Audio T Verdict
The Neat Orkestra delivers genuinely full-range scale from a cabinet that remains relatively slim and easy to accommodate.
Its true ribbon tweeter and dedicated bass/mid driver form a sealed two-way speaker in the upper enclosure. Twin isobaric bass drivers then provide the low-frequency foundation, giving music weight and authority without requiring an unusually wide cabinet or separate subwoofer.
The Orkestra is revealing enough to justify high-quality amplification, careful positioning and a proper demonstration. Get those elements right and it offers a powerful yet articulate presentation across a wide range of music.
Neat Acoustics Orkestra Floorstanding Speakers
The Orkestra is a compact full-range floorstanding loudspeaker from Neat’s Strata series. Its design draws on ideas developed for both the Ekstra and the flagship Ultimatum XL6.
Each cabinet is divided into two acoustically separate sections. The sealed upper enclosure handles the treble, midrange and upper bass, while the lower section contains a dedicated isobaric bass system.
75mm True Ribbon Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 75mm true ribbon tweeter.
A ribbon driver uses an extremely lightweight conductive diaphragm suspended within a magnetic field. Its low moving mass allows it to respond rapidly to musical changes, helping the Orkestra reproduce fine detail, instrumental texture and spatial information.
The ribbon tweeter is partnered with a 170mm bass/mid driver in the sealed upper cabinet, creating a self-contained two-way loudspeaker section.
Sealed Bass and Midrange Section
The front-facing 170mm driver covers the bass and midrange frequencies above the dedicated isobaric system.
Housing this driver within its own sealed enclosure prevents it from sharing the same internal air volume as the two low-frequency drivers. This helps maintain clarity through voices and instruments while the lower section handles the deepest bass.
Integral Isobaric Bass System
Two 170mm drivers are arranged isobarically within the lower enclosure. Both operate downwards, with a controlled volume of air between them.
This arrangement allows Neat to achieve extended low-frequency performance from a cabinet smaller than a conventional design with similar bass reach might require.
The bass section is passive and powered by the connected amplifier. It does not contain a separate subwoofer amplifier or require a mains connection.
2.5-Way Configuration
The Orkestra is described as a 2.5-way loudspeaker because the front driver covers the bass and midrange, while the isobaric pair reinforces only the lowest frequencies.
This approach combines the coherence of a two-way upper section with the scale and extension of a dedicated bass system.
Minimalist, Hard-Wired Crossover
The crossover uses first- and second-order slopes with carefully selected components, including polypropylene capacitors and low-loss air-core inductors.
Connections are hard-wired point to point rather than mounted on a conventional printed circuit board. Neat develops the final crossover through measurement and extensive listening.
Neat Feet Support System
Current-production Orkestra speakers are supplied with Neat’s established Neat Feet system.
The feet provide stable support and straightforward adjustment while maintaining the clearance required beneath the downward-firing bass section.
Earlier Orkestra speakers used a distinctive outrigger arrangement. This change affects the support system only and does not alter the loudspeaker’s acoustic design.
Compact Full-Range Cabinet
Despite its full-range specification, the Orkestra measures 1030mm high, 220mm wide and 240mm deep. Its footprint is approximately 320 x 240mm.
The relatively narrow front baffle keeps the speaker visually discreet, while the cabinet height and dedicated bass section allow it to reproduce large-scale music with greater authority than a small standmount design.
Room Positioning
The Orkestra’s extended bass response makes careful placement important.
A useful starting point is to:
- Position both speakers the same distance from the listening seat
- Leave some space from the rear and side walls
- Avoid placing either speaker tightly into a corner
- Ensure the feet are properly adjusted and level
- Keep the space beneath each speaker unobstructed
- Experiment with small changes in toe-in
- Adjust positioning a few centimetres at a time
Moving the speakers closer to the rear wall will normally increase bass output. Pulling them further into the room will often improve openness, definition and image depth.
Rear-Firing Port
A rear-facing reflex port does not automatically prevent the Orkestra from working near a wall. However, the final distance should be chosen according to the room’s bass response rather than appearance alone.
Amplifier Matching
Neat recommends amplifiers rated between 25 and 150 watts per channel.
The Orkestra has an 8-ohm impedance and Audio T lists a sensitivity of 88dB at 2.83V. These figures make it compatible with a broad range of capable integrated and pre/power amplifiers.
The amplifier should still provide good control and current delivery, particularly when driving the three 170mm units through demanding low-frequency passages.
Power output alone does not determine compatibility. Room size, listening distance, preferred volume and tonal balance should all be considered during a demonstration.
Single-Wire or Bi-Wire Connection
The standard Orkestra is supplied with one pair of speaker terminals for single-wiring.
Bi-wire or bi-amp terminals may be requested when placing the original order. Confirm the required connection arrangement with Audio T before the speakers are built.
Running In
Neat advises that new loudspeakers begin to change after approximately 30 hours of normal use. Some models may take up to 200 hours to reach their fully settled performance.
Avoid making final positioning or system-balancing decisions immediately after installation.
Finish Options
Current finish options include:
- Natural Oak
- American Walnut
- Black Oak
- Satin White
- Gloss Ebony Flame
- Gloss Ruby Flame
Premium finishes may carry an additional cost. Confirm current availability when ordering.
Key Features
- Compact full-range floorstanding loudspeaker
- Refined 2.5-way configuration
- 75mm true ribbon tweeter
- Three 170mm drive units
- Sealed upper two-way enclosure
- Twin downward-firing isobaric bass drivers
- Integrated passive bass system
- Minimalist first- and second-order crossover
- Hard-wired point-to-point construction
- Polypropylene capacitors and air-core inductors
- Neat Feet support system
- 20Hz–40kHz published frequency range
- 8-ohm impedance
- 25–150-watt amplifier recommendation
- Hand-built and tuned in North East England
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Neat Orkestra speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. They are supplied as a stereo pair of passive floorstanding speakers.
What type of tweeter does the Orkestra use?
It uses a 75mm true ribbon tweeter.
What is an isobaric bass system?
It uses two bass drivers working together with a controlled air chamber between them, allowing extended low-frequency performance from a relatively compact enclosure.
Does the Orkestra contain powered subwoofers?
No. The dedicated bass drivers are passive and powered by the connected Hi-Fi amplifier.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Neat recommends an amplifier rated between 25 and 150 watts per channel.
Can the Orkestra be positioned near a wall?
Yes, but the final distance should be adjusted carefully according to the room’s bass response.
What feet are supplied?
Current-production Orkestra speakers are supplied with Neat Feet. Earlier examples may have the original outrigger support system.
Can the speakers be bi-wired?
The standard version is single-wired. Bi-wire or bi-amp terminals may be requested when placing the original order.
How large is each speaker?
Each cabinet measures 1030mm high, 220mm wide and 240mm deep, with an approximate 320 x 240mm footprint.
How long do they take to run in?
Changes should become audible after around 30 hours, although full settling may take considerably longer.
Can Audio T arrange a demonstration?
Yes. A demonstration is strongly recommended to assess amplifier matching, positioning and suitability for the intended room.
Related Neat Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- In-store Neat Acoustics demonstrations
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- Room and speaker-positioning guidance
- Single-wire and bi-wire configuration advice
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Neat Orkestra.