Naim DBL setup problem

I did indeed. :slightly_smiling_face:

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Just a little update for future readers.

I had my system up and running for about a week. the passive DBL crossover was unused and had been sitting in storage since 2008 - so I thought while I wait for the SNAXO 362 I’ll get some electricity running through the crossover.

In the first day or two the sound was meh as I reported earlier. The days that followed it was a little more engaging.

I then had to switch off the system as I was away for work for a week. Today I returned and fired up the system and it’s much better. I’m beginning to see what the fuss is about with these speakers. Please remember this is 1 nap 160 bolt down driving them.

As I’m still getting used to the sound, I can’t explain exactly what I’m liking about it but the DBLs have a very addictive sound signature. They invite you to keep listening. And no I still haven’t sealed the bass driver cabinets. lol.

Strange that the crossover sounded better after it had been switched off too.

Anyway I’m hoping I get the SNAXO soon so that I can seal the driver cabinets and complete the setup to have a proper listen

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Why can´t you seal them before getting the Snaxo ?

It’s just me being lazy. I’ve taken such care in the system setup this time. I know that when I install all the components for active I will have to disassemble the rack again so I thought best to do it all at the same time.

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I’ve run into a problem. Naim cannot change over my crossover from Kudos 808 to DBL as they don’t stock parts.

very disappointed. I didn’t know that the SNAXO was no longer being produced as some dealers are still listing it for sale.

I now don’t know what to do as passively the DBLs don’t do well against the SW1X 963s which are full range crossover-less speakers.

There are servicing companies who advertise services including changing SNAXO for different speakers. Try contacting them.

Just because naim no longer offer something, it might not be the end of the road.

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Try contacting
Class A Audio Ltd
Sheffield :thinking:
They are a recognised Naim Service Centre.

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It is possibly the case that Naim’s approach to converting your Snaxo would be to do a complete swap of the board and they don’t stock those.

May be that someone, such as Class A, could change the individual components on the board to achieve the required output for DBLs.

Willy.

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Sean Jacobs may know how to modify the SNAXO, may be worth reaching out to him

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Passively with 552/500 you might reach a different conclusion. I preferred passive 552/500 to active 52 / 6 x 135. Or you may conclude they weren’t the speakers for you - they’re not for everyone.

I wouldn’t say that ,even 3xNap 250 active outperformed
passive Nap 500 DR on my DBL’s.
That active feel is something else,the music sounds more direct and alive,to me.

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I would say it though! More organic, less harsh, more music. But you’ve stayed with DBL’s .. despite my love of studio monitors and 15” bass units .. the DBL’s weren’t for me in the end. We’re all different!

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Thanks for your suggestions guys. I did contact class and the other but neither could carry out the work. This is just unexpected as I’ve read too many comments about active systems only to realise it’s not supported by Naim anymore.

What’s even more annoying is that had I pursued this only a few years ago it would have been possible.

I’m currently waiting for one more reply but I’m not confident that I’ll find anybody who could supply the parts or as @Willy suggested -change the board.

my only other option is to wait and hope that I find one on the used market.

Having owned the 500 amplifiers it’s not the route I would like to take. I’ve always imagined going active if I ever bought DBLs. Passively they don’t appeal to me much. Especially as I have the SW1X m 963s which being full range drivers and 96db sensitivity, do exceptionally well with low powered tube amps or a relatively low powered NAP 160.

The 500 is somewhat underpowered to passively drive a DBL.
Try a high-current amp like Boulder, D’Agostino etc and you will hear what passively driven DBLs are capable of.
I borrowed an entry level 300 wpc Boulder amp once and it had far better grip and dynamics than did the 500.

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I don’t dislike the 500 series. I loved the sound of it but my aim with DBLs was always to go active. I’m sure the Boulder has amazing power and grip but I’m convinced active is the way forward for me.

if all else fails I’ll see what other manufacturers can offer in terms of active crossovers. I have this crazy idea in my mind but I don’t think it will be possible- to get a certain manufacturer to build me a tube based active crossover. I think it would be too complex mind you.

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Hi Khan
I don’t understand this sentence.
In what sense are these two speakers against each other?
Are you suggesting that you only want to keep one pair of speakers?

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Hi,

Yes, as my current situation dictates I will need to sell off some gear so I will either keep an active Naim setup or my tube setup (excluding source gear). It’s a shame but these things happen.

I wonder if Exposure will tune its active crossover for DBLs? Their website seems to suggest it will. I heard an Exposure crossover being used with Kudos T808 speakers and 3 x NAP250 at Cymbiosis after Naim stopped production of the SNAXO - it worked well.

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Thank you @Clive

Never thought about exposure. I was hoping to find a solution where I get to use the Supercap DR which I purchased to partner the SNAXO.

However I will contact them to see if they can offer anything.