SBL Drivers Shot-Help!

Posted by: mikeybaby on 19 January 2016

My SBL Drivers are Buzzing. I tried having them repaired all to no avail. They buzz with certain frequencies of the piano. I have a pair of Credos and SBLs. After comparing the two There is no contest.... The SBLs walk on them even with the upgraded crossovers. My question is this: Can I simply put the Credo drivers in the SBL? I know its been said that "physically they are the same driver  but selection and matching a bit different." What does this mean? 

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Marksnaim
mikeybaby posted:

When I put my finger on the cone while piano is playing the buzz stops. Piano notes are the only frequencies that cause buzzing.

Yeah, definitely not the crossover then, I'd have thought.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by mikeybaby

I will pass on going active.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by mikeybaby

The vibration is coming fro behind the phase plug.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Richard Dane

If it's not the phase plugs or else something like a hook up wire vibrating against the back of the cone, then it sounds like the drivers may have been damaged at some point.  Replacement is then the only option.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by mikeybaby

Case closed. Time for new drivers.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Tim F

Possible that the glue on the spider/suspension of the driver has let go a bit and is buzzing. This can be fixed I would think, pulling the driver and inspecting should be helpful I would think! 

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by mikeybaby

I am looking at Kef Model One or Model Three. Anyone try these with a 250/82?

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Geofiz

Are you looking at the older KEF Reference Model One and Model Three or the current line-up?  Used to run the KEF Reference Model Twos with my 52/135s (biwired) and I was happy until I tried the SBLs.  I then went active with the SBLs and a four-pack of 135s and have not looked back since.

Active SBLs are simply magical.

Posted on: 23 January 2016 by mikeybaby

The older range from the ninetees. I had a pair of Model Ones that I traded for a pair of Intros in 1996. Bad move.

Maybe I should think twice about the Kefs based on your findings, the bass was quite boomy. Overkill.

Thanks.

Posted on: 23 January 2016 by Geofiz

Agree with the change between Kefs and Intros.  With the second pair of KEF reference Model Twos switched to Intro 2s and the sound was very different.  The KEFs can be base boomy so room placement can be critical.  The Intros were lacking in base by comparison.  When I bought my first pair of Ref 2's my wife and I listened to the full range of the KEF reference series.  We both felt the 2's were the least base boomy and also the best value for the dollar at the time. Mid range on the 2's seemed better than the 3's particularly on orchestral works.   But my wife is very happy with the size and sound from the SBL's in active mode. 

Posted on: 23 January 2016 by mikeybaby

Wow can we swap wives? LOL! My wife could not care less about stereos or music in general for that matter. All the best!

 

Posted on: 26 January 2016 by Vik
mikeybaby posted:

what is a good replacement for these speakers? The Credos sound a bit harsh with the olive 82/2HC/250/CDS2.

My Naim dealer doesnt stock any Naim speakers but he has Focal. Worth a try?

 

Another pair of SBLs, if push comes to shove.

If your room is smaller, Diablo Utopia could do instead, though with a slight modification of perspective. (The latter's price a testimony to what SBL can do in the right conditions)