From the pictures you’ve posted, they look lovely…
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Thank you. Yes I’m very happy with them. I’m letting them rest on the new plates for a few days before I dismantle and apply the silicone. I don’t have any gear connected yet so it’s a very slow install.
another curiosity I have is I thought DBLs were discontinued around 2004. These were manufactured after that according to serial numbers. Does anybody know when DBLs were officially discontinued?
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My pair are from around 2006 and was told they were from one of the last batches.
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Has anyone ever tried the aluminium pads on the top cabinet that has the mid and tweeter? It would stop the digging into the timber once wood filler is applied to the old holes. Wonder if it would alter the sound?
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Good point, and it has crossed my mind too. Trouble is they sound so damn good I’ve not had the urge to try!
One thing worth noting is that Naim stapled these pads to the cabinets, so no rubbery adhesive effect!
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Interesting. I’ve had to use a strong adhesive tape to stick the 1mm metal plate to the existing ones to create the height that I required to level the cabinet (right speaker)
I also thought that I should remove the silicone pieces from the left speaker (bass driver cabinet rear spikes) for this exact reason.
I think metal plates on the mid/tweeter cabinet could potentially make the sound more focused but might be bright. Just a guess.
I think having them level and not rocking is far more important than any adhesive might make. It was just interesting that Naim choose to staple them.
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Good point. I’ve ordered thinner metal plates to see if I can balance them that way. If not then the silicone will have to do.
I’ve not owned DBLs (unfortunately), but have owned SBLs, which have a similar arrangement with the spikes and aluminium pads. I was wondering if your issue is caused by the spikes having previously pierced the pads and sunk into the wood. This would certainly lead to rocking. If this is the case it might be best to remove them all, fill the dents with Ronseal two part wood filler, sand flat, and staple or glue on new pads. By the way, you could check the spikes are all level with a flat board or better, a piece of glass.
If you’ve already tried this, then I apologise for the intrusion.
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Hey buddy. Thanks for your suggestion but that’s not the issue I’ve had. The plate itself is the culprit. It’s sitting lower at one end on the right speaker and lower at the back on the left speaker. I’ve managed to get it level now so I’m happy.
Yes, I did this with no regrets. Filled in the holes, and applied aluminium pads.
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Are these suitable for the SBL as well?
I don’t see why not they are the appropriate thickness. you may need to cut them in half, scissors will do it.
Incidentally I believe naim staple them because once the spikes land they are placing point pressure in the middle of the pad which causes the edges to lift, does not really matter but I guess from a customer perspective would not look professional.
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As some of you may know I’m considering a trip of bolt down nap 250s for active setup with DBLs.
Does anybody know if the bolt down NAP 250 is a regulated amp?
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Yes, the BD Nap 250 is a regulated amp.
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Wow, that looks really neat. Where did you get the pads from? Are they aluminium? I might just do this myself also. I doubt it would alter the sound. Nice work!
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They look like the Amazon ones, is that correct?
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Hey, lol I just realised it was your suggestion that I’m recommending to you @Mario 
. Sorry I scan when I read and don’t pay attention. Thanks for your recommendation.
I managed to fire up the DBLs passively. The crossovers were unused so I thought it would be good to get some electricity running through them while my SNAXO is being converted for DBLs.
system Heed Obelisk DA, NAC 12/SNAPS BD, NAP 160 BD NAC A5.
Also - I haven’t sealed the bass drivers as I wanted to listen to make sure the positioning of the speakers is correct and I wanted the spikes to sink into the aluminium pads on the top cabinet.
As they are now early impressions were ok. The speakers have scale and there is plenty of detail. I think only proper setup with an active system will reveal the true potential of these speakers.