Replace SBL's?

Posted by: Richard P on 11 December 2003

Hi
My SBL's are 14 year's old now, and, except on simple stuff, sound rough (though this may not be down to them). This occurs on both LP (LP12/Ekos 1/Akiva/Lingo 2) and CD (CDX). If we assume that there is a problem with speakers, then I have the following alternatives:
1. Replace the tweeters and crossovers on my SBL's (bass units done 6 years ago)
2. Get some recent SBL's
3. Get some different speakers

I know SBL's work in my room, which is 20 feet long but only 10 feet wide (speakers along long wall, off-centre), and I like the music they make. Any suggestions for other speakers up to £3000 that would be suitable for such a short listening distance?

Richard

Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Bob Edwards

Richard--

Since you know they work in your room, I'd say option 1 would be the best, unless you've just got a hankering for new speakers...

You could also try vacuuming the foam grills and the tweeters--it makes a surprising difference. Just be careful...

Bob

Posted on: 11 December 2003 by garyi

You would benifit by getting the later model of SBL, but of course you need to decide if it will offer value to money for yourself.

If I were you I would get them checked and sorted as needed, then onto Ebay with them.

In a weird world where everything goes your way there will be a newer set of SBLs on Ebay at the same time that you can bid on with minimal outlay.

Agreed this is dreamscape

Posted on: 11 December 2003 by J.N.

Hi Richard

My SBL's are nearly 12 years old and still sound bloody good to me.

Mind you; they have the 'pukka' Naim bass/mid driver and new tweeters. Yours should not sound 'rough' if fed a decent signal.

You need the services of a good dealer to re-seal them and probably replace the tweeters.

If you decide to have a change; don't overlook the Allaes. They have some delightful qualities and image better than SBL's in my opinion.

The SL2's are the logical replacement of course; but are over-priced and personally; I find the Allaes a lot more physically attractive.

Good luck.

Posted on: 12 December 2003 by greeny

Are you sure it's the speakers? You don't mention the amps, are these in good nick?

Have these speakers previously sounded good in this room, or others?

Unless damaged I would still expect them to sound fine. When my SBL started sounding rough my power amps needed a recap.

Posted on: 12 December 2003 by Richard P

Hi
Thanks for the replies. I had my 250 serviced in March, and I've just bought a second-hand 52/Supercap from 2001/2000 - so I don't think there is a problem there. The speakers have sounded better in the past, but not for some time.
No, I'm not sure it's the speakers - maybe the mains could cause this - but I'm going to check out some recent SBL's, and maybe borrow some other speakers just to see what happens.

Richard

Posted on: 12 December 2003 by J.N.

Richard

Do you play loud?

You might have knackered some or all of the drive units?

Can you run a frequency sweep from a test disc?

Posted on: 12 December 2003 by Martin Payne

quote:
Originally posted by J.N.:
Can you run a frequency sweep from a test disc?

But run it quietly.

If you have seriously knackered tweeters, you may well here some very nasty resonances as the sweep runs.

I have had very good "clean up" effects from replacing the tweeters in two pairs of older speakers.

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne (at) Dial.Pipex.com. Put "Naim" in the title.

Posted on: 13 December 2003 by garyi

If another speaker is exhibiting the same problems perhaps it is time to look at the componants themselves?

Posted on: 14 December 2003 by J.N.

I agree. There would have to be something seriously amiss with your mains supply to induce audible distortion.

Worth getting it checked though, in case the earth is buggered.

Do your transformers buzz?

Try substituting source components and amps. FWIW when a friend's CDS 1 transport was on its last legs, the player sounded quite nasty.

Posted on: 14 December 2003 by Richard P

I don't think it's the components, because:
I recently changed my 82/Hicap for a 52/Supercap. When I was at tomtom audio we used my 82/Hicap and it sounded superb - it didn't in my house.
My 250 was serviced by Naim in March, and I took it to tomtom audio.
I have the same problem with my LP12 and CDX.
However, I have not checked the cable from the Supercap to the 250, nor have I checked the NACA5. Possibilities?
Thanks for you comments
Richard