Can allaes slot in to replace sbls without to many downsides in performance
Thanks
The Allae (I’ve owned two pairs) is a fine speaker but not at the same level as the SBL.
Both the Allae and the SBL are getting on now, how old are your SBLs?
No idea really but old lol ,whats the modern equivalent now naim dont make speakers
Tough one, possibly the Kudos 606.
Why not look for a late mk2 SBL or even the SL2.
While sharing some similarities, Allaes are rather different to SBLs by virtue of being a reflex design, so they will work with the room differently and that likely means they won’t be optimal in exactly the same position as were the SBLs.
I do like Allaes though. They can sound very exciting and dynamic with a slighter looser but heftier bass than the SBLs. I also think that it’s easier to get Allaes to perform well in more rooms than the SBLs - particularly if you have stud partition walls. However, if you are looking for a speaker that takes what the SBLs do well and goes even further then you should consider SL2s, or even DBLs if the rest of the system is up to them.
Can’t be too many DBLs knocking around for sale these days. I’d love to give them a go at home. The only time heard them was at factory years ago on a day trip with RPM. Not too sure they would pass the domestic approval criteria however.
Hello,
There were passive DBL a few days ago on the Audiomarkt.
Perhaps they are still waiting for a new owner ![]()
It was the first passive one since a very long time.
Hello Richard,
What do you mean about NBL?
There are some too on Audiomarkt.
And SL2!
Good period for good loudspeakers ![]()
Credos. Much better (in the real world over Allaes IMHO), and faster. More to SL2 signature, than the bloated (calmer, slower) Allaes…
I wasn’t such a fan of the NBL. I’d rather have SL2s or DBLs.
Seriously Stephen? Not to my ears. Credos were good (and a total bargain these days) but Allaes were better - remember that Allaes were essentially just improved Credos, hence why they were originally going to be called Super-Credos. They both though sounded quite distinct from SL2s.
I’m currently using n-SATs and a n-SUB and i have to say the music is sounding really wonderful. I have no complaints. Sorry everyone.
Are arrivas unloved
No. Arrivas are very good, especially with 5i Series.
I would classify Intro, Credo and Allae in the same range.
Intro in my opinion is the best all-rounder.
Needs no big amplifier.
Allae requires a 250 to express his full potential.
SBL is a world apart.
If the installation allows their ultra decoupling to produces their sublime groove and naturalness, there’s nothing to say about them.
SL2 are somewhere between Allae and SBL.
They combine the qualities of both of them.
But they have not the same groove as the SBL.
They are a little more gentle.
Nsat and Arriva are good too.
I never really listen to the NBL. ![]()
Seven or eight years ago, I did an emergency downsize of my system because of redundancy. My set had included a lovely pair of Mk 2 SBLs.
A forum friend recommended a system, v similar to mine now, with Allaes. They are a lot easier to live with. I like them a lot, and find the treble sweeter. But it has to be said SBLs are special. There is not much else that does what they do.
All of which sort of makes me wonder why would you ask about Allaes if you owned SBLs….
Well ive got bass dropout on one speaker, done all the changes to system to eliminate crossover lead even changing amps lol .Could need resealing or drivers knackered, so asking if allaes are a reasonable replacement ![]()
I haven’t tried SBLs but I use Allaes in my LP12/52/SC/250 set-up and I am very pleased with them. Got them 3 years ago, priced under £500, so quite a bargain even allowing for their age.
In my opinion, yes, though don’t expect Allaes to share the same ultra tight bass.
Well ive nearly took the plunge on a pair of credo speakers, so going to give them a try .Hopefully be ok