Neat Acoustics Ultimatum XLS Speakers - Store Demos!

Neat Acoustics' Ultimatum Series represents Neat Acoustics' top of the line series of loudspeakers. This particular model, the Ultimatum XLS is the sole monitor in the Ultimatum Line and an absolutely brilliant stand mount speaker with remarkable range. The XLS model is current in the Neat acoustics lineup. As is the case with all Ultimatums, these our genuine favorites.

This specific pair are our store demos, and while they have been used for both store and show demonstrations, they have never been preowned. They are presented in Neat's "Medium Cherry" finish). The speakers are in excellent condition, conservatively rated 8/10 for age.

The Ultimatum XLS Series speakers are packaged in substantial double boxed cartons. Shipping can be comfortably accomplished via courier services.

The Ultimatum Series is unique in its application of Isobaric design principals as well as their unique use of two flush mounted, upward firing EMIT super-tweeters applied for an extra sense of "air" in the soundstage, without negative affect to upper frequency response. The crossover point at 13kHz and crossover design further ensures that these speakers will never yield any "brightness". It is a bit of an uncanny but beautiful affect.

Highlights of the Ultimatum Series include a slight "warm of center", very musical character with an outstanding commitment to proper timbre (given the extensive musicianship background of the founder/owner who still actively writes and performs regularly). Further, Ultimatums may be the one of the easiest speakers that we have encountered to setup for an extremely wide and deep soundstage and outstanding image. For those with large or multi-use listening room environments, the off-axis imaging is excellent. These are the farthest thing from what we term "Point Source Speakers".

The Ultimatum XLS loudspeaker is a stand-mount design which adheres to all the principles that have marked out the Neat Acoustics Ultimatum project and given it such enduring success. The ultra-rigid birch-plywood enclosure, innovative baffle-decoupling technology, 'isobaric' bass loading
and use of twin EMIT ribbon-type super-tweeters are employed to deliver the Ultimatum promise of a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

The enclosure is comprised of four discrete internal cavities each optimized for purpose. The Mid/Bass tuning is optimal for the main enclosure volume while the HF cabinet is small to increase rigidity and to stop back pressure from the Mid Bass driver adversely affecting the rear chamber of the tweeter. The two EMIT super-tweeters are similarly isolated are similarly isolated. The main structure is damped 18mm Birch Plywood sourced from slow-growing forests as this ensures the densest, most consistent material. The drive unity-baffle sections are constructed from a 45mm thick 'sandwich' of Birch Plywood, Polyethylene and MDF. This provides a rigid non-resonant platform which allows the drive units to operate with minimal colorations.

All of these features are woven together in the traditional Neat Acoustics fashion: hundreds of hours of listening tests, empirical experimentation and years of expertise guarantee that the end result is a classic loudspeaker with qualities that few can equal.

Regarding amplifier matching, do not be thrown by the Ultimatum's sensitivity rating. Given the extremely flat, benign impedance, we routinely run modest powered tube gear with tremendous success on the entire Ultimatum range of speakers. One would be hard pressed to match the scale of image that many tube amps will yield in conjunction with these speakers. (45-60 watts minimum, depending upon the specific tube amp.), Otherwise, Ultimatums will clearly "sing" with high power solid state. These speakers will fill moderate to large rooms unlike many monitors.

Ultimatum XLS Specifications:

• Design: 2-way isobaric bass reflex
• Bandwidth: 25Hz - 40kHz
• Impedance: 6 Ohms (4 Ohms Minimum)
• Sensitivity: 88 dB/1 watt
 Enclosure type: Multi-chamber, multi-driver array, incorporating isobaric internal cavity,   plus upward firing super-tweeters.
• HF Unit: 26mm SONOMEX Domed XL
• Super HF Units: 2* EMIT 25mm planar/ribbon
• Bass / Midrange: Driver 2* 168mm Neat Bass/Mid Unit with Aluminum Phase Plug
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 14.6" x8.7" x 15" (38 x 22 x 37 cm)
• Weight: 33.1 lb. (15 Kg each)
• Standard finishes: Natural Oak, Rose Ash, American Walnut, Figured Birch
• Premium finishes: Velvet Cloud, Red Velvet Cloud, Piano Black

http://neatacoustics.com/ultimatum-technical-details/

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The substantial Neat Acoustic XLS stands shown in the photos are available but not included. These stands are sold directly by Neat Acoustics and a custom match for the XLSs. XLS stand highlights include a thick hand ground slab of slate as a base, mass loadable pillars and an "acoustical steel" top plate. (Be warned...these are very heavy stands). These stands retailed for $1,595/pr. If interested, we will make these available for an additional $500.

Neat Acoustics is approaching their 33rd year in business and their loudspeakers are handcrafted entirely in the Northeast corner of England.

Additional Notes: See our similar offerings for our Ultimatum XL10 Demos. Regarding a key pricing update, please also note that Neat Acoustics will be implementing a substantial 12-14 percent, across the board product price increase sometime in mid to late April. If considering any other models in the Neat Acoustics line, including the fabulous Iota, Alpha, or Xplorer products, now is the time to call us!

If still early in the process of shopping for the most musical, high performance, world class loudspeakers available, give us a call to explore our other fine brands including Verity Audio, Cessaro Horn Speakers, Kerr Acoustic, Horning, and Stein Horn Speakers, among many others.

Have questions? Give us a call. We love talking Audio!

Thanks for looking!

The Audio Shoppe, Hingham MA, [email protected], (781) 987-3414