Hi, I’m looking to buy some SBLs, and which would be better: a vintage Naim amplifier or a newer model? I also want to stream.
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You will have to listen for yourself and decide. Likelihood is you will get 10 different answers, all correct for the individual posting.
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I’ve already read a bit, but I haven’t found anything particularly useful. It’s supposed to sound more pleasant with good bass.
Olive 250, no question
Martin
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Just don’t forget about the source, as it should be as good as you can do, within reason for the pre and power amp you decide on.
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Wise words from Richard. I’ve heard much better sources than a Uniti .. rendered as thin and bright by the revealing nature of SBL’s - personally I’d get some good but cheap speakers (not a kan fan here) and spend more on a streamer/dac / pre / power. Once you’re up a few leagues source-wise … that’s time for SBL’s.
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That’s true but one can get SBLs and a UQ for say gbp 1000 / euro 1200 and that’s a massive steal!
So many of my room issues were fixed by dragging in sbls.
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@GaryYeowell That assumes there are 9 or fewer responses. Otherwise the sky is the limit.
SBLs are very adaptable with naim amps, what’s more important is the wall behind the SBLs, brick or stone is good, the more solid the wall (and floor) the better.
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In terms of balance, I used them with a 32-5/160 which was pretty good but slightly on the ‘thin’ side. Whilst very coherent (musically) it was also a bit too speedy so I’d be looking at 32-5/HC/250 to calm things down and provide a bit more fat on the bones.
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Nd5 xs2 i can buy for 1300 euro… with nait xs3 ? Or Olive 72/140 or 42,5/ 100….
I once had the UQ with Kudos x2, but with a Uniti 1 it was better in the low bass.
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You have lost me.
A 140 will drive them just about OK but a 250 of any vintage will make them sing. Howvere as been said they will show up a poor source or preamp. I think you might be better investing at the front end before getting SBLs or you may be disappointed.
Bruce
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Yes, in the new Apartment I have a concrete wall 
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I’d rather settle on a NAP110 driving the SBLs if it means more to spend on a better source and pre-amp.
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From what I’m reading, many people are happy with a Nait 1/2 when listening quietly with Sbl or Sl2. I’ve had this amp before but also the Nait 3 and somehow I liked it a bit better, that could work too. 
I brought Sbls before understanding them correctly,
Was running them 42.5 HC 160, with ok ish source, but they were lacking the roll off in the very low end
Sounded really nice and sweet tho,
Upgraded source and speaker cable
And I’ve now just added a 250 they are now incredible sounding,
So much more of everything in SQ,
Even the neighbours have noticed the bass is deeper 
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Sharing is the neighbourly thing to do!
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Two are even better 
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