Neat Acoustics Momentum SX3i review

In the pursuit of audio excellence, enthusiasts across generations have sought speaker systems that harmoniously blend refinement, value, and exceptional sound quality. Even a compact pair of bookshelf speakers can become a cherished cornerstone of one's audio system. In our ongoing mission to spotlight outstanding audio equipment, we recently had the privilege of evaluating the Neat Acoustics Momentum SX3i bookshelf speakers.

A Musical Legacy

Neat Acoustics, the British brand co-founded by Bob Surgeoner and Paul Ryder, has long commanded respect in audiophile circles. Both founders' backgrounds as musicians have profoundly influenced their approach to speaker design, bringing professional musical sensibility to their audio engineering. The company maintains dedicated listening and recording facilities, earning acclaim from industry professionals. The name "Neat Acoustics" embodies their philosophy of clarity, precision, and purity in music reproduction.

Bob Surgeoner, accomplished in blues, rock, jazz, and folk music, established Neat Acoustics driven by his passion for authentic music reproduction. This Hi-End audio brand stands apart in its singular focus on pure musical playback. In examining Neat's approach to cabinet and driver design, we discovered that rather than pursuing flashy aesthetics, they maintain a straightforward, rectangular cabinet design that belies its remarkable musical capabilities.

In British audio circles, Neat speakers have consistently garnered prestigious acclaim, particularly their flagship Ultimatum series. Whether floorstanding or bookshelf models, Neat offers solutions that combine powerful performance with practical domestic placement. Their compact speakers deliver surprisingly robust sound, establishing small-form-factor excellence as a brand hallmark. Each model has achieved classic status, distinguishing itself in the bookshelf speaker category through its characteristic sweet British voicing, impressive bass response from slim cabinets, and attractive price points.

Technical Innovation

The Momentum SX3i features a 14-liter internal volume and comes in four finish options, with a rear-firing port and bi-wire terminals. Its sophisticated internal architecture and premium materials contribute to a substantial 15kg per speaker weight, matching their Ultimatum MFS speakers. Compared to its predecessor, the SX3i offers a more streamlined design at a more accessible price point. Despite lacking a super-tweeter, this mid-sized bookshelf speaker incorporates innovative isobaric loading and premium real wood veneer finishes to achieve exceptional musical reproduction.

The "Isobaric-Loaded" technology represents a significant innovation in the SX3i. This clever design incorporates an additional mid-bass driver behind the front-facing unit, connected through an acoustic chamber. Working in tandem, these drivers double the effective cone area while reducing fundamental resonance, enabling impressive bass extension from a modest cabinet size. This configuration also minimizes back-wave reflections from the front mid-bass driver, further enhancing sound quality. The 120mm mid-bass drivers feature metal phase plugs, ensuring premium performance.

Sonic Excellence

Paired with a Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier, we evaluated the SX3i's vocal reproduction using Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You." Despite their substantial size, these speakers rendered vocals with remarkable intimacy, capturing Clarkson's distinctive husky timbre with warmth and magnetism. The rich vocal presentation proves particularly engaging, while the expansive soundstage and precise imaging create an immersive experience reminiscent of being present during the recording session.

In testing instrumental reproduction, we selected Kenny G's "Kenny G Live" album. The SX3i excellently captured both the characteristic tone of the soprano saxophone and the ambient atmosphere of the live performance, demonstrating outstanding resolution and presence. The saxophone, often a challenging test for speakers, revealed the SX3i's superior capabilities in reproducing complex timbres.

We also evaluated Chlara's "In A Different Light," an audiophile-grade recording featuring reimagined popular songs. While such high-resolution recordings can sometimes sound clinical or harsh through lesser systems, the Momentum SX3i delivered smooth, detailed reproduction with natural tonality and dynamic energy, ensuring an engaging listening experience.

Conclusion

As audio enthusiasts increasingly favor elegant, efficient systems that prioritize both performance and placement flexibility, the Neat Momentum SX3i emerges as a compelling option. Through multiple refinements and the implementation of flagship isobaric loading technology, Neat has created what may well become a new reference standard in the bookshelf speaker category.