Speakers are the JBLs 4425 (new crossover) and they are going to away for some weeks. Making new boxes. Love ones. Got them in 91 in Macao.
Amplifiers, I have 2 integrated. The YBA Integre DT Sigma and a Naim SuperNait1. Love them both but use them for different types of music.
CDs I use old models, the Wadia WT3200 Transport connected to the SuperNait through a Audio Alchemy DTI pro 32. Also use a Pioneer PD75.
Turntable, a EMT948. ( might get a JC Verdier La Platine soon).
My next acquisition might be some old aim SBLs. In pretty good condition. Love the fact that they are to be placed against the rear wall.
Takes less room space. Hate the idea of getting speakers that I have to place them in the middle of the room.
My question to the experts is. What do I have to look in the SBLs has age problems that I have to be concerned? The silicone sealing? Maybe the inside wool? Crossover issues? (Most probably I’ll send to a technician to check crossover and the driver units).
I’m new with Naim speakers.
In the late 90’s I listened to what I think was the SBLs. But at the time I had the JBLs Everest DD55000. Best speakers I have had. But when I return to Portugal, I didn’t have the space for them (they are extremely easy to drive, but man, the need space to breathe).
So the sound of the SBL stayed in my head. Now the opportunity to get a pair appeared.
Actually I didn’t confirm if they are Mark1 or 2.
I’ll confirm tomorrow. Fortunately the enclosures are in pristine condition.
Concerning the “moving” parts (electronics), I don’t bother much as with age and time is more than normal to be a little worn up. Like me.
But thanks for the advices. I’ll check things in the Amazon.
But my mind is pretty decided in getting them.
They are in black ash. I would prefer in natural wood veneer, but in black they have this vintage industrial look that I like as well. The WAF factor is more complicated.
A week ago I took both amps to try with the SBLs.
Didnt bother much with the imaging and sound stage (different room different behaviour). But they actually behaved the way I expected. Naim setup, very good dynamics, lows and non aggressive in anyway highs. Mids very natural. Love it with Frank Zappa, Tool, led zeppelin and the deep purple performances. Great dynamics and rhythm when playing Primus or Igorrr.
With the YBA, beautiful with jazz acoustics, Miller, Gordon, Gillespie, Paço de Lucia etc.
So curious to listen with the EMT948.
Note: I do believe in the synergy of a same brand gear. So a Naim CD is on my mind as well.
I would also add that there’s a gasket between the mid and bottom boxes that may need replacing. Tom Tom Audio used to have these along with the foam rubber grilles that Velcro to the front of the cabinet.
Just confirmed. From what i gather SN under 109.000 are Mark1. The ones I have an eye the SN is 75 thousand something. So mark 1s. I thinking in paying a visit to this owner this next weekend.
Do you know where I can get a second pair of the Woofers? From what i know, Naim stop producing them.
You can keep an eye out for another pair! Do you have a picture of the sbls . Many were upgraded to mark 2 woofers. It they have a lip round the edge they are mark 1. It they are flat then mark 2. I think naim credo used same drivers.
I’d not worry much whether its mk1 or mk2. To my knowledge only rear cabinet color and bas-unit is difference (if not upgraded) Cared cabinet is mandatory for me if I was a buyer. Of course working order..
The biggest issue is often the X-over which need attention and service, money well spend.
Then there’s the sealing described above.
Buying an extra donor pair SBL is always a good idea to secure bas- or tweeter unit spares, otherwise bas-units rare as hens teeth.
Yes, Naim used what was basically the same mid/bass driver - built by Naim themselves - in the Credo, Allae, SBL (Mk2), and SL2, and also as bass drivers in the NBL.
The main difference was in selection criteria and matching - the selection of SBL and SL2 drivers being tighter and the drivers being matched pairs.
