Neat Petite
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Neat Petite
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Few speakers are as complete as the Neat Petite
Excellent resolution, timing and focus make for a compelling listen
some will want more low-end positivity
The SX is the fourth generation of Neat 's first ever speaker and arguably the best one yet. The company has been extraordinarily consistent in its sonic priorities over the last couple of decades, and this SX version continues the trend of putting timing and dynamics ahead of all else. The real triumph here is that traditional hi-fi qualities – such as tonal balance, detail resolution and stereo imaging, that often get compromised – are as good as anything else at this price level. It really is a case of having a cake and eating all of it. We also find it astonishing that such an unassuming two-way box with an unglamorous, straightforward doped-paper mid/bass cone and soft-dome tweeter can produce such a musically convincing sound. The Petites simply sound right. They're surefooted, stable and in control no matter whether they're asked to replay Massive Attack's Atlas Air at high levels or deliver Mozart's Symphony No 29 with all the scale, finesse and authority it deserves. Not perfect, but close to it By absolute standards these Neats are a touch restrained at the top-end and lack just a little bit of openness, but this character is easy to get used to. The upside is that the highs strike a great balance between detail, bite and refinement. Listen to a poor recording and you'll hear every flaw, but crucially the shortcomings aren't overstated. At just 31cm high, these are small speakers, so very deep bass isn't even an option. However, once mounted on solid stands the speakers never sound insubstantial or lightweight. If you buy hi-fi to enjoy music rather than analyse recordings you'll love these speakers. With suitably talented electronics – we're thinking of Naim's XS CD player and amp – and given a small to medium-sized room, these Petite SXs are as musical as speakers get for this money.
What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.
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Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands
Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
The best home entertainment buying advice
More stories to check out before you go
What Hi-Fi? is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us .
Few speakers are as complete as the Neat Petite
Excellent resolution, timing and focus make for a compelling listen
some will want more low-end positivity
The SX is the fourth generation of Neat 's first ever speaker and arguably the best one yet. The company has been extraordinarily consistent in its sonic priorities over the last couple of decades, and this SX version continues the trend of putting timing and dynamics ahead of all else. The real triumph here is that traditional hi-fi qualities – such as tonal balance, detail resolution and stereo imaging, that often get compromised – are as good as anything else at this price level. It really is a case of having a cake and eating all of it. We also find it astonishing that such an unassuming two-way box with an unglamorous, straightforward doped-paper mid/bass cone and soft-dome tweeter can produce such a musically convincing sound. The Petites simply sound right. They're surefooted, stable and in control no matter whether they're asked to replay Massive Attack's Atlas Air at high levels or deliver Mozart's Symphony No 29 with all the scale, finesse and authority it deserves. Not perfect, but close to it By absolute standards these Neats are a touch restrained at the top-end and lack just a little bit of openness, but this character is easy to get used to. The upside is that the highs strike a great balance between detail, bite and refinement. Listen to a poor recording and you'll hear every flaw, but crucially the shortcomings aren't overstated. At just 31cm high, these are small speakers, so very deep bass isn't even an option. However, once mounted on solid stands the speakers never sound insubstantial or lightweight. If you buy hi-fi to enjoy music rather than analyse recordings you'll love these speakers. With suitably talented electronics – we're thinking of Naim's XS CD player and amp – and given a small to medium-sized room, these Petite SXs are as musical as speakers get for this money.
What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.
Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
What Hi-Fi? is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab) .
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands
Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
The best home entertainment buying advice
More stories to check out before you go
What Hi-Fi? is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us .
We look back to 1993 and the arrival of a talented pair of tiny speakers
Neat Acoustics began life as a hi-fi shop based in Darlington, County Durham. North Eastern Audio Traders, as it was called then, saw a gap in the market for a musical small speaker and decided to develop one. The process lasted 18 months, and the result was the Neat Petite. The speakers got the What Hi-Fi? review treatment in 1993.
The £525 standmounters' plain appearance and relatively low-tech drive units might have made it look like a budget offering, but the sound quality was terrific. Neat’s unusual design process – where listening took priority over measurement – resulted in a truly entertaining performance.
The Petites sounded best on solid stands, positioned relatively close to a rear wall, and they craved a quality input. While they’d produce a pleasing sound with price-compatible kit, a move to top-end electronics and a suitably capable source lifted performance notably.
These bookshelf speakers timed brilliantly and delivered dynamic shifts with enthusiasm. These were speakers through which to enjoy, rather than analyse, music.
As the name suggests, they are small, standing just 30cm high. The lack of stature made the omission of truly deep bass understandable, but get past the lack of extension and you’d find the lows as tuneful as they come.
The more recent Neat Motive SX3 speakers have inherited much of the originals’ character. Moving with the times, they are smarter in finish and deliver a greater degree of insight and tonal accuracy. Yet at heart they remain speakers that make listening to music fun – and that’s a talent to be cherished .
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
What Hi-Fi? is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab) .
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands
Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
The best home entertainment buying advice
More stories to check out before you go
What Hi-Fi? is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us .
We look back to 1993 and the arrival of a talented pair of tiny speakers
Neat Acoustics began life as a hi-fi shop based in Darlington, County Durham. North Eastern Audio Traders, as it was called then, saw a gap in the market for a musical small speaker and decided to develop one. The process lasted 18 months, and the result was the Neat Petite. The speakers got the What Hi-Fi? review treatment in 1993.
The £525 standmounters' plain appearance and relatively low-tech drive units might have made it look like a budget offering, but the sound quality was terrific. Neat’s unusual design process – where listening took priority over measurement – resulted in a truly entertaining performance.
The Petites sounded best on solid stands, positioned relatively close to a rear wall, and they craved a quality input. While they’d produce a pleasing sound with price-compatible kit, a move to top-end electronics and a suitably capable source lifted performance notably.
These bookshelf speakers timed brilliantly and delivered dynamic shifts with enthusiasm. These were speakers through which to enjoy, rather than analyse, music.
As the name suggests, they are small, standing just 30cm high. The lack of stature made the omission of truly deep bass understandable, but get past the lack of extension and you’d find the lows as tuneful as they come.
The more recent Neat Motive SX3 speakers have inherited much of the originals’ character. Moving with the times, they are smarter in finish and deliver a greater degree of insight and tonal accuracy. Yet at heart they remain speakers that make listening to music fun – and that’s a talent to be cherished .
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
What Hi-Fi? is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab) .
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
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