Nait and SBL

Posted by: airness on 01 July 2002

Hi Guys,

I have an opportunity to buy a 10 years old SBL for the price of a new Nait 5. Currently, I am using a Nait 5 and I will not be upgrading the amp for a year or two. What do you guys think? Any other things to beware of when buying an old SBL?

Thanks.

Patrick

Posted on: 01 July 2002 by Laurie Saunders

I believe that the veneer on old SBLs was prone to bubbling/peeling. Also check for any damage around the join between the the mid/bass box and the bottom box. I had a pair of SBLs for c.5 years....fantastic speakers but incredibly fussy about set up

Cheers Laurie S

Posted on: 01 July 2002 by garyi

Never the less, contrary to popular belief you will find the sbls a real treat.

However don't be screwed on price, they are ten years old and SBLs will be hitting the market I would imagine once the SL2s go full scale, with any luck bring the prices to more realist levels.

Posted on: 03 July 2002 by J.N.

Apart from the obvious cosmetic state of the cabinet, have a good look at the drive units and gently push in the bass unit cone to check for rubbing voice-coil or phase-plug.

Have a look inside the crossovers. The soldering and mastick sealant can dry out and the speaker input sockets become loose.

Do they still have the original drive units (not made by Naim)? The later Naim items are much better. I think Naim will still fit the later bass units for £300, the pair.

Are the tweeters original? If so; it's worth replacing them for around £120. They fill up with household detritus and lose their sparkle.

IF you buy them; experiment with positioning by trial and error and THEN; get them re-built and re-sealed in situ by a dealer with experience in these matters.

Good luck.