SL2s revisited

Posted by: hungryhalibut on 16 September 2015

Years ago I had a very nice Naim setup, which used SL2s, driven by a 552/300. It remains the best sounding system I have heard. When I downsized, the speakers were the thing I was saddest to see go, though the nSats that followed them were a big consolation. Since that time I've had a few speakers and recently ended up with PMC's excellent twenty.23s, driven by my much loved SuperUniti. 

 

A few weeks ago, I swapped the SU for the new 272/250DR, which gave a massive improvement over the SU through the PMCs. This was going to be my setup for the foreseeable future. 

 

However, following a post from someone on here that mentioned that a dealer had some maple SL2s in stock, a new option hoved into view. I'd always missed those speakers, they are incredibly rare, and I'd never expected to own them again. I thought they'd already be sold, but surprisingly they weren't, and after a conversation with the dealer to check that my system was up to the task, which they assured me it was, they are now living in my sitting room. 

 

Apart from looking lovely, and taking up less space because they are against the wall, it's been fascinating to hear how they contrast with the 23s. Of course, the SL2 cost about £6,000 when it was discontinued, and the 23 costs £2,300 new. One of the 23s' strong points is their ability to set up a very solid sound stage, which portrays depth as well as width and height. I was listening to a album by the Hilliard, recorded in a church, and you could visualise them standing in the middle, the acoustics were so well captured. 

 

The SL2s do not do this, presenting more of a wall of sound with less emphasis on sound stage. But what they do do has been unfolding over the last few days. They are not an impressive speaker. They don't make you think about where the artists are positioned. When the music is on, you don't even consider them. But what they do is just let you into the music. You find yourself totally engrossed, the music just flows effortlessly. 

 

I did also rediscover their big downside, and it's the thing that I believe stopped them selling well, and that's the trickiness  setting them up. But following Richard's excellent setup FAQ means that I have them set up perfectly. They are an amazing feat of engineering what with the leaf spring suspension, isolated tweeter, metal plates separated by tiny spacers and so on. 

 

I was somewhat nervous about using them with a more modest system, but there is no indication of mulletness, and I'm sure that I have a very solid room, with brick walls and a concrete floor helps no end in enabling them to work so well. And they even seem happy with my TQ Black speaker cables!

 

So overall they have been a very successful purchase. I never expected to own another pair, which makes things even better. They are truly wonderful speakers. 

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by nigelb
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Peter, that is only too well understood, and it was very much part of the thinking behind my choice of a 272 and 250. There is virtually nowhere that the system can be taken beyond where it is now: it has the Powerlines, dedicated mains (the earthing arrangements of which have just been improved) and boutique Ethernet cables. The stand is upgraded to its maximum potential so there is no scope to fiddle there as I don't want a Fraim. It was always the intention to get the XPS. I never, however, intended to sell the PMCs, and bought the new speakers on the spur of the moment, but I'm glad I did and they are just so much better, for a net cost of £800. I've swapped the Tellurium leads (I know, I know) for a 5m pair of NACA5 and made a small profit in the process. The intention now is to let it all run in and just enjoy having it for a good few years. The sound I'm achieving is beyond my wildest dreams and I'm so lucky to have it; I'm certainly not going to mess things up by over stretching myself - I've still got the scars!

As well as upsizing the stereo I've downsized my working hours, so I'll have more time to enjoy it on my non-working Wednesdays, even though much of the time will no doubt be spent hoovering, dusting and doing a spot of DIY.

Nowhere that the system can be taken? Really?

 

You have got the whole SL loom to go for (and with the 272 you don't even need the IC) especially the SL speaker cables. You know you can get your money back on the NACA5. Just saying.

 

Sorry, sorry, I'll get my coat.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by rackkit
Originally Posted by nigelb:
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Peter, that is only too well understood, and it was very much part of the thinking behind my choice of a 272 and 250. There is virtually nowhere that the system can be taken beyond where it is now: it has the Powerlines, dedicated mains (the earthing arrangements of which have just been improved) and boutique Ethernet cables. The stand is upgraded to its maximum potential so there is no scope to fiddle there as I don't want a Fraim. It was always the intention to get the XPS. I never, however, intended to sell the PMCs, and bought the new speakers on the spur of the moment, but I'm glad I did and they are just so much better, for a net cost of £800. I've swapped the Tellurium leads (I know, I know) for a 5m pair of NACA5 and made a small profit in the process. The intention now is to let it all run in and just enjoy having it for a good few years. The sound I'm achieving is beyond my wildest dreams and I'm so lucky to have it; I'm certainly not going to mess things up by over stretching myself - I've still got the scars!

As well as upsizing the stereo I've downsized my working hours, so I'll have more time to enjoy it on my non-working Wednesdays, even though much of the time will no doubt be spent hoovering, dusting and doing a spot of DIY.

Nowhere that the system can be taken? Really?

 

You have got the whole SL loom to go for (and with the 272 you don't even need the IC) especially the SL speaker cables. You know you can get your money back on the NACA5. Just saying.

 

Sorry, sorry, I'll get my coat.

I did warn HH about the slippery slope he'd set foot on again some time ago. 1 box became 3 and the rest is history. Those SL2s will easily reveal any further temptations, sorry potential upgrades.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by nigelb

They are clever so and so's in Salisbury. They lead you to believe you can live happily with one box and before you know it you've got a Fraim full of black boxes.

 

I remember when I had a Uniti2 and told myself that is all I needed. Now I look despairingly at my tower block (OK that is a bit of an exaggeration) but I am soon consoled when I fire it up and relax with my favourite artists in the room (OK I am exaggerating again).

 

Salisbury - respect for your marketing wizardry.

 

HH - you won't stop, it is in your blood and you can't kid a kidder. You have also got a bit more time on your hands now to concoct a justification for the next upgrade! 

 

Night night.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

On this occasion you are wrong. I've had a 552 and all that, I know what it does, and I know that what I have comes more than close enough for me. I have the speakers of my dreams, and my three black boxes are absolutely able to do what I want. And, of course, less work equals less cash, and less cash equals less to spend on the Hifi. 

 

And - and I was hoping to avoid this, but as people are starting to say stuff about further upgrades which are not going to happen - it's perhaps worth explaining that I haven't suddenly come into riches or gone off my rocker, but I'm spending a modest portion of the money left to me by my dad, who passed away earlier this year. Music is probably the most important thing to me, and spending some of the money he worked so hard to save on the thing that gives me most pleasure seems somehow appropriate. That's why this is a one off step change, and not the start of an unsustainable upgrade spiral.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by dayjay

Seems very appropriate indeed to me HH, I  hope it gives you years of pleasure too

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by Donkeyhaute
Bravo, the Halibut.
Posted on: 15 October 2015 by nigelb
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

On this occasion you are wrong. I've had a 552 and all that, I know what it does, and I know that what I have comes more than close enough for me. I have the speakers of my dreams, and my three black boxes are absolutely able to do what I want. And, of course, less work equals less cash, and less cash equals less to spend on the Hifi. 

 

And - and I was hoping to avoid this, but as people are starting to say stuff about further upgrades which are not going to happen - it's perhaps worth explaining that I haven't suddenly come into riches or gone off my rocker, but I'm spending a modest portion of the money left to me by my dad, who passed away earlier this year. Music is probably the most important thing to me, and spending some of the money he worked so hard to save on the thing that gives me most pleasure seems somehow appropriate. That's why this is a one off step change, and not the start of an unsustainable upgrade spiral.

Come on, I was only teasing. I look forward to the day when I say enough is enough - so does the wife.

 

I, of course, wish you long term listening pleasure with the system you have settled on.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by ken c

HH, you dont have to "justify" anything... just

 

enjoy!

ken

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by thebigfredc

HH is a major contributor to the Forum and I for one enjoy reading and value his write ups.

 

They are always both welll considered and heartfelt whereas MMs seem like throw aways.

 

ATB Ray

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by joerand
Originally Posted by thebigfredc:

They are always both welll considered and heartfelt whereas MMs seem like throw aways.

Ray,

Interesting you've chosen to disparage a forum member that has not even contributed to this thread. Interesting, but not wholly odd, as I can see where some parallels might be drawn. To each his own as far as throw aways are concerned.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by ChrisH

Seems like you're now in possession of a great set up HH and I've been especially interested in your recent journey with the SL2s and the XPS.

 

Its going to give you much pleasure, of that I'm absolutely sure, and I'm pleased to have played even the slightest part in the finishing touches.

 

Relax, and enjoy!

 

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by northpole
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

On this occasion you are wrong. I've had a 552 and all that, I know what it does, and I know that what I have comes more than close enough for me. I have the speakers of my dreams, and my three black boxes are absolutely able to do what I want. And, of course, less work equals less cash, and less cash equals less to spend on the Hifi. 

 

And - and I was hoping to avoid this, but as people are starting to say stuff about further upgrades which are not going to happen - it's perhaps worth explaining that I haven't suddenly come into riches or gone off my rocker, but I'm spending a modest portion of the money left to me by my dad, who passed away earlier this year. Music is probably the most important thing to me, and spending some of the money he worked so hard to save on the thing that gives me most pleasure seems somehow appropriate. That's why this is a one off step change, and not the start of an unsustainable upgrade spiral.

That's super cool HH and most commendable to be able to exercise restraint under the circumstances.  I was feeling guilty earlier as I think it may have been me who put you on the scent of the SL2's sitting in a certain dealer's....!  With a bit more time on your hands, a great opportunity to check out some new music.  Sounds like you've got to a great place with your system set up - long may it continue.

Peter

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

Peter, I owe you a debt of gratitude: getting the SL2s was the best decision I've made recently, and without your comment I would not have been aware of them, as I wasn't on the lookout. I emailed to reserve them within ten minutes of reading your post. If ever you are passing, you are most welcome to  pop in and hear them in their new home. 

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by thebigfredc

Joe/MM

 

Please accept my apologies.

 

I was out of order.

 

ATB Ray

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Frank Abela

I'm just happy to see SL-2s in that system. Seriously good speakers which seem to forgive supposedly 'lesser' equipment.

 

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by yeti42

"'lesser' equipment."

 

You can't mean the 272 can you?

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by Frank Abela

Yep, you know that Chris.

 

The 272 is fine for what it is, but in essence it's a combined source and preamp for £3k. Considering the 250 is another £3k and the speakers were £6k, that makes it a source-light system, therefore 'lesser'. yet the SL-2s can sound magic with such equipment, I well remember enjoying the CDX2/Supernait combination with the SL-2s very much - again 'lesser' components driving far more expensive speakers than would normally be contemplated.

 

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 16 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
I agree - there are plenty of SL2 systems with NDS, 552 and active 500s. And yet, with a 'mere' 272/250DR, albeit with an XPS DR in place too, they sound absolutely wonderful. It may technically be a mullet, but it sure
doesn't sound like one.