And I twice SBL, an unmentionable number of nSats :-), twice S-400, Ariva, IBL, plus home demo of Allae and Credo. Naim loudspeakers have their supporters..
PS: and a black N-Cent with my first black N-Sats..
Me, Linn Kan mk1, mk2 twice before going with nSat and the rest
I didnât want the headache of getting the olive system I used with the SBLs serviced in a part of the world where decent dealer support for Naim is nonexistent. The system needed a service, especially the NAP 250s, which were producing clipping distortion because the reservoir capacitors in them had gone bad.
I did consider keeping the SBLs and upgrading the source and the amplifiers, but in the end went in a different direction with a completely new system (including speakers) from a different manufacturer.
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What do you think of Intro 2? Are they still current speakers?
I do remember how divided people were regarding Naim speakers, although the DBL seemed to get almost universal praise. As a Naim lover generally, I actually bought SBLs first when I had big Exposure amps and a Xerxes. Naim amps came later. I never understood their marmite nature and still use SBLs since 1988âŚ
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It would have been great to keep my SBLs mk2, but a repeating issue, about which Naimâs service was exemplary, meant that towards the end of Ovator production, I took the plunge, with a pair a pair of S600s and subsequently S400s. The S600s were run active with a 4-pack of 135s, before a service requirement, being a timely point to seek advice and from MR, with the suggestion that with S600s voiced with NAP300s, that was a logical progression. First with two then with a third NAP added.
Over a decade on and with no spares available, I was wary as to how any S600 issue could be addressed, if a problem arose. When a pair of active (from factory) S600s became available from a local dealer, I jumped at the chance. I was simply expecting a similar pair. Turns out, with dealer comments, that the incoming pair were mint, unloved and likely very little used. The difference was significant and for the better. Unexpected! Spare set of S600s now in store and enjoying the run in of the recently acquired pair.
These are the S600s in Rosewood, my earlier pair were yellow Cherry.
One of four Fraim stacks shown, full active and a NAT01 head unit, for the eagle eyed.
I also have S400s in my av (Arcam) system, fronts and a single one for centre channel.
Pics one after crossover service of the fronts and the centre hiding with REL sub, behind the tv. More details in the thread below.
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Iâm curious if Naim speakers are so wonderful why did Naim stop making speakers??
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Because Naim was merged with a loudspeaker manufacturer that has its own range of loudspeakers to promote?
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But Naim stopped making speakers before the merger, didnât they?
No.
According to Naimâs own product history (PDF), the last line of Naim loudspeakers, the Ovator range, was discontinued in 2017.
The merger occurred in 2011:
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Space in the factory was required for the Statement, plus dealers struggled to sell Naim speakers due to the meticulous setup.
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Certainly true for earlier speakers, which was why the Ovators were developed.
There will be few agree no doubt, but I think the S400s are slightly more capable than SBLs which I had previously. They do though like to be driven, a Nova while good, doesnât have enough grunt imho. In a second system S400s have really benefitted from NSC222 + NC250.
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So do you still run them with 135s?
NAP135s went, with S600s now on 3 x NAP300DR, as I mentioned in my post # 210
Is there a significant difference with your previous pair of 600s ? Year of build? Mine are 2010 but BMRs later replaced
Its a pity those BMR are no longer available.
Was a fantastic unit.
Cambridge and Rega did some loudspeakers with BMR technique as well.
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DBL are back at work!
They do again the job.
And the new woofers are so beautiful 
Nothing to say.
Without any doubt the DBL system 135 52/PS CDS is in an other liga than the Intro Nait50 CDS: better groove and sense of musical expressivity but with a larger instrument scale and realism.
But no misunderstanding, I didnât change my opinion about the Nait50 which is still a little 52.
The thing is the Nait50 is so musical that I forgot the 52/PS/135 combo stays better even in this area.
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An example of NBL here in Brescia
I was told, maybe by Doug Graham, that 173 pairs of NBLs were manufactured. Mine were some of the last manufactured, certainly in walnut. I believe it was the cost of the enclosures that killed it off.
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Second listening since yesterday.
The refurbished 52/PS with the ânewâ DBL are really top.
Music is here again: elegant, for all expressive, âune main de fer dans un gant de veloursâ as we say in France, Naim philosophy at his best, really top âmelodicityâ ability, this so charmant top groove character.
The system speaks to the heart not to the ears!
In fact, I donât know how to express it 
This why I choose Naim and not an other brand 
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