Competing floorstanders have proven remarkable in our evaluation chambers, each for distinct motivations

In the world of hi-fi equipment, spending £2500 should be done thoughtfully, considering factors such as compatibility, sound, styling, space, logistics, and ownership timeframe. Two floorstanding speakers that fall within this price range are the Fyne Audio F502S and the Neat Mystique Classic.

The Fyne Audio F502S, manufactured by Fyne Audio, are a striking pair of speakers with a more luxurious appearance, featuring a shiny veneered finish. However, they are not suitable for top-floor flats due to potential logistics issues with getting them to the desired location. They are over 111.2cm tall and are a two-person job to carry.

On the other hand, the Neat Mystique Classic, manufactured by Neat Acoustics, are suitable for communal buildings and compact living spaces due to their smaller size. At 78cm tall, they can be carried almost in one hand.

The size difference between the two speakers makes them very different propositions. The Neat Mystique Classic are more suited to being shunted unobtrusively to the back of a room, but are not particularly eye-catching. The Fyne Audio F502S, with their shiny veneered finish, are more likely to be a conversation starter.

Both speakers deliver a unique sound. The Fyne Audio F502S use the IsoFlare driver array, which aims to have all the speakers' sonic frequencies sounding like they're coming from the same place, and provide a stable reproduction regardless of the listener's position. They are all-rounders, delivering a satisfying blend of authority, scale, and musicality.

The Neat Mystique Classic, on the other hand, have a sound similar to their Neat Petite Classic standmount siblings, being fun and nimble with a sweet midrange reproduction and a taut and controlled bass signature. However, they require careful placement to ensure a good central stereo image, particularly with the distance between the speakers.

When it comes to pairing with amplifiers, the Fyne Audio F502S can perform well with a range of systems, from the Arcam A15 to high-end Burmester 088/911 MKIII. The Neat Mystique Classic sounded more comfortable when paired with a Naim amp (the Nait XS 3) and Naim cables.

In conclusion, while the Fyne Audio F502S and Neat Mystique Classic are similarly priced, they have distinct looks, sounds, and performances. It's important to do proper research before buying a hi-fi system to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. These two speakers are examples of how different speakers can be within the same price range, much like different dog breeds or types of cars.