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some one can actually make some comparative statement(s) about Danny's Neo 2x speaker kit and Kevin's Kepler kit?  Both can use the same PE .5 cubic foot enclosure.  Both are small two-way monitors.  Both kits come in under $1K.  Arguably the Kepler holds the LF edge while the Neo 2x is praised for the highs produced by that Neo 3 PDR planar-magnetic ribbon.  Still, the Neo 2x to realize it's full potential does require a sub.  This is for a second system in the home office.  These will sit on a bookshelf, so rear porting could be an issue.  There is not a lot of room for a sub in here.  All the same, I mostly listen to orchestral stuff, and the bottom octave really does give this music a needed foundation.  I am not sure which way to go here.  I will be replacing some older Sound Dynamics RTS-3s.  Upstream there is a very, very old Dynaco 70 that has been modded and now uses matched pairs of 6550s, and feeding this antique is the tiny tube regulated Dared SL-2000A.  Your opinions are welcome and invited.

[Wind Chaser]

I haven't heard either, but if I were to gamble, I'd go with Danny's Neo 2X.  Not so much because of the tweeter, but the crossover.  When it comes to crossovers, Danny's got a very special magic wand.  Believe me, I thought I was a cross overless single driver fan for life.  Crossovers, apart from being power sucking leeches (for flea amps) are detestable because most relatively inexpensive 2 (or more) way systems sound inferior to a good full range single driver.  That was until I heard Danny's work.

I don't believe the Neo 2X has a rear port, so that shouldn't be an issue. 

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Thanks Wind Chaser.  I understand your former bias and am genuinely impressed that a crossover design from Danny was able to change your thinking.  Of course, if I were the dubious sort, I could say that the crossover you speak of was not the one designed for the Neo 2X.  Regardless, Danny's credentials and track record are pretty hard to beat.  You are right, only the Kepler has a rear port.  I just expect that if I go the Neo 2X route, down the road I am going to have invest in and find room for a sub.   

[cujobob]

I own a pair of neo 2x and I love them.  They are extremely neutral, detailed, and just draw you into the music.  Whether they go low enough or not will depend on your needs...expect to go down to mid 50s, I assume (in room)....
Because I like these speakers so much, I purchased a pair of OB-7s.  Danny gets vocals right...never heard them done better (in a speaker I can afford).  From what I hear, the Keplers are fantastic, also.  Good choice either way.

[Wind Chaser]

Thanks Wind Chaser.  I understand your former bias and am genuinely impressed that a crossover design from Danny was able to change your thinking.  Of course, if I were the dubious sort, I could say that the crossover you speak of was not the one designed for the Neo 2X.

When I first saw all the components in the OB-5. my reaction was... Oh boy!  Keep in mind, I was most thoroughly converted to the cross overless fullrange single driver concept.  I won't go into details as to why, but when I heard the OB-5 with it's myriad of parts, I was astonished... so much so that I bought the RAW OB2X, a similar concept but smaller version that includes a crossover with a multitude of parts designed by Mr. Richie himself.  And these speakers are keepers.

Anyhow, because of the drivers used in the Neo 2X, I doubt that Danny would short change the potential of the system with a so-so crossover.  Even though it is a simple two way system, I bet the crossover is very similar to the upper portion of the OB-5 and OB2X.  I could be wrong, but ask Danny.  If I am correct, then the Neo 2X is probably going to be one of the finest compact two way systems out there... regardless of price.

[jimdgoulding]

If you're thinking a sealed box enclosure, won't you need some rather serious wattage?  There are always front firing ported speakers or, maybe, some active speakers, sealed box or front ported.  I know there are some good ones around and affordable I just can't think of any brand names.  I'm a big help, huh.

[S Clark]

It sounds like the Neo1X might be an option.  Although I don't see an F3 listed, the M130X plays lower and with greater Xmax than the regular M130-- and in the AV1 model, the regular one plays down to 55Hz.
I bet that the Neo1X may get into the 40's and still has that Neo3 clarity up top.  Just a thought.  Both Kevin and Danny are highly respected, so it's a win regardless what you pick. 

BTW, I heard the Neo2X last summer, and bought a kit immediately.