustre and ideally you should be looking at a 300 plus to get them singing.

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by analogmusic

Hi, I think you have Dynaudio speakers. I bought some myself (X32) and really like them.

How do they compare to say Neat Motives?

Originally Posted by The Strat (Fender):

I don't know but I'd be very interested to see the responses you get. I love Neat speakers - amongst a few others.

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by The Strat (Fender)

Originally Posted by analogmusic:

Hi, I think you have Dynaudio speakers. I bought some myself (X32) and really like them.

How do they compare to say Neat Motives?

Originally Posted by The Strat (Fender):

I don't know but I'd be very interested to see the responses you get. I love Neat speakers - amongst a few others.

Yes - I do have a 11 year old pair of Dyn Contours 1.8 MK 2s which with my Naim NAC282/NAP 250 make a compelling sound.

I've never compared with the Neat Motives - indeed any Neat speaker on my system and of course most importantly in my lounge.

However, if I were to recall say the finest 5/6 systems I've ever heard all but 1/2 have had Naim 500 series amps and 2/3 had Neat Ultimatum speakers. The synergy just seems compelling to these ears. I would like to hear the XL6s on my system at some point but affordability as ever would be an issue

I did hear the Motives at the Bristol Show in 2014 on the back of a NDS/Supernait and I can happily report it was excellent - really excellent. In fact they were afforded 2nd best in show - only the Statement trumped them!

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by Fueller

I've heard the Neat MFS speakers with a 250 which sounded superb, no problem driving them. As previously suggested a call to Neat might help as they use a lot of naim equipment and it's likely they have tried them with a Supernait.

I share the Strats love of Neat /Dynaudio speakers and as a Supernait owner myself I've arranged a demo of Neat Momentum sx3is this week (against my current - and excellent - Dynaudio Contour 1.3mk2s) - will post the outcome if anyone's interested.

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by analogmusic

Keen to read your views Fueller

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by Polarbear

Interestingly Lyndsay was using his Dynaudio's with a Naim Nap 200. He's recently upgraded to a Nap 250 DR and he will tell you just how much of an impact this was. The Dynaudio's are a demanding speaker just like the Neat MFS's and need to be driven by a powerful amp.