NEAT Acoustics

Located in the historic market town Barnard Castle in Teesdale, County Durham, Northern England, NEAT Acoustics has been hand crafting loudspeakers for over 30 years. Their loudspeakers are widely considered to offer the very best in High-End audio reproduction, regardless of size or price. High Fidelity Services is proud to present NEAT Acoustics loudspeakers.

IOTA Series

IOTA

The NEAT Acoustics Iota incorporates the implementation of radical and unorthodox thinking in order to offer the same integrity and musical capability that distinguishes all Neat loudspeakers. It is especially suited to the current crop of all-in-one streaming systems, from which a very high level of sound quality can be attained, but space is usually at a premium.

The main drive unit is a smaller version of that used in the highly successful Motive range; a 4 inch PP cone with a ferrite magnet assembly. The tweeter is a 2 inch vertical planar magnetic ‘ribbon’ device. The choice of tweeter is critical, because the tweeter lends the whole speaker its essential character and integrity. In this context, the tweeter’s strengths of superb dynamic contrast and accurate tonal color are well matched to those of the main drive unit.

This tiny loudspeaker is extremely flexible in terms of placement. It can be placed on shelves, sideboards, worktops or desktops (some form of isolation is recommended ). There are also dedicated stands available on request.

The Iota can also be mounted on wall brackets if required. 6mm (M6) 60mm-spaced threaded holes are accessible on the rear panel to fit a range of widely available proprietary wall brackets, such as the B-Tech BT33 model.

Iota Specifications

Design: 2-way bass reflex
Frequency Range: 60Hz – 22kHz
Recommended amplifier power: 25 – 100 watts
Impedance: 6 Ohms nominal
Sensitivity: 84 dB/1 Watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 5.2 x 7.9 x 6.5 inches or 13 x 20 x 16.5cm
Weight: 6.6 lb. or 3 Kg each
Standard finishes: Satin White, Satin Black, Flame Red, Zinc Yellow, Ultramarine Blue

IOTA Alpha

NEAT Acoustics’ loudspeakers have long been renowned for creating big sounds from compact and elegant enclosures. However, the Iota Alpha succeeds in stretching this concept well beyond the limits of what might be expected.

The original Iota loudspeaker has been a huge and continuing success since its appearance in 2011, and the idea of a low-down floor standing version has been mooted ever since. All that was necessary for the new model was to retain the exceptional abilities of the Iota and build on these in a floor-standing configuration. This is easier said than done, of course. But the Iota Alpha delivers completely on target.

The crossover is a simple two-and-a-half-way design, employing 1st & 2nd order slopes. The crossover components are all hard-wired, with point-to-point connections in order to maximize integrity. The crossover components are of premium audiophile quality and include Mundorf Supreme capacitors and low-dcr air-core inductors.

At a mere 19.2” or 45cm tall the Iota Alpha can be placed discreetly in the room, yet it delivers a genuine full-range musical experience on a scale that suggests a far bigger (and more expensive) loudspeaker.

Visually deceptive, the Iota Alpha required some unorthodox “imagineering.” The basis of the original Iota (the main drive unit and the EMIT type planar magnetic tweeter) is housed in the top section of the cabinet, in a sealed volume, angled upwards. This section is configured as a two-way closed box loudspeaker. The whole of the ported lower section is dedicated to augmenting the lower frequencies, via a downward-firing 134mm drive unit mounted on the bottom panel.

Iota Alpha Specifications

Design: 2.5-way bass reflex
Frequency Range: 33Hz – 22kHz
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83v
Dimensions (H x W x D): 19.2” (plus spikes) x 7.9” x 6.5” or 45 (plus spikes) x 20 x 16cm
Weight: 15 lb. or 6.8 Kg each
Standard finishes: Satin White, Black Oak, American Walnut, Natural Oak

THE MOTIVE SX SERIES

The NEAT Acoustics’ Motive Series was introduced in 2005 and revamped in 2013. The key objectives of the Motive Series are:

To deliver exceptional performance from compact and attractive contemporary cabinets.
Easy-to-drive designs with a consistent and coherent sound across the range.
High standard of AV/multi-channel performance.

The Motive Series was a significant development for NEAT as it marked the entry into the more mainstream market which was largely dominated by much bigger manufacturers. A new tweeter was developed for this range, loosely based on the inverted titanium dome used in the original Ultimatum models. This tweeter offers a very detailed, uncompressed performance and gives the Motive models a level of dynamic and micro-dynamic insight unrivaled at its price point.

The entire Motive Series was revised to the ‘SX’ status in 2013 using an improved version of the NMT tweeter – the SXT. The SXT tweeter employs the same massive magnet system, but with an anodized aluminum dome replacing the previous titanium dome. The crossovers, tuning and internals have also been updated, resulting in a wide-ranging improvement in all-round performance.

Motive SX1

Although this is the taller of the two floor-standers in the Motive SX range, the SX1 is nevertheless a compact and elegant model. It will blend discreetly into any living room whilst its performance gives little away to larger and more expensive models.

This loudspeaker uses a two and half-way configuration, with the bass/midrange driver and the tweeter operating within a sealed enclosure. The sub-bass drive unit is housed separately in a reflex-tuned section below. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom panel of the cabinet and is vented through an outlet in the stylishly sculpted MDF plinth.

In spite of the compact dimensions, the Motive SX1 manages to accurately reproduce genuinely low bass notes with spacious and well-focused stereo imagery.

The tweeter is the new and upgraded unit used throughout the Motive SX range and features a huge screened magnet assembly and a 25mm inverted anodized aluminum dome. This type of tweeter is usually only found in more expensive high-end loudspeakers and is therefore an exceptional inclusion to the Motive SX designs.

“an outstanding example of a top-quality compact floor-standing speaker”
HiFi Choice, January 2006

Motive SX1 Specifications

Design: 2.5-way bass reflex
Bandwidth: 25Hz – 30kHz
Impedance: 6 Ohms
Sensitivity: 87 dB/1 watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36.4” x 6.3” x 7.9” or 92.5 x 16 x 20cm
Footprint (WxD): 8.7” x 10.3” or 22 x 26cm
Weight: 30.9 lb. or 14 Kg each
Standard Finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

Motive SX2

At only 30.2” or 76cm high, the NEAT Acoustics Motive SX2 is an exceptionally compact floor-stander for those who want all the musical performance of a NEAT floor-stander without taking over the living room.

This loudspeaker uses a two-way configuration, with the bass/midrange driver and the tweeter operating within separate spaces. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom panel of the cabinet and is vented through an outlet in the stylishly sculpted MDF plinth.

In spite of the compact dimensions, the Motive SX2 surprises with its astonishing bass and beautifully open mid range.

Motive SX2 Specifications

Design: 2-way bass reflex
Bandwidth: 35Hz – 30kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 86 dB/1 watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.2” x 6.3” x 7.9” or 6.5 x 16 x 20cm
Footprint (W x D): 8.7” x 10.3” or 22 x 26cm
Weight: 24.3 lb. or 11Kg Each each
Standard Finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

Motive SX3

In common with NEAT Acoustics earlier stand mount models, the Motive SX3 once again raises the standard of sound quality expected from a speaker of this size and price. Ideal for use in smaller spaces or as a rear speaker in a multi-channel system, the SX3 has an open and strikingly clear sound with faithful dynamics and a focussed stereo image.

This loudspeaker uses a two-way bass reflex configuration. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom of the rear panel.

In spite of the compact and elegant appearance, the Motive SX3 surprises with its agility, its astonishing bass and beautifully open mid range.

Motive SX3 Specifications

Design: 2-way bass reflex
Bandwidth: 45Hz – 30kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Sensitivity: 86 dB/1 Watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 12.8” x 6.3” x 7.9” or 32.5 x 6 x 20 cm
Weight: 13.3 lb. or 6 Kg each
Standard Finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

Motive SXC

This two and half way centre speaker is voice-matched to the rest of the Motive SX range, providing seamless integration in a multi-channel context. The Motive SXC is a full-range, sealed-box system designed to give flawless performance in as many situations as possible. The fine, articulate voice band and the wide dynamic range preserve all the drama and detail of home cinema recordings.

Motive SXC Specifications

Design: 2.5-way bass reflex
Bandwidth: 45Hz – 30kHz
Impedance: 6 Ohm
Sensitivity: 86 dB/1 Watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 6.3” x 18.5” x 7.9” or 16 x 47 x 20cm
Weight: 13.3 lb. or 6 Kg
Standard Finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

MOMENTUM SERIES

The quest for affordable high performance is addressed in the NEAT Acoustics’ Momentum Series. Here, we have sought to deliver valuable aspects of the Ultimatum technology such as the isobaric woofer configuration and performance at a much lower cost. The Momentum range effectively bridges the gap between the Motive and Ultimatum ranges, offering a glimpse of the consummate performance of the award-winning Ultimatum models, but with the price vs performance values of the Motive models.

The Momentum models use the same LF drive units and isobaric bass loading principle as is employed in the Ultimatum models. The Momentum models are now in ‘SX’ guise, using the same anodized aluminum dome tweeter as the Motive SX models.

The Momentum models offer class-leading performance from elegant enclosures which take up a minimum of floor space.

Momentum SX3i

The Momentum SX3i is a compact 2-way isobaric loaded bookshelf/stand-mount design.

Don’t be fooled by this unassuming modesty – this is a real heavyweight contender with giant-killing credentials. Here, the benefits of isobaric bass loading combine with the significant virtues of a compact enclosure – to magnificent effect.

All of the drive units used in the Momentum models are custom-made to NEAT Acoustics’ designs. The new SXT tweeter is one of the finest available at any price. This unit features an inverted anodized aluminum dome and heavy duty ferrite magnet. With a dynamic delivery of great insight, along with complete freedom from compression effects, it is also very easy to listen to for long periods without a trace of ‘listener fatigue’. Coupled with NEAT’s long established R2 & R3 6.5″ doped paper cone mass/midrange unit, this is a combination made in heaven.

The close tolerance Mundorf MCap Supreme capacitors and chokes used in the hardwired crossover networks are, likewise, made to our exacting requirements by leading suppliers.

All of this technology is presented in attractive, room-friendly cabinets in a variety of finishes to match any décor.

More importantly, the Momentum SX3i is capable of delivering a compelling musical experience where it really matters – in the listening room.

Momentum SX3i Specifications

Design: 2-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 30Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 6 Ohms (minimum 4 Ohms)
Sensitivity: 87dB/1 watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 15” x 8.7” x 10.6” or 38 x 22 x 27cm
Weight: 19.9 lbs. or 10 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

Momentum SX5i

The Momentum SX5i is a full range 2.5-way isobaric floor-standing design which uses four drive units in each enclosure. Isobaric loading is a familiar feature on Neat loudspeakers, this being our favored system for delivering exemplary bass performance. The isobaric principle is exploited in quite a radical way in the design of the Momentum SX5i, which features two 6.5″ bass drive units in an integral subwoofer arrangement (this part of the system is hidden from view).

An ‘Ultimatum’ type bass/midrange main driver then handles frequencies up to the crossover point, where the new ‘SXT’ inverted anodized aluminum dome tweeter, with its fluid & dynamic HF response, takes over. All of the drive units used in the Momentum models are custom-made to NEAT Acoustics’ designs. The close tolerance capacitors and chokes used in the hardwired crossover networks are, likewise, made to our exacting requirements by leading UK suppliers.

All of this technology is presented in attractive, room-friendly cabinets in a variety of finishes to match any décor. More importantly, the Momentum loudspeakers are capable of delivering a compelling musical experience where it really matters – in the listening room.

Momentum SX5i Tri-laminate Feet Kit

The Momentum SX5i can be upgraded easily with the addition of the dedicated Tri-laminate Feet Kit (as pictured). These feet allow greater stability and overall cleaner presentation.

(* This kit can also be retro-fitted to the earlier Momentum 4i model.)

Momentum SX5i Specifications

Design: 2.5-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 25Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms (5 Ohm Minimum)
Sensitivity: 88 dB/1 Watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 41.4” x 8.7” x 9.1” or 105 x 22 x 23cm
Weight: 55.1 lb. or 20 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

Momentum SX7i

The Momentum SX7i delivers a true full-range performance from a room-friendly enclosure with a relatively small footprint, measuring just 10.6” x 11.4” or 27 x 29cm. This means it effectively takes up little more floor space than the average stand-mount design.

To achieve its extraordinary level of performance, an extensively braced and damped cabinet constructed from 18mm high-grade MDF is used, with each of the five drive units housed in its own discrete cavity.

The upper section of the enclosure is, in effect, an infinite baffle two-way loudspeaker. NEAT’s SXT tweeter is an anodized aluminum type, which delivers a detailed presentation, with extremely low compression, yet is also easy on the ear and free of the fatiguing effect of other highly analytical HF units. The SXT tweeter is flanked by two of Neat’s recently upgraded P1/R3 bass/midrange drive units in a d’Appolito arrangement. This section is fed from a simple 1st / 2nd order two-way crossover using superior quality low tolerance components. The crossover point here is 3.8kHz.

The lower half of the enclosure is sealed from the upper half and configured as a compound (isobaric) bass-only section. One of NEAT’s P1/R2 drive units is located on the bottom panel, firing downwards. This is augmented by an identical drive unit located above it, with a sealed chamber between the two. These operate together, in phase. The isobaric system enables the drive unit to deliver extremely deep and controlled bass from a comparatively small enclosure. This section is tuned by reflex port.

The Momentum SX range has been developed in the established Neat fashion; listening trials and empirical experimentation rather than a reliance on technical measurements, allowing the music to dictate the design and character of the system.

The SXT Tweeter is an anodized aluminum dome device powered by a massive dual magnet system for superior musical analysis and minimal compression.

Momentum SX7i Specifications

Design: 2.5-way isobaric bass reflex, with integral isobaric sub-bass unit
Bandwidth: 22Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms (5 Ohm Minimum)
Sensitivity: 88 dB/1 Watt
Dimensions (H x W x D): 47.3” x 8.7” x 9.1” or 120 x 22 x 23cm
Weight: 79.2 lb. or 36 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak, Satin White

ULTIMATUM SERIES

The Ultimatum project is a labour of love for NEAT Acoustics’ founder Bob Surgeoner. It began in 1995 as a no-compromise design intended to deliver the very best attributes of NEAT’s accumulated ideas and expertise, and development took place over several years.

Originally conceived as a single model, the prototype sported several design cues which can be identified in what eventually became the Ultimatum MF9 loudspeaker six years later. The slim, 59” or 150cm tall enclosure, with separate cavities to house each drive unit in an extended d’Appolito array. Employing 4 x 168mm main drive units in each cabinet, the driver configuration was designed to simulate a point source.

The Ultimatum MF9 was launched in 2001 to great critical acclaim and international commercial success. It was soon followed by smaller variants, the 47” or 120cm high MF7, the 39” or 100cm MF5, and the stand-mount/bookshelf MFS model. All of these versions adhered to those principles which rendered the Ultimatum models as being among the very best in the world.

The original line up was upgraded recently to ‘XL’ versions, further improving all aspects of their performance.

Ultimatum XLS

The Ultimatum XLS loudspeaker is a stand-mount design which adheres to all the principles that have marked out the NEAT Acoustics Ultimatum project and given it such enduring success. The ultra-rigid birch-plywood enclosure, innovative baffle-decoupling technology, ‘isobaric’ bass loading and use of twin EMIT ribbon-type super-tweeters are employed here to deliver the Ultimatum promise of a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

The enclosure comprises four discrete internal cavities each optimized for purpose. The Mid/Bass tuning is optimal for the main enclosure volume while the HF cabinet is small to increase rigidity and to stop back pressure from the Mid Bass driver adversely affecting the rear chamber of the tweeter. The two EMIT super-tweeters are similarly isolated.

Ultimatum XLS Specifications

Design: 2-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 25Hz – 40kHz
Impedance: 6 Ohms (4 Ohms Minimum)
Sensitivity: 88 dB/1 watt
Enclosure type: Multi-chamber, multi-driver array, incorporating isobaric internal cavity, plus upward firing super-tweeters.
HF Unit: 26mm SONOMEX Domed XL
Super HF Units: 2* EMIT 25mm planar/ribbon
Bass / Midrange: Driver 2* 168mm NEAT Bass/Mid Unit with Aluminum Phase Plug
Dimensions (H x W x D): 14.6” x 8.7” x 15” or 38 x 22 x 37cm
Weight: 33.1 lb. or 15 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, Rose Ash, American Walnut, Figured Birch
Premium finishes: Velvet Cloud, Red Velvet Cloud, Piano Black

Ultimatum XL6

The Ultimatum XL6 loudspeaker is a floor-standing design which adheres to all the principles that have marked out the NEAT Acoustics Ultimatum project and given it such enduring success. The ultra-rigid birch-plywood enclosure, innovative baffle-decoupling technology, ‘isobaric’ bass loading and use of twin EMIT ribbon-type super-tweeters are employed here to deliver the Ultimatum promise of a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

The enclosure comprises five discrete internal cavities each optimized for purpose. The Bass and Mid/Bass volumes are large to suit the tuning while the HF cabinet is small to increase rigidity and to stop back pressure from the Mid Bass driver adversely affecting the rear chamber of the tweeter. The two EMIT super-tweeters are similarly isolated.

Ultimatum XL6 Specifications

Design: 2.5-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 22Hz – 40kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms (5 Ohms Minimum)
Sensitivity: 87 dB/1 watt
Enclosure type: Multi-chamber, multi-driver array, incorporating isobaric internal cavity, plus upward firing super-tweeters
HF Unit: 26mm SONOMEX Domed XL
Super HF Units: 2* EMIT 25mm planar/ribbon
Bass / Midrange: Driver 168mm NEAT Bass/Mid Unit with Aluminum Phase Plug
Bass Units: 2* 168mm NEAT Bass Units
Dimensions (H x W x D): 39.4” x 8.7” x 14.6” or 100 x 22 x 37cm
Weight: 75 lb. or 34 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, Rose Ash, American Walnut, Figured Birch
Premium finishes: Velvet Cloud, Red Velvet Cloud, Piano Black

Ultimatum XL10

The Ultimatum Series of high-performance loudspeakers was conceived by NEAT Acoustics founder Bob Surgeoner in 1993 and launched in 1999 with the introduction of the Ultimatum MF9.

The XL10 is the result of a complete revision of the MF9, building upon its considerable strengths in order to deliver a world-class full range performance for the 21st century.

The enclosure comprises eight discrete internal cavities, each optimized for purpose and each different. The bass/midrange volumes are larger to suit the tuning whilst the main HF cavity is small to increase rigidity and resist back pressure from the main drive units. The two EMIT super tweeters are similarly isolated.

The main structure is damped 18mm Birch Plywood sourced from slow-growing forests as this ensures the densest, most consistent material. The drive unity-baffle sections are constructed from a 45mm thick ‘sandwich’ of Birch Plywood, Polyethylene and MDF. This provides a rigid non-resonant platform which allows the drive units to operate with minimal coloration.

All of these features are woven together in the traditional NEAT Acoustics fashion: hundreds of hours of listening tests, empirical experimentation and years of expertise guarantee that the end result is a classic loudspeaker with qualities that few can equal.

Ultimatum XL10 Specifications

Design: 2.5-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 20Hz – 40kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms (5 Ohms Minimum)
Sensitivity: 89 dB/1 watt.
Enclosure type: Multi-chamber, multi-driver array, incorporating isobaric internal cavity, plus upward firing super-tweeters.
HF Unit: 26mm SONOMEX Domed XL
Super HF Units: 2* EMIT 25mm planar/ribbon
Bass / Midrange Units: 2* 168mm NEAT Bass/Mid Unit with Aluminum Phase Plug
Bass Units: 4* 168mm NEAT Bass Units
Dimensions (H x W x D): 59.1” x 8.7” x 14.6” or 1500 x 22 x 37cm
Footprint (W x D): 13.8” x 20.1” or 35 x 51cm
Weight: 132.3 lb. or 65 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, Rose Ash, American Walnut, Figured Birch
Premium finishes: Velvet Cloud, Red Velvet Cloud, Piano Black

Ultimatum XLC

The Ultimatum XLC Center-Channel loudspeaker has been designed to complement all Ultimatum main speakers in the context of multi-channel & home theatre systems.

The XLC incorporates key Ultimatum features; a multi-chamber, multi-driver enclosure constructed from Birch Plywood. It is a 2-way design, using four of Neat’s 168mm main drivers (two of which have been re-designed to meet the exacting requirements of the Ultimatum range) in a reflex tuned isobaric configuration, coupled with SEAS soft dome tweeter with Sonomex surround.

Three years of development have been spent on solving the problem of deleterious vibrational effects and the driver-mounting baffle is decoupled from the main structure via a polyethylene membrane. The total baffle is a 45mm thick ‘sandwich’ of Birch Plywood, Polyethylene and MDF. This provides a rigid non-resonant platform, which is ideal for optimal performance of the drive units.

The crossover is a minimalist 3-element type (plus damping & attenuating resistors) employing precision tolerance, low loss air-cored inductors and NEAT’s newly-developed polypropylene capacitors. The speaker exploits predominantly first-order crossover slopes and mechanical roll-offs for a natural, uninhibited performance.

Ultimatum XLC Specifications

Design: 2-way isobaric bass reflex
Bandwidth: 35Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms (4.7 Ohms Minimum)
Sensitivity: 89 dB/1 watt
Enclosure type: Multi-chamber, multi-driver array, incorporating isobaric internal cavity
HF Unit: 26mm SONOMEX Domed XL
Bass / Midrange: Driver 2* 168mm NEAT Bass/Mid Unit with Aluminum Phase Plug
Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.7” x 25.2” x 14.6” or 22 x 64 x 37cm
Weight: 55.1 lb. or 25 Kg each
Standard finishes: Natural Oak, Rose Ash, American Walnut, Figured Birch
Premium finishes: Velvet Cloud, Red Velvet Cloud, Piano Black