Upgrading IBL's + Spikes, Screws and Granate

Posted by: Stuart M on 04 December 2001

Ok folks, been lurking for yonks but here's my first question for the forum.

System is LP12 Valhalla, No Circus), Itok IV-II, DV20-X/CD5 FlatCap/102/NAPSC/Hi-Cap (Prefer the HiCap on the CD5 but for best sound from LP keep it on the 102)/140/IBL

CD5 was a purchase in Aug, then having extra unexpected £££ got the flat cap (In hindsight, yes, I should have got a CDX but didn't know extra pennies would be available).

The problem I have is on some days it sounds A1 the other sooooo bass light. I’ve heard SBL's on dem and like them but think my current system can’t do them justice. (And on this front even a CDX don’t help)

I’ve heard that IBL’s really need a 250 to sing. I’ve also been told that swapping the IBL’s for the Allae’s would be a sound investment. I’ve heard the SBL’s and loved them even with my current system.

So do I get a 250 or Allae or SBL or ANOther?

Before you ask, I aranged a dem of these a month ago but my dealer has still not got it sorted.

I know ultimately I need to go CDX/250 + possibly new speakers, but I just hate the days when the system sounds light. As for the room, I have the speakers against a brick wall but each side of a recessed alcove (with TV & HI-FI in the middle, but not sticking out) the other walls are plasterboard or involve a fireplace and cupboards so not suitable for IBL/SBL's etc

If I knew I had funds to cover future upgrades, this would be a no brainer, but there’s a 50% chance that this will be the last upgrade I do for years (50% I’ll have funds for another in six months) so I need help on the best compromise.

Finally, for me IBL’s have always sounded best on (my) wooden floors when the spikes are in crosshead screws but was recently told that they sound even better when on thick granite on top of crosshead screws, got some 1” granite on order but been over 2 months and still not here, any comments?

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by Stuart M

Before you start, you've got enough info to trash me on ;-)

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by Simon Jenkins

Stuart,

Are your IBL's mark 1 or mark 2 ? Check the serial number against the list on the Naim website. If they are mark 1 then get them upgraded.

My IBL's came with a set of HNE granite stands. These bolt into the spike holes on the bottom of the IBL's, then the spikes screw into the granite stands. I find these make a big difference to the bass response. Generally making it tighter. Not sure if these are still available and how much they cost, try their website, www.hne.co.uk

Also make sure that the IBL's are as close to the wall as possible. I also have equipment between my speakers, which is not ideal, but if you can it may be worth moving this.

Do you find the bass problem about equal between the CD5 and LP12 ? I find very often that it's my LP12 that can produce slightly light bass, which I beleive is because of the Dynavector cartridge, I use a 17d2, which I think is great, but a little bass shy unless there is a lot of really deep bass on the recording.

The IBL's are wonderful speakers and should last through to CDSII and NAC52 levels of system before being outclassed, so the problem may be due to set-up or your mains electric supply.

Hope this helps a little.

Simon

Posted on: 06 December 2001 by bob atherton

Hang on to your IBL's they will one day be far from bass light! Get the Mk II upgrade if they are Mk 1's. They love being fed from a 250. I have my system passive at the moment with one 250 into IBL's & it's great. It was even better when I had the system active with 2 x 250's.

IBL's IMHO are a near impossible cat to follow. DBL's are the obvious next step for speakers.IMHO I feel that SBL's would be more of a sideways move.

Bob.

Posted on: 06 December 2001 by Steve G

quote:
Originally posted by Simon Jenkins:

My IBL's came with a set of HNE granite stands. These bolt into the spike holes on the bottom of the IBL's, then the spikes screw into the granite stands. I find these make a big difference to the bass response. Generally making it tighter. Not sure if these are still available and how much they cost, try their website, http://www.hne.co.uk

I noticed that they have dedicated Credo plinths available - has anyone tried these?

Regards
Steve

Posted on: 07 December 2001 by Stuart M

Cheers guys.Turns out my IBL’s are Mk 1 and luckily my dealer has a pair of IBL’s on hand, so I’ll check to see if they are Mk 2 or not and if so can dem them against mine. (Anyone know the current price of an upgrade?). I’m also sorting out a dem of a 250 with SBL’s so I can hear what they can do.

Waiting for the granite to arrive (it’s taking ages), and getting the mains distribution improved. A mains spur can wait till the next bout of decorating, the carpet comes up or I move!

Thanks for your help and I’ll let you know the outcome.