Fully agree
I have 2 N50’s in different locations (100kms apart) , one with the Petite 30 anniversary and the other with the Petite Classic
Magical combination made for each other
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I recently purchased a pair of NOS Neat Iota Alpha’s which I’m using with my recently purchased Nait 50. There’s definitely a synergy going on here where both products truly complement each other. Glad you’re both enjoying your Neat/Naim based systems!
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Which makes me ask what’s the difference, if any, between the two Petite editions ?
I’ve been a Petite owner of older models, and could consider to replace my Motive 3.
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The Petite 30 anniversary was a limited run of only 100 , it was so successful that Neat decided to bring back the Petite as the classic
The 30 is slightly taller than the classic and has a slightly superior crossover and slightly better sonics overall but to be honest there’s not much in it between the two.
Certainly the Petites are one of the best bookshelf’s /Standmount’s I’ve ever heard they are just fun to listen to, especially with the N50. Neat got this model spot on
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It is a rare occasion for me to see Belles mentioned in this neck of the woods! I still use the OCM 55 preamp phono section, one of the most neutral IMO at least in those that I have owned. I love neutral! One of the most musically enjoyable combos I have ever owned was the Belles feeding the Meitner STR-50 amp.
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Dave Belles has made some great audio gear over the years. He’s well into his eighties now and I’m not sure if he’s even involved with the company any longer. I had the opportunity to speak with him in the mid 1980’s and he was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.
As I recall the Meitner 50 was a very musical amplifier. Ed had some very interesting products back then sold under the Musetex name. He was one of those audio designers who blazed his own path in the high end audio hobby; building unique sounding and looking products.
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Would like to hear the Alphas, no option to unfortunately. Unlike some others I think they look cool. Had the Alpha II been available at the time I purchased the Petites could have gone either way given they’re the same price. Arguably cheaper not needing stands. The current system is sublime however so no regrets.
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A reminder that 6 months ago I reported in the forum about an issue which manifested itself with unwanted noise from the speakers even when no music was being played. System based around 252/SC/300/PS. (See Failing Amplifier Concern thread). Knowing that it could take some time to rectify the issue and a desire to build a second system, I procured a Nait 50.
The Nait 50 has sounded wonderful driving the Martin Logan ESL and REL 212s with ease.
It turned out that a faulty Burndy cable was the issue with the 252/SC/300/PS setup. A couple of weeks ago I had the components with a new Burndy cable returned. However as we have been travelling I have not had the chance to rebuild the system. We return home Saturday evening and my plan is to continue listening with the Nait 50 for a few days to tune my ear in. Then later next week install the 252/SC/300PS.
I am anxious to hear the difference against the Nait 50 and just how big or small the gap in SQ is. I will report back on what I hear.
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I read this with interest as I demoed the Iota’s, Alphas and Petites and the Petites were, in my opinion, the weakest of the lot. I demoed about 10 pairs and had repeat visits to the dealer. I found the Petites veiled and lacking detail and I eventually bought the Dali Menuet SE as they were head and shoulders above everything I’d heard up to that point. Maybe the pair I listened to were duds but they didn’t impress at all. This hobby is so personal it’s essential to demo thoroughly before buying.
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similarly, I tried the NN50 + Petites in my home study and they just couldn’t deliver what the NN50 + ATC SCM11 delivered in that room.
rear ported speakers just NEVER work for me.
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I do think small ported speakers struggle.. as often the the port resonance frequency extends into the audible band causing issues.
It can certainly work, but deep bass around the resonance frequency gets less clear and articulated.
Sealed / infinite baffle speakers will fall over in the bass at higher frequencies but more slowly than ported designs, and often provide a more detailed and defined bass albeit with diminishing energy the lower you.
I have found doing the best you can matching the sealed box fall away with room boundary effects provides the best in room audio with superb speed and detail and energy.. though you need some room treatment to stop standing waves and room resonances.
A fair bit of trial and error required I admit, but get it right and you have superb almost producer monitor style performance in a domestic setting.
One example is the Falcon Gold Build LS3/5a .. out of the box superb but no sub bass . Match it with your room like I describe above , and you have musical energy that is tuneful and articulate to around 30-35 Hz… a fantastic revelation. It brings electronica and IDM/EDM alive.
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I have been listening to Computer World by Kraftwerk, an original 1981 pressing, this morning (day off) and can certainly vouch for this with a Nait 50 and LS3/5a speakers in a small room. I am playing around with the amount of toe in etc.
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looking forward to hearing this Brian
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And I am a little apprehensive as to what I hear …
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I had my 15 ohm LS3/5a’s for a decade and found them to be one of the best imaging speakers that I have ever heard. They love simple acoustic music best and IMHO, that’s where they really shine.
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I could not agree more. After lots of reading about the experiences and recommendations of others (including in this community) and also reading lots of reviews, I lined up a list of ‘possibles’ and then went out and listened to them.
I could hear the pros and cons, but those I really liked stood out from the crowd, and in the end the clear winner wasn’t even on my list.
It’s important to read what other people think, but you must use your own ears and in the final choice in your own environment.
Not for a second am I saying anyone else’s opinion was wrong, but it is so subjective and the combination of your equipment, preferences, room, music and indeed ears is the only thing that matters, especially with speakers 
Tony
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I think too what’s interesting is it shows the potential limitations of demos versus living with something for an extended period. It’s a great and valuable option to have for sure, will flag stinkers immediately, but a bit like streaming it can be too easy to skip onto the next thing maybe? No commitment or perseverance required.
I don’t have demo options and in all likelihood I possibly wouldn’t have chosen the petites on demo. Veiled, closed in, I heard that a bit too. I thought I preferred a more forward and seemingly detailed sound. I did persevere however, tired of “upgrading” as much as anything. Now I wouldn’t part with this pairing ever. I honestly believe there is some serious run in and adjustment needed with the Petites. I’m happy I couldn’t demo.
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Well, some months back after purchasing an ex-demo NDX2 I was looking for a new preamp (I previously used an N272/555PS combination into a NAP250dr and was using the N272 as a temporary preamp, hooking the 555PS to the NDX2). I had also took advantage of Peter Tyson’s £1199 for a new Nait 50 which remained in its box…until last week.
Frustrated in my search for a preamp, spinning between used NAC252 or a 332 (requiring me to reinvest in cables to maintain an all Super Lumina set up) I decided to scratch an itch and purchase a turntable to take me back to my youth..err record collection collecting dust in a back room. So after much research and auditioning I decided on the Technics SL-1200 GME with a Ortofon Concorde Black lvb 250.
So, to get the turntable up and running I put the Nait 50 into the system not expecting much other than good solid performance. How wrong was I, the combination of the Nait 50 fronting up both the Technics and the NDX2/555PS combination is nothing short of exceptional. My listening room is small (4mtr x 3.5mtr) which is why I have stuck with my ATC SCM11s as they just work in this room- despite trying various alternatives over the past 10 years. I think I will put my search for a new preamp on hold for the foreseeable future!
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Great to hear you are enjoying the Nait50 in your system. Both the NDX2 and the TT sound brilliant paired with it. I notice you have a small room which is where the Nait50 excells. This thread is full of examples of how good the Nait50 is when matched with a top quality source in a small to medium room. I too bought at £1,200 from PT and remember the delight at unboxing it and seeing the Nait50 for the first time. Even better to hear it though!
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