I think I've made a terrible mistake regarding my recent purchase of Neat Motive 2 SE's. I've had them for about 5-6 weeks now and I just can't get on with them. I've tried numerous positions in the room, requested bungs for the ports from Neat, all to no avail. They just have too much boom in my room, are not very sensitive and not detailed, immediate or forward enough. It's not as if I did'nt audition first, I did. It all started on a quest to upgrade my HIFI, by buying new speakers to replace my BW CDM1Se, which were 10 years old. They were still performing well, but I craved something better, more clarity and greater detail. At my delear I audition PMC DB1i, ATC SCM7 and Neat Motive 3. I was underwhelmed by all of them and then was advised to listen to the Motive floorstanders. Instantly, they sounded better and after a prolonged listen, I decided to purchase them. When I got them home I expected the usual adjustment and running-in time, so I wasn't that downhearted when they didn't instantly knock me out. However, having spent over £1,000 I just can't believe how unsatisfied I am. The final blow came when my wife (who has no interest in HIFI) actually said she found them 'muffled' and 'constrained' compared to the old ones (by the way I traded in the BW's at the time). Help! what on earth do I do, I'm devasted. I can't listen to any CD without being critical and just swithch off. I'm constantly playing a track and then changing the CD, hoping another will sound better. I feel like my love of good sound has become an affliction - almost a curse that leaves me forever wanting. Ideas???
Terrible error!!!!
- Thread starter cse
- Start date
chebby
Well-known member
- Jun 2, 2008
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Golden rule of upgrading something.
It should always sound better than what it replaces before any subsequent running-in.
Running in speakers should improve things a little - in good time - but won't turn them from a mistake into a triumph.
Case in point. My friend's brand new ATM SCM11s fresh from a very cold, sealed box, from the back of a cold van, direct from the manufacturer about a year ago.
He fell in love with them straight away (I doubt the condensation from the cold cabinets had even evaporated before plugging in knowing him as I do) despite being warned that they could takes weeks or months to run in properly.
It should always sound better than what it replaces before any subsequent running-in.
Running in speakers should improve things a little - in good time - but won't turn them from a mistake into a triumph.
Case in point. My friend's brand new ATM SCM11s fresh from a very cold, sealed box, from the back of a cold van, direct from the manufacturer about a year ago.
He fell in love with them straight away (I doubt the condensation from the cold cabinets had even evaporated before plugging in knowing him as I do) despite being warned that they could takes weeks or months to run in properly.
Assuming the speakers are not faulty and you tried all the usual things, I'd get shot of them and count my losses.
Most of us have bought the wrong thing at some stage, it happens.
Most of us have bought the wrong thing at some stage, it happens.
Sorry to here of it cse.
First off did you audition with your equipment or with the dealers ?
Also have you checked how they are wired up, red to red black to black etc, are they bi-wirable ?
These are downward firing, what is your floor made up of ?
What size is your room ?
First off did you audition with your equipment or with the dealers ?
Also have you checked how they are wired up, red to red black to black etc, are they bi-wirable ?
These are downward firing, what is your floor made up of ?
What size is your room ?
I would suggest your first step should be to take them back to the dealer you bought them from and do a direct comparison with the dealers demo pair. If there is a tangible difference your dealer may be able to offer some suggestions. If there's no difference you've just found out the hard way you have a room that doesn't suit floorstanders
cse:Yes, but how do I get rid of them?? I've never done ebay before. Can i go back to the dealer - how??
Some dealers will sell the speakers for you, taking a commission. You'll loose money but it's still better than not enjoying your music.
Some dealers will sell the speakers for you, taking a commission. You'll loose money but it's still better than not enjoying your music.
matthewpiano
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2007
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I'm the king of terrible errors when it comes to hi-fi. Speak to your dealer. I'm sure they will want to do what they can to help in the interests of keeping you satisfied as a current and future customer.
As drummerman says, losing a little money is much better than not being able to enjoy your music.
As drummerman says, losing a little money is much better than not being able to enjoy your music.
I've been in this place of panic and disappointment over a couple of amps, a CDP and a pair of speakers! Chebby makes a really good point, if they're not doing it for you now, time for plan b. See if you can audition some alternative products, for example, the new Proac Studio range is being touted as superb. You'll be able to sell the Neats with little trouble as they're popular.
Out of interest, what amp do you have? Many seem to find the Neats work well with Naim amplifiers. Of course, throwing more money at it might be a bad idea!
Out of interest, what amp do you have? Many seem to find the Neats work well with Naim amplifiers. Of course, throwing more money at it might be a bad idea!
I think we have all made mistakes choosing equipment, all is not lost though. I'll wager the dealer will take them back, maybe you will lose 10% but as soon as you get a pair of speakers you just can't stop listening too, all will be forgotten.
Alternatively, you could always advertise in the classifieds on other forums as well as listing on ebay at the same time.
They are popular speakers, you won't have any difficulty shifting them.
Alternatively, you could always advertise in the classifieds on other forums as well as listing on ebay at the same time.
They are popular speakers, you won't have any difficulty shifting them.
I'd go back to the dealer in the first instance, the good ones will understand and help you out. You'll lose something financially, maybe a restocking fee, whatever, but maybe not. Call them and ask. Take it from there and maybe read up and research a little more. Also see what used speakers might work. Something about older speakers appeals to many and the music in the best older models can be very easy to listen to for hours. Not saying new ones aren't, but you'll have less of an outlay for the older ones.
Good advice already here, go to your salesperson. Repress the urge to throw them out of the window.. Difficult to believe they sound so bad compared to the audition. Do you have awkward room acoustics?
In your previous thread you mentioned that the amp's volume needed to be turned up quite a bit. A bit suspicious, usually the problem is that amps are already loud at 9 o'clock. Perhaps other forum members can comment on whether this is normal for the amp or speakers - just to check if something is totally wrong (like accidently amp on Mute and then pump up the volume to compensate). Also, you could ask the shop to test another (2nd hand) amp to see if there is something wrong with the combination. And if all fails, audition new speakers in your home, and save on other Xmass spendings this year.
In your previous thread you mentioned that the amp's volume needed to be turned up quite a bit. A bit suspicious, usually the problem is that amps are already loud at 9 o'clock. Perhaps other forum members can comment on whether this is normal for the amp or speakers - just to check if something is totally wrong (like accidently amp on Mute and then pump up the volume to compensate). Also, you could ask the shop to test another (2nd hand) amp to see if there is something wrong with the combination. And if all fails, audition new speakers in your home, and save on other Xmass spendings this year.
Do all the checks as above then back to the dealer, as above, to compare with the demo pair partnered with the same kit. Any dealer worth their salt will make sure you're happy with your purchase, especially for a £1k pair of speakers.
Could it be your amp? You haven't mentioned what kit you have.
Let us know how you get on and good luck!
Could it be your amp? You haven't mentioned what kit you have.
Let us know how you get on and good luck!
plastic penguin
Well-known member
- Apr 28, 2008
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Check with the dealer. They are usally pretty good if your dissatisfied and you clearly explain the circumstances. As others have mentioned, take them back and rig them up to your existing equipment.
Good luck
Good luck
matthewpiano
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2007
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First check the things you can check: speakercables, amp settings, speaker position in the room, ...
And yes, tell us what amp and source you're using. Those speakers need a good amp to make them shine.
And yes, tell us what amp and source you're using. Those speakers need a good amp to make them shine.
I'm really sorry to hear that. Hopefully the dealer is a decent one and will sort the problem out. When a 'non enthusiast' starts telling you it's bad in comparison, then the situation is grim indeed! I learnt a long time ago, never... ever... throw away (or sell) the old stuff, before the new stuff has run in for at least six months. Probably the reason all my stuff is ancient? What worries me more, is that if I ever have to replace my current speakers, the market today really doesn't sound very inspiring in that area. Can't do much, but hope you get the problem sorted.
matthewpiano:cse, what amp and source are you using?It's a Roksan Caspian MK1. He asked me in another thread about changing to a Densen amp (he already has their CD player) to which I'll reply now.
Have you run them in for the recommended 200 hours that Neat suggest ?
I had the SE's on demo about a week ago and muffled is not a sound I would use to describe them !
Warm sound, sweet sounding tweeter. They were partnered with Naim which they like !
I had the SE's on demo about a week ago and muffled is not a sound I would use to describe them !
Warm sound, sweet sounding tweeter. They were partnered with Naim which they like !
Minigill:Have you run them in for the recommended 200 hours that Neat suggest ?
I had the SE's on demo about a week ago and muffled is not a sound I would use to describe them !
cse isn't giving much away apart from the fact they are boomy in his room and trying different positioning.
I had the SE's on demo about a week ago and muffled is not a sound I would use to describe them !
cse isn't giving much away apart from the fact they are boomy in his room and trying different positioning.
I've nothing to contribute to this thread beyond my recollection of the B&W's in question having what I would describe as a very bright treble and quite a sharp sound in general. Maybe ten years of this are at the heart of the dilemma cse finds himself in?
shooter69: cse isn't giving much away apart from the fact they are boomy in his room and trying different positioning.
Like the title of this thread and the mentioning he just doesn't like them after 5odd weeks? Agree, not much to go with ...
Like the title of this thread and the mentioning he just doesn't like them after 5odd weeks? Agree, not much to go with ...
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