KELINAC 722 NEO test bench

High-end still reasonable. These are the words with which Patrice Nicoleau speaks of the 722 NEO, big sister of the 322 NEO about which we had highlighted “a beautiful overall breadth, a rich midrange and a non-monotonous, tonic and even energizing bass, which is surprising coming from such a small column” (see no. 725). Not exactly small, the three-way four-speaker 722 NEO column rises to a height of 112.7 cm while remaining relatively narrow at 21 cm and 30 cm in depth. On the other hand, the weight becomes serious: 32 kg. It reflects a design that is just as serious: thick 22 mm medite walls with internal reinforcement, screwed base to accommodate steel spikes. The four speakers are supplied by the French Audax: two 17cm carbon braided speakers in the bass, a 13cm Aerogel midrange in closed load and a magnesium dome tweeter seen on the flagship 914MG. The optimized filter allows the 722 NEO to claim perfect linearity at ±2 dB between 100 Hz and 20 kHz, the spectrum covered going from 35 Hz to 28 kHz (±3 dB). In addition to a contribution in tuning, Neodio, in the person of Stéphane Even, provides the internal wiring (Neodio Origine 3 mm2 in OFC copper) and two pistons per speaker that put the side walls under tension and prevent the cabinet from vibrating, cabinet lined with 20 mm felt. WBT Nextgen 0708cu terminals are mounted on a 4 mm solid aluminum plate. The price varies like the finish, on request.

Listening

Added to this list of arguments in favor of the 722 NEO is an essential piece of data in the final result: the efficiency – here 93 dB/W/m, a particularly high value in this segment. Partly responsible for a pleasing result for a column of this price. The reason? the power demand four times lower than for a column displaying an average value of 87dB (for every 3 dB less, the power of the amplifier must be doubled to reach the same level). With a high efficiency, both the amplifier and the speaker, less stressed, also generate less distortion, with the sensation of better perceiving small signals, revealing what constitutes the atmosphere of a recording. With this aspect, the 722 NEO invites you to a more sensitive and open sound world. Quick to attack and not falling apart while maintaining impeccable cohesion throughout the spectrum, they let the music breathe and build a sound stage in real relief. Andreas Scholl’s voice in Vater Unser by Arvo Pärt is strikingly emotional; completely liberated, with deep and bouncy bass support, it modulates as rarely (extract E). We will remember the 722 NEO for this ability to discern sound planes and this rigorous description of timbres, all placed on a bass that is present and light at the same time, calm and composed, as at a concert. One of the rare speakers that gives the impression of being there.

The +: The promise kept of a more embodied music.
The -: In a strict uniform. Nothing essential.