Defending our Allaes

Posted by: Mario on 27 April 2002

I don't really see why there are so many mixed reviews of these speakers when appeal for the SBL is so unanimous. I have not done a direct comparison, but have heard both and I can't say that these two speakers are worlds appart.Our friend Dave Dever has previously explained that the drivers and cross-overs are virtually the same, both use seperate box technology and both have a metal stand at their base. Can that radial port have that much effect on the sound? I doubt it, the lower frequencies never sounded bloated to me, in fact they were quite lean and fast in true naim tradition when I heard them with a fully optimised series 5 set-up. What do you naim heads really think? I like the way these speakers sound and look, but will make sure by listening to them with a 52 based system just to make sure my purchase can support further upgrades on the electronics,

Mario.
Posted on: 27 April 2002 by Andrew Randle
It is interesting that the Allaes don't have the time-aligned driver units like the SBLs, although I guess the alignment may be taken care of at the crossover. The Allaes are absolutely fantastic loudspeakers, there are some aesthetic design issues that I would like to raise.

The SBL with it's angular boxiness is definitely a classic 1970's design, similar in a way to the Lambourghini Countache and the Lotus Esprit. The SL2 and Allaes are more curvy (the SL2 is certainly a more rotund tellytubby of a loudspeaker), like the Lambourghini Diablo and Lotus Elise of our time.

In fact a lot of the Naim's design cues now appear more curvy. Take the Naim logo in the top left of this webpage, rounded buttons, sculptured facias and heatsinks.

I personally loved the angular geometric simplicity of the SBLs. The Allaes do look neat too.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Currently in the "Linn Binn"
Posted on: 27 April 2002 by Jay
quote:
tellytubby of a loudspeaker


Thanks for laugh Andrew big grin big grin big grin

Jay

PS Leggo Beast has arrived and I've spun it a few times. Thoughts soon!
Posted on: 27 April 2002 by Andrew Randle
You know Jay, I'm convinced that the SL2 should be renamed the WBL - which is short for "Weeble".

OK, so I doesn't wobble or fall-down, but it certainly reminds me of one.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Currently in the "Linn Binn"
Posted on: 27 April 2002 by Jay
Hmmm....the Weeble, quite catchy but maybe a little to close to the Womble big grin

Jay
Posted on: 27 April 2002 by Tristram
Mario,

I too continue to be surprised at the comments with regard to these speakers. I have had a pair for close to 6 months now and they have had some stage improvements over that period. I am very pleased with the presentation. These speakers seem to really give you the recording as it is, "warts and all". I must concur that they are fast, but the other comments about shimmer, and non existant bass seem strange. I have found that certain recordings will definitely put certain things forward while recessing others.

The Scorpian King soundtrack is a perfect example. If you listen "cover to cover" you wiill find some incredible bass on tracks 8 and 12. Some of the other recordings are quite good others OK.

If I had to sum up the Allaes after the period I have had them, you might refer to them as exceptional and ruthless. They, like Naim equipment in general, do not appear designed to color, or distort what is already there.

For the record I use CD exclusively, SII,52,250, 2 stack Fraim. tw