British loudspeaker producer Neat Acoustics' Paul Ryder and Bob Surgeoner have a simple idea about the type of loudspeakers they would like to create, inspired by the fact that both Paul and Bob are musicians. The goal of Neat Acoustics is to come as close as possible to recreating the live performance.

 

The newest line from Neat, the Momentum range, consists of a bookshelf and a floorstanding model that look like just about any other 2 way design. The difference is that they are isobaric designs, utilizing internal passive radiators in conjunction with conventional ports. The Neat Acoustics Momentum 3i is a 2 way bookshelf loudspeaker that utilizes a 6 1/2" woofer with phase plug coupled with an inverted titanium dome tweeter, that despite appearances, is Neat's design and not a Focal unit. The Neat Acoustics Momentum 4i is a 2 1/2 way floorstanding loudspeaker that features the same driver configuration as the bookshelf, with an additional 6 1/2" driver aimed south in an isobaric configuration. Both speakers are average to good sensitivity at 88dB, and the floorstander is a slightly easier load to drive at 8 ohms vs. the bookshelf model's 6 ohms.

 

Neat's facility includes a recording studio, and each design is tested the old fashioned way; by ear with a variety of source material. Refreshing in a world of computer designed audio components. The Momentum range is available in maple, oak, cherry or rosenut finish. The Momentum 3i will set you back $3500/pair. No pricing on the Momentum 4i.

The "other" French loudspeaker designer, Jean-Marie Reynaud, has updated his catalog with two new offerings.  

 

The Jean-Marie Reynaud Duet is a bookshelf model that uses a 7" paper/carbon compound driver to fill out the lower registers. At 3200Hz the duties are handed off to a 1.1" silk dome that utilizes a dual neodymium magnet system and a tuned rear chamber. The tweeter is mounted in what could be described as a very deep waveguide, or a shallow horn. A tuned slot is used for porting. The Jean-Marie Reynaud Duet is a 4 ohm load, with good sensitivity of 89dB. Frequency response is 45-25k Hz.

 

The 36" tall Jean-Marie Reynaud Euterpe is a floorstanding, transmission line version of the Duet. Particulars are similar to the Duet, except the Euterpe is able to coax a little more bottom end out of it's larger enclosure, going down to 40 Hz, and is slightly more sensitive at 90dB.

 

Continuing with the recent trend, neither the Duet or the Euterpe accomodate biwiring. The Duet will set you back $1525/pair, while the floorstanding Euterpe occupies the crowded $1995 tier.

Young Dane Kim Neeper Rasmussen cut his hi-fi teeth working for Thule, Avance and GamuT. In 2005 his desire to create loudspeakers regardless of whether they were too expensive to develop or produce in the eyes of management led him to start Neeper Acoustics.

 

The 39" 2 1/2 way Neeper Acoustics Perfection One loudspeaker is currently Neeper Acoustics sole product. The Perfection One uses two Scan Speak 5 1/4" drivers that were designed for Neeper, and appear similar to their larger Scan Speak Revelator cousins. These are mated with a 1 1/2" Scan Speak ring radiator for the upper frequencies. The Perfection One boasts an average sensitivity of 87dB and presents a 4 ohm load. Frequency response is quoted as 30-50k Hz. Amplifiers from 70-300 watts are recommended. The Neeper Acoustics Perfection One enclosure is tapered as well as curved, and rests atop a lovely aluminum plinth. No provision for bi-wiring/bi-amping is provided, which seems to be an increasing trend.

 

The Neeper Acoustics Perfection One loudspeaker is a statement speaker, and those looking for a statement loudspeaker shouldn't be put off by it's $20,000/pair price tag. The Perfection One appears to be a beautiful loudspeaker with solid technology behind it's design, and we'll be watching to see what new designs come from Neeper Acoustics.

Everyone's favorite DIY loudspeaker designer, Troels Gravesen, has developed yet another appealing loudspeaker design, the floorstanding ATR25.

 

The ATR25 is a 41.5" tall transmission line design featuring two 7" mineral filled polypropylene Audio Technology drivers that are mated with a Danish Raidho ribbon tweeter. Troels says the combination of the more forgiving polypropylene cones with the electrostat qualities the ribbon tweeter provides a best of all worlds combination of compromises; one that serves music but that won't be as critical of your library of music as some would be. The ATR25 is a sensitive 90dB, and the impedance curve, while it does dip to 4 ohms in places, is a generally friendly load in the 6-8 ohm neighborhood through most of the frequency range.

 

Denmark's Jantzen Audio is offering the ATR25 as a kit. Those with a little skill in the wood shop and with a soldering iron need only shell out $2515 for the plans and components needed to build the ATR25, minus cabinet and damping material. The ATR looks like a fantastic loudspeaker for the money, and the specs indicate it would satisfy solid state and tube aficionados alike.