Naim 5i Itallic: Neat Motive 1 Vs 2

Between the Motive 1 and 2, I much preferred the Motive 2.  In fact it was one of my favourite speakers at the price and a particularly fine match with the 5i pairing.  The Motive 1 by comparison was a bit of a disappointment.  

Hi,

I am running Neat motive SX2s on the end of a NAIT 5si with (what I think) gives super musical results with Naim entry level gears.

From what I  have read ( as I have no experience with original Motives) is that the newer SX versions have a more refined and superior tweeter, this, along with a better tuned reflex bass port, higher quality components in their single pair socket crossovers and separate environments for each drive unit via a shelf which adds to the stiffening of each cabinet.

The only other thing I can add is that my SX2s really did need plenty of running in to sound their best, i'm talking months here to really fill out and come together as a musical whole, well worth it!

Highly recommended!

I've a pair of Motive 2s, in use in a second system. Not heard the other versions but I can thoroughly recommend the 2s, they're remarkable little speakers.

Personally, I much prefer the SX1 over the SX2 -- the former have a more authoritative sound, especially if one is into orchestral music. For other genres, this might be less relevant... I tried the SX1 with an XS2, and I would expect the 5i  to do a good job as well. A note of caution: the bass can get bloated in my experience, if the SX1 don't get enough space. But Neat can provide foam plugs to fine tune the bass. 

I liked the SX1 a lot, but in the end I went for the more transparent PMC Twenty5.23...

P.S. For good deals (SX1, 2 and 3 with the most minor cosmetic imperfections), get in touch with Dave at Fanthorpes... 

There's an oft repeated tenet on the forum that there exits a certain symbiosis between Naim kit and Neat speakers.

I started out with Motive 2s, and have gradually progressed through the range to my present set up.

Motive 2s are sensational little speakers, which punch well above their weight, (and price, second hand).

I've not heard the SX 2s, but understand that, as Stephen suggests, above, their design was meant to eliminate reported glare in the upper ranges, together with dealing with a bass "thump" mentioned by some users.

I never experienced these issues myself, and suspect they may be room dependent, as much as anything else.

I'd say that it's something of a no brainer to try the Motive 2's, especially as they can be picked up so cheaply second hand.

Beware, though ............... once you get used to the Naim / Neat sound signature, there's no preventing the parallel upgrading of Naim boxes, and Neat speakers! 

I own the Motive SX2's for about 4 years now and I'm still very delighted with their performance. I'd like to add to the comments above that these are also not very critical about room placement - perhaps because of the downward firing reflex port. 

I've went through a number of changes last couple of years and the Motive's were always able to show the differences ... 

Thanks so much for the replies gents, appreciate that

Will now need to keep an eye out for some second hand gems!

I often don't see the point in stumping up for new items, when such  things are usually well looked after, and don't particularly wear out etc.

I’d steer well clear of the Motive 1, unless overwhelming bass is your thing.