Neat momentum Sx5i
Posted by: S3 on 25 March 2017
I'm currently doing a home demo of a pair of Neat's momentum Sx5i with a view to potentially replacing my Kudos X2s. Only 24 hours in and they will, no doubt, improve but I have to say I'm pretty underwhelmed so far particularly given the price. The presentation is certainly different from the X2s - more laid back for sure but I was expecting a far more impressive bass response given what I'd heard about the isobaric design in these Neats etc. To my ears the Kudos are more coherent in the low frequencies. Of course it could simply be room related which is, I guess, why home demos are so important.
There doesn't seem to be much review material on the forum or elsewhere for these Neats so I was wondering whether any members had similar or different experiences with the Sx5is.
Kind regards
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by hungryhalibut
And what, pray, is the rest of the system?
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by S3
N272 / Rega RP8 and Aria, Xps2, 250DR.
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by hungryhalibut
Well, I can't fault the electronics. Maybe the speakers just aren't that good. It may be worth trying the Kudos S20.
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by Christopher_M
Do they go straight onto the floor or do you have the tri-laminate feet kit fitted?
C.
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by S3
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by Christopher_M
Seems slate plinths are also available. I'd give Bob a call at Neat on Mon, for some clarification.
C.
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by joerand
Maybe you expected something different in the bass than isobaric speakers deliver. I'm using rear ported Totem floorstanders that have a full, rounded bass response. When I demod Linn Majik isobariks in my room the bass was in comparison cleaner, dryer, and deeper. Far more articulate. Greater quality can mean less quantity. Give your ears time to adjust and definitely try some different positions with the Neats.
Posted on: 25 March 2017 by Christopher_M
With both designs having downward firing bass units, the lack of plinths on the Neats when compared with your existing Kudos strikes me as a significant factor to qualitatively affect bass. Especially if your room is carpeted.
C.
Posted on: 26 March 2017 by joerand
True Chris. OTOH, use of the Neats w/o plinths is a fairer direct comparison to the output of the X2s - both on spikes. That said, I would expect a tighter bass response from the Neats using the plinths, esp as you say, if the room is carpeted. I assume the plinths put the Neats at the optimal designed distance for their best-tuned bass. In the grand scheme of the Neat's cost the plinths are relatively little additional expense to get the most from them.
Posted on: 26 March 2017 by S3
Thanks guys. I'm pretty sure it's a case of the room not working with these. It's a small space so I may not be able to give the Neats enough room to breathe. I have them sited on granite slabs as I did with the X2s.
Ill give them more time and may also audition the PMC twenty5 23s as they are slightly smaller and may be better suited to the room.
kind regards
Posted on: 26 March 2017 by Moussa
You may want to try the SX3i, they maybe a better fit tonyour room. They are amazing standmounts, very fast with tight articulate bass
Posted on: 26 March 2017 by S3
Ok thanks Moussa. The other one I'd demo would be the Dynaudio Contour 20s which sounded amazing at the Bristol show.
Posted on: 26 March 2017 by blythe
A friend of mine has the Superuniti with Neat's Momentum Sx5i speakers.
I have the a Superuniti but with Neat Elite SX speakers.
Whilst I'm more than happy with my setup, his system sounds noticeably better and I now wish I'd gone the extra mile and bought the SX5i's.
In my opinion, an extremely good speaker for the money.
