I quite fancy these - they seem to be highly acclaimed, the size would be perfect for my lounge (just 45cm high), and the 4 ohm impedance would mean that I’d no longer need to worry about my Atoms relatively low output. (My only very mild concern is that they have an 86db sensitivity, whereas Naim tells me that the Atom prefers a minimum of 88db from 4 ohm speakers.)
Obviously I’d need to test them but does anyone here use them/have some first-hand experience to share?
The challenge with low impedance speakers is that they increase the output of the amplifier, possibly resulting in the amplifier struggling to control the speakers. Couple that with low efficiency and you may find the Atom with its 40W output finds them a bit of a handful.
But they do look lovely and I can imagine that they’d be a great fit either side of your fireplace. However, they may not work as close to the wall as you’d hope.
On balance I’d be wary; the answer of course is to get a pair to try at home. Make sure they are well run in, to ensure the bass drivers are fully loosened up, as it’s the bass where you are likely to encounter any challenges.
Bear in mind that the 4 Ohm impedance will be placing much higher current demands on your Atom than 8 Ohm speakers. Particularly with a sensitivity lower than Naim recommends I would personally be wary of that. If you only ever play at low to moderate volumes it may be fine. But I suspect that if you want to play at higher levels for any length of time you could run into trouble. You will be putting strain on the Atom and it will likely get very hot.
It’s one of those things that could work OK but it’s not really ideal. Personally I wouldn’t be happy with it. If you’ve set your heart on those speakers then you probably need to think in terms of upgrading sooner rather than later to a Nova. Or else just keep the Atom and get more appropriate speakers for it that won’t give it a hard time.
Thanks, and noted. Naim seems quite happy for the Atom to drive 4 ohm speakers so I’m reasonably comfortable with that. I’d just prefer a slightly higher sensitivity for complete peace of mind.
Anyway, I’m going to find a local dealer and see if I can arrange a home demo. It would give me a chance to see how they’d look pulled out from the wall a bit, too.
All fair points thanks, Pete. For me, loud is fairly occasional - when I’m on my own at home and in the mood for a blast. Ordinarily not really an issue, though.
@Farthings-cat has had a similar experience to me with the original version. I know they have been very popular but they weren’t for me. Note I heard them with Atom HE plus 250.
I demoed them and liked some things they did a great deal; they definitely had energy and a real lively character but I found them lacking a bit of subtlety. I thought the tweeter was just a bit too much and the bass impressive but a bit ‘crude’. On the music I took along they didn’t impress on the softer and simpler genres. Loved the form factor and they seemed quite flexible re positioning. I know they have been very popular and maybe Neat have made good improvements. From their website it says a better crossover, that might address my reservations?
I also ended up with the SCM11. Not so immediately impressive but a sophisticated and well balanced presentation, not quite as ‘juicy’ as the Neat but more enjoyable for me.
As ever you need to demo them plus alternatives with your kit, and ideally in your room. The naked Atom is going to be a bit of a stretch but not definitely a no I reckon.
Maybe worth sharing the room dimensions you want to use them in and if you are planning on listening near field or at a distance as that can help inform what may work better.
That said dont let us stop you doing a home demo of the Alpha’s as ultimately you will only know if they work by trying them at home…
I wanted small speakers as not to get in the way of my windows but ended up switching the room around!
A gently used Nova may give you more flexibility on speaker choice but if you want to get the best solution I would recommend employing the services of a good dealer and being patient and do some demos at home.
I have a pair of Iotas, and although the top of the box in the Alpha is similar, the bottom is obvs different.
In my auditioning and everyday use, I’ve found that Neats tend to ‘come alive’ at louder volumes. In my office, they don’t normally get to a level where they perform their best, however in the lounge - where I can crank them up - they are a lovely and energetic speaker. Not the most detailed or transparent as others have said, but they for sure have a certain charm.
Short story is: room matters a lot for these. Home demo is highly advisable.
You’ll get a hundred answers and there’s still only one way to find out.
For what it is worth (and it’s worth nothing) I remember having heard them twice at the Bristol. I can’t recall anything including partnering electronics but I do remember having been impressed. Not something I can say about many products at shows including Naim. ATC and Lyngdorf (with their own speakers) are others that always seem to do well to these big ears.
Thanks for taking the trouble to post that, Gary. Your new set-up looks great, btw.
My lounge as actually quite small at 14x14 ft plus the bay window. I don’t think I’d need to drive the Atom very hard so that’s a plus. Anyway, as you say a home demo is the order of the day.
