Naim SBLs any good?

I'm looking at getting a pair of Naim SBLs and id like to know people's opinions, I know they're very popular with Naim users but thought I'd come here for some different opinions outside the Naim fan base

I've had a couple of pairs of SBL's over the years. The first pair were new so no real issues but I bought a pair a couple of years ago and to be honest I was disappointed. Unless they have been well looked after the gaskets between the woofer and tweeter boxes will need replacing, not too difficult but at around £140 for two foam gaskets, some tiny aluminium plates and a tube of silicone sealant, not cheap. The tweeters are also pretty weak, they can sound rather tinny and scratchy but new ones can be sourced from Scanspeak. They are quite fussy about placement, as close to a rear wall as possible. They need a fair amount of driving but your Albarrys should work well. This all sounds a bit negative but if you have the patience to sort them out they can sound very nice. I hope this helps

i never rated them but it depends upon cnditon and price. Frankly, I would be looking at a more modern design

I heard them being demonstrated by Naim at shows when they were in production and to be honest, I though they were pretty bad. My mate who was with me and a big Naim fan simply said "oh dear" after hearing them. But who knows, you might like them. :)

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Originally Posted by Ian7633

I've had a couple of pairs of SBL's over the years. The first pair were new so no real issues but I bought a pair a couple of years ago and to be honest I was disappointed. Unless they have been well looked after the gaskets between the woofer and tweeter boxes will need replacing, not too difficult but at around £140 for two foam gaskets, some tiny aluminium plates and a tube of silicone sealant, not cheap. The tweeters are also pretty weak, they can sound rather tinny and scratchy but new ones can be sourced from Scanspeak. They are quite fussy about placement, as close to a rear wall as possible. They need a fair amount of driving but your Albarrys should work well. This all sounds a bit negative but if you have the patience to sort them out they can sound very nice. I hope this helps

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Cheers for the info and yes I've read about and seen these gaskets you speak of and the price for those is
a joke and I think I could make my own with a little bit of effort and patience, I thought the Albarrys would be an interesting match but I'm also considering trying out some Naim Olive gear in the near future

What is your budget?

If you fancy something of similar vintage, try and get a listen to Spendor S100's, they sound lovely. Decent punch too.

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Originally Posted by walpurgis

If you fancy something of similar vintage, try and get a listen to Spendor S100's, they sound lovely. Decent punch too.

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Yes at three times the price of a nice pair of SBLs 😂 just being curious as I think Naim SBLs divide opinion quite alot

I always rather liked them, personally.

I heard Ian’s when he had them,awful no bass at all