SL2s vs NBLs vs DBLs

Posted by: John on 29 December 2002

I am considering changing my SBLs to one of the above speakers. I have heard the NBLs with a 500, DBLs active with 135's but not in any comparative listening. The price differences aren't huge when you consider used DBLs or NBLs.

Based on reading some reviews there seems to be mixed opinions about the NBLs. The negative comments I read are similar to what I experienced when I listened to them. They can make some sound dry and hard. I also understand they are setup and room sensitive.

I liked the DBLs but will passive 135s do the job. I worry it might sound too relaxed. My impression of them compared to SBLs is they are more open, relaxed, expressive. The SBLs sounded more compressed.

My system is Naimed LP12/52/135's. What speaker would be best assuming I have to stay passive with my 135s for probably the next 5-10 years?

Help is appreciated.
John
Posted on: 29 December 2002 by Derek Wright
A group of us on the forum are very pleased with Wilson Bensech Act 2s and 135s or a 500

However YMMV

Derek
Posted on: 30 December 2002 by Erik
I used DBLs with a 250 before the 500 arrived and it was wery good at that level as well. You get a totally new level of music with the DBL even compared to smaller activ speakers.

/Erik
Posted on: 15 January 2003 by Andy S
John.

I run CDS1/52/2x135/DBL. Prior to that, I ran CDS1/52/250/DBL and prior to that CDS1/52/250/SBL.

All I can say is that the move to DBL from SBL was HUGE, I mean REALLY HUGE. Easily the biggest difference I have experienced. If you have the money and space, you will not be disappointed (and no, you won't lose the attack you get with SBLs)

FYI, I intend to stay passive DBL'd for some long time to come...

Andy
Posted on: 15 January 2003 by John
Thanks everyone, I managed to score a pair of NBLs for the half the price of SL2s Big Grin

I am shocked at how good they are! I am sure the DBLs are better but I couldn't resist the price. They sound fine with my 135s. Actually my 135s drive the NBLs better than my SBLs. The NBLs are much faster, more dynamic and smoother at the same time. Much better articulation of the music! They capture changes or swings in the music that my SBLs just ran over.

If I was to make any further changes I would add a supercap to my prefix before I would go for a used 300 or 500.

John