Neat Acoustics Majistra

Neat Acoustics' Majistra is one of very few isobaric speakers you can buy using a novel approach to getting more bass out of a cabinet than its internal volume would suggest. Then there's the true ribbon tweeter, which is virtually unique when used together with the aforementioned isobaric driver complement.

The Majistra is basically a Ministra (HFC 465) on steroids. There's been an 80 percent increase in internal volume, but in every other respect it's identical - aside from the mid/bass drivers being 170mm in diameter, 30mm or so larger than the entrylevel design. The same type of treated paper cone drive unit is used, both in the one mounted to the front baffle, and the one inside. Above this sits a 50mm true ribbon tweeter that handles everything above 3.5kHz.

Sound quality

The Majistra has a lovely, spacious and airy treble and upper midband from its ribbon tweeter, allied to a strong, taut, firm and controlled lower midband and bass from its two isobarically loaded mid/bass drivers. The result is a speaker that punches way above its weight, giving a big sound. This is further aided by its excellent, expansive imaging. It's huge fun to listen to - on account of its great speed and dexterity.