Which modern speaker can match the Sbl?

If you're heading for the Audiobarn they also stock Larsens which work against the wall and seem rather intriging.

I got from your initial post that you were thinking what if rather than any immediate plan, the Larsens 8 is on my what if list should the NBLs die, I've not actually heard them and won't seek any out until I have to.

John, how would you replace the DBLs?

Fred11 posted:

Adam: I have a quite good source: ndac-xps-usb-spdf-interface-audirvana and LP12- Akula, Armageddon-Akito- adikt. The amp is a 12-160 with modified boards and pre-cards.

Please amend your profile then.

C.

Another vote  for audiobarn. Jack is a fine chap and good to work with 

replace the dbls? A tough one cos that would have to be active and there are very few decent active speakers out there. 

Probablly 500dr and magico like martins. 

I auditioned a pair of speakers today that just blew me away, I always have said the SBl's were special speakers, these speakers I heard today impressed me just as much, maybe even more than when I first heard the Naim speakers.

Atohm GT2's. Just a spectacular sounding speaker. remember the name, no pun intended! They are a French made speakers, smaller company that makes their own drivers, compared them side by side with Focal Sopra 2 speakers, no contest!!!!!

I guess the company has ex Triangle and Focal minds that really are making some great sounding speakers, seek them out if you can.

Christopher_M posted:

Fred11 posted:

Adam: I have a quite good source: ndac-xps-usb-spdf-interface-audirvana and LP12- Akula, Armageddon-Akito- adikt. The amp is a 12-160 with modified boards and pre-cards.

Please amend your profile then.

C.

Done.

Fred

Hungryhalibut posted:

SBLs are super speakers. If vinyl is the main source then swapping to an Ekos and a good cartridge is the way I'd go. And as Chris says above, a 282 and 250 would be excellent too. It all depends on whether you want better or just different. There is no way something like the Kudos X2 is going to compete in terms of musical involvement.

Sorry for answering late. Small Kids and work got in the way.

I was wondering about a second-hand Aro, actually. They do not come around that often these days. The Adikt is very good for the Money and I have a great mm-Board in the pre.
Thanks for the opinion on the x2. Comforting to hear.
Fred

Christopher_M posted:

Fred11 posted:

....when its time for retirement.

You or the SBLs?!

You'd surely want the hear your SBLs with a NAC282, your HC and a NAP250 before you considered other speakers. I know I would, Fred. Just an opinion.

Chris

Thank you

You are probably right it will sound better, but I am actually very pleased With the sound now. Just wondering if my SBLs are getting old and left behind by newer stuff. This thread was great help convincing me that the grass probably is not greener.

Fred

analogmusic posted:

nice thread, what is the difference between SCM11 and SCM 19?

8.

Fwiw I adore the ATC SCM11. At that price point they are astonishing, and for me nothing else comes close. A brief listen to the SCM19 showed that they're even better, but of course more money.  ATC make their own drivers I believe and, for their size, they are heavy; there's a feeling of real engineering excellence and permanence to them. Because they're sealed box designs they work relatively close to a back wall without complaint, and aren't fussy about positioning. They're intrinsically musical, and seem to combine well with Naim, and my NAP200 is a very happy match. 

The one thing that might take some getting used to, aside from the grilles, is their neutrality. Especially compared with the SBL.

Put it this way: I can imagine moving away from Naim one day - I have a bit of a thing for Bryston - but if I ever buy another speaker, I'm pretty sure it'll be an ATC. 

I must get around to listening to the ATC speakers, but no dealer nearby so its going to be a long drive to hear them, or at a show perhaps.

Hi Fred,

I recently replaced my old SBL's...... for a newer pair! Late Mk2. Added new paxo and smart grills from TomTom. Look and sound fab. I don't believe they can be improved on your budget unless you reinvest in your SBLs myself.

Any more upgrades here will be for the LP12 making my SBLs sound even better.

On the other hand, if you doubled your budget who knows.

HNY!

Stu.

Sibbles driven passively are somewhat sad things. A pair of 250s, a snaxo etc totally invigorates them!

Yes, active will be better, but there is no way one can sensibly call passively driven ones sad. I had a pair driven by a chrome bumper 250 for ten years and they were a joy. Not even slightly glum. 

stuart.ashen posted:

Hi Fred,

I recently replaced my old SBL's...... for a newer pair! Late Mk2. Added new paxo and smart grills from TomTom. Look and sound fab. I don't believe they can be improved on your budget unless you reinvest in your SBLs myself.

Any more upgrades here will be for the LP12 making my SBLs sound even better.

On the other hand, if you doubled your budget who knows.

HNY!

Stu.

I did demo a number of speakers 1k to 4k with a couple of friends who thought they needed newer speakers no money was spent! :-)

I had a pair driven by 250 for about 8 months before JV said "for goodness sake you need to make them active" and plonked a second 250 and snaxo in the boot of my car.

Transformative. 

Jon,

I am sure you are correct about active being better and heard one some years ago (2x250 with 52 and CDS). However, I am quite happy slumming it with my old 300. Sublime IMHO.

Stu

The SBLs are wonderful speakers if they are performing correctly and suit the room. 

I had the SBLs for over 20 years, they were always spellbinding and showed every improvement very clearly but were certainly very forthright (and edgy) with less able kit. 

I would strongly advocate an Aro with the SBLs as I think it suits them perfectly - and a Linn Krystal would probably be  a very good match.

If you must change then make sure that you listen at home before you decide.

Alba1320 posted:

FWIW, back in the day, Naim's recommendation was for passive 135s in preference to active 250s.

FWIW, that wasnt JV's recommendation. And he recommended 2 x 250 rather than 4 x 135, saying that he was more than happy to sell someone 4 x 135 if required, but couldnt really see the point.

But this was some 25+ years ago, and only my memory. Others may well remember it differently. 

stuart.ashen posted:

Hi Fred,

I recently replaced my old SBL's...... for a newer pair! Late Mk2. Added new paxo and smart grills from TomTom. Look and sound fab. I don't believe they can be improved on your budget unless you reinvest in your SBLs myself.

Any more upgrades here will be for the LP12 making my SBLs sound even better.

On the other hand, if you doubled your budget who knows.

HNY!

Stu.

Dear Stu

I also have mk2. Also need new grills. This is turning into one of many Sbl appreciation threads, I love it! Happy new year to you as well!

 Regards Fred

jon honeyball posted:

Alba1320 posted:

FWIW, back in the day, Naim's recommendation was for passive 135s in preference to active 250s.

FWIW, that wasnt JV's recommendation. And he recommended 2 x 250 rather than 4 x 135, saying that he was more than happy to sell someone 4 x 135 if required, but couldnt really see the point.

But this was some 25+ years ago, and only my memory. Others may well remember it differently. 

Really interesting!

 According to someone JV was also very happy with the nac12 and 160, btw. This combo is more subtle, warm and groovy than my 202-hicap dr-200. Really communicating the music!

Chris Dolan posted:

The SBLs are wonderful speakers if they are performing correctly and suit the room. 

I had the SBLs for over 20 years, they were always spellbinding and showed every improvement very clearly but were certainly very forthright (and edgy) with less able kit. 

I would strongly advocate an Aro with the SBLs as I think it suits them perfectly - and a Linn Krystal would probably be  a very good match.

If you must change then make sure that you listen at home before you decide.

Thank you Chris, for supporting my Aro-plans. Hope I will come by one soon. There is so many products you wish Naim would produce again... An L E Sbl and Aro! What a hit that would be!

atb

Fred

jon honeyball posted:

Alba1320 posted:

FWIW, back in the day, Naim's recommendation was for passive 135s in preference to active 250s.

FWIW, that wasnt JV's recommendation. And he recommended 2 x 250 rather than 4 x 135, saying that he was more than happy to sell someone 4 x 135 if required, but couldnt really see the point.

But this was some 25+ years ago, and only my memory. Others may well remember it differently. 

So how come you ended up with 6x135's rather than 3x250's . Did he laugh on his way to the bank.

Cos dibbles are very special. And if you are spending that much then having 6x135 is the best in a money no object way. 

And I bought my 135s second hand anyway. At least four of them from Tom Tom if I remember right?

but the factory service did a six pack service which goes beyond three pairs of 135s

Fred,

feeling the love for all the classic 'ibbles. Class is permanent as they say...

Stu