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'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
MY SYSTEM
SOURCES: Marantz cd63 mk2 ki, Marantz cd6000ose
AMPLIFICATION: Albarry m408s mono blocs with ap3 pre
CABLES: Chord company c-line, Monster interlink 400, QED silver speaker cable, Tacima cs947 mains conditioner
SPEAKERS: Mission 752 freedoms, AKG K550 mk2 headphones
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
Turntable
Toshiba SR-370/Mission 774/Van Damme cable with MS Starline plugs/Ortofon Quintet Black
CD
Cambridge CXC transport/modified Musical Fidelity X-DAC/modified Musical Fidelity X-10 V3 tube buffer
Network Player
Cambridge NP30
Amplifier
Denon HA-500 head amp/Nakamichi CA-5E pre-amp/Chinese passive RVC/Proton AA-1150 DMC power amp
Speakers
Mordaunt Short Signifer on original factory stands
Cables
Mogami with Rean Neutrik plugs/NVA LS5
Headphones
Sennheiser HD600/Sennheiser HD650/Koss Pro4 AA
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.
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
MY SYSTEM
SOURCES: Marantz cd63 mk2 ki, Marantz cd6000ose
AMPLIFICATION: Albarry m408s mono blocs with ap3 pre
CABLES: Chord company c-line, Monster interlink 400, QED silver speaker cable, Tacima cs947 mains conditioner
SPEAKERS: Mission 752 freedoms, AKG K550 mk2 headphones
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.
MY SYSTEM
SOURCES: Marantz cd63 mk2 ki, Marantz cd6000ose
AMPLIFICATION: Albarry m408s mono blocs with ap3 pre
CABLES: Chord company c-line, Monster interlink 400, QED silver speaker cable, Tacima cs947 mains conditioner
SPEAKERS: Mission 752 freedoms, AKG K550 mk2 headphones
I always rather liked them, personally.
Engineers: fixing problems you didn't know you had in ways you don't understand.
I heard Ian’s when he had them,awful no bass at all
My System
John Wood KT88 Amp.
Paradise Phono Stage
Sony TTS-8000 Turntable.
PMAT-1010 MK6 Tonearm.
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Sony X555ES Cd Player
Yamaha NS1000m Speakers