Naim ibl

Very possible Chris. I have them either side of a chimney breast which probably doesn't help. No other WAF option unfortunately. Still, she'll be glad that the Canalis have been collected by the dealer when she gets home 

BR Mark

Hi Mark,

We have a large room, and our Isobariks, while not in the Sonus Faber/Wilson league of Imaging, odo a lovely image height between the speakers (about 5ft tall) as well as the left/right thing. The scale is impressive as is the height, what we also like is the freedom and ease of the sound. It's a bit like a a good old V8 (and the IBL is Turbo 4 cyl @ 8,000 rpm in comparison).  The SF Olympica is quite an imaging champ - never heard anything like that before - and they time as well as anything else I have heard.  My wife thought they were very realistic. Spookily so. Credence Clearwater Revival, Eric C's unplugged and Jackson Florence and the Machine were one of these 'we are at the concert moments'.  My only question mark would be over ultimate bass power like the Isobariks, but my wife doesn't agree on that point. In the past I have enjoyed DBLs, and will go over to hear Martin M's pair to hear a good pair again.

In my experience around 60% of the imaging thing is in the recording, and then fooling around with speakers gives the rest.

Good to hear your experiences and good listening.

Best regards

I like V8 analogy Dev. Although if you ever get active with you're Briks you'll find they suddenly rev far higher than the previous 4500 rpm limit 

Hi Mark,

Thanks. Did you find they have the same tonality when active? 

BR, 

When I first heard them active I thought "where's the bass gone?" But after a while I realised that any overhang was gone. It still went as deep but it was so much tighter and faster. I guess the first impression is that, yes, the tonality does change a bit. Less warmth. But after a while it's business as usual. Everything that's great about Briks but with much more speed, slam and dynamics. I'd go back with no hesitation if I could house them or afford it.

A friend ran active Briks, actually they were mine at one time, but i ran them passively. They were a completely different speaker active, and very much in a good way. He used a CDS2/52/135/2x250/ Snaxo3-6/ HC, all serviced at the factory. It sounded epic!

Briks + passive 500 system works pretty good too.

I have some IBLs being driven from my unitiqute. I would describe the sound as very tight, although lacking in real bass depth. I have never been a great lover of flabby bass so that is fine by me. The fact that they place against the wall is ideal in   my small room.

considering what they cost new, you can get a bargain now. Only trouble is mine (and I don't think this is uncommon) have grills that are turning to powder. I really would like to get some new grills.

There is a guy in cornwall who makes some perfect one. Email me via the mods and I'll put you in touch

Is that Mark? If so I got mine from him in 2014. They cost just under £50 inc P&P and look fine.

Steven, This should help you: https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/ibl-grilles-3

Best,

Chris

Yes, its Mark. he also did an amazing pair of Isobarik grilles for me.