Vintage Speakers for Naim XS3

Not tried Neat - there are so many speakers out there and I kinda ran out of steam. I would like to hear them though, but at the same time, I’ve kinda made my bed now and happy sleeping in it.

I did think about it but they are quite expensive and always been concerned they wouldn’t come back as musically engaging. Definitely not ruling it out though. I do have a name of someone that will do the Kans. There is also guy on the Internet, Simon someone, that specialises in Briks but he’s so expensive that I couldn’t justify the cost.

I’m lucky with both pairs in that they were never put into storage and spent their lives daily playing classical LPs/radio and never pushed too hard. The Kan 1s in particular are a step up from the half a dozen or so pairs I’ve bought and sold, and I can only think that’s the reason - i.e. constant use.

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Here’s another vintage speaker that has at least one specialist repairer / restorer in the UK. I restored my own pair 10+ years ago and they’re still sounding mighty fine. Not bad for 40+ years of use (and sometimes misuse :grimacing:). I recently read a post by someone who reckons they stand up well compared to Magico S3s. Whether that’s good or bad I couldn’t say, but the Gales can be had an awful lot cheaper!




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So beautiful, even with a modern twist!

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Just back from way up North to collect the Royd speakers after restoration. Couldn’t wait until daylight to make some pics, as they really are beyond expectation.

Sounded great in the shop, will report back when the Nait 2 is back from service in Salisbury. Have been told it’s ready and on its way. The last serviced / restored item to return after the LP12, all cables, the speakers. Will be fun next weekend.

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Front

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Rear

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Exciting times :blush:
It’s so great when a project comes together :+1:

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Yes, very happy!

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The cabinets look stunning

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Thanks, yes amazing work and well worth it!

There’s always modern vintage. Any of the current JBL monitor range based on some very classic designs from the 70s but fresh off the production line.

L-82 or L-52 re releases would be a good price match with th XS. JBL are known to work well with Naim. Not the last word in refinement but highly enjoyable.

I’ve been dying to scratch the JBL itch with a modern vintage for years.

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My pre-loved n-SATs are over 17 years old and are in mint unmarked condition. Apparently they were part of an AV system and were very well looked after, even the stands are unmarked… They still look like new and sound as fresh as a daisy, certainly better than my 5 year old Motive SX2s ever did. Some people really look after their kit and if you’re in the right place at the right time then one can really pick up an absolute bargain that no newer alternatives will match.

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Ah yes. Good thread that :+1:

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Same here Stephen

My nSats are the piano black finish , I purchased them from my long suffering naim dealer quite a number of years ago and they are in immaculate condition

And absolute bargain , great SQ, I’ll never sell them

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Hello
Thank you very much for your answers.
Actually, I was hoping to get more body in the music. I am in Chile and the brands you mention are not found here. What you can find are: Tannoy, Technics, JBL and those kind of vintage brands. I guess I could get more body but less definition with this kind of speakers…
Another reason for this quest is to get some good speakers without mortgaging an organ!!! Hahaha
Thanks for your comments
Regards

Another shout for the Royds (Sorcerer).


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Reconed/restored vintage JBL’s should be fun, according to some inspiring posts here from several members and our moderator (the search function will point you there).

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I wonder whether Allison made it to Chile. I fell for Allison speakers when I was out in America in the early 80s. I was especially taken with the Allison Six speakers. They need to be used hard up against a wall but they had a great performance for their size. I’d imagine they’d work well with a NAIT.

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Nice Royds, what system do you use them with?