Hi,
Just joined the forum and need some advice on my SBL's either about setup or upgrades or replacement.
My system dates back to the late 80's but was in store for about 15-20 years when kids arrived! About 5 years ago I dragged it all out of store and set it up.
The system is a Roksan Xersex/SME V/ Kiseki purple heart - 32.5/Hi-cap/250/SBLs.
Since coming out of store the Roksan has been upgraded by inspire hifi with a new plinth and the naim kit serviced by hifi-repairs. The Kiseki stylus was checked at inspire hifi as OK.
The room size is 17' x 14' with laminated flooring. The SBLs are on the shorter wall either side of a fireplace that protrudes about 6" from the wall. Distance between the SBLs is about 7'. The speakers are connected to the system with 15 meters of naim speaker cable, not the latest stuff. They are about 3" from the wall, I can't get them further apart and they are as low as they can go to the floor. There is a large rug in front of the SBLs. One of the SBLs had to be resealed, the other one seems fine. This was established by the push the drive in and see how slow it comes back test.
So whats the issue? Something that has debated before and that is a perceived lack of bass from the SBLs. If I stand in the corners opposite the SBLs I can hear more bass but moving away and the bass falls off. Also, listening to the system gets quite fatiguing after a while. I say perceived lack of bass as I find some vinyl produced today very loud and very toppy. An example is the lastest Rolling Stone LP! Interested in hearing anybody elses view on that LP.
Anyway, SBL upgrades seem non-existent unless I buy second hand MK2s, anything I can with the setup, get new speakers or move house?
Cheers,
David.
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Huge
Very likely the room. The best way to check that is to get a copy of REW.
Initially use the Room Simulation dialogue to provide a theoretical analysis of the room. Later get a calibrated microphone and you can actually measure the bass response.
If you can't get the speakers in the right position to make the bass ok, then you can still connect up a small DSP box to the HiCap, use the data from REW to programme the DSP with the inverse of the room response and send this filtered signal to a sub - thus in one fell swoop giving you bass and greatly reducing room interaction problems!
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by stuart.ashen
No problem Dave. Their site allows a search for SBL bass drivers but a quick flick through the 9 or so pages suggests that they do not.
I would still like to hear if anyone has actually changed old original tweeters for new but unmatched replacements. Otherwise, it’s a case of it it ain’t broke....
Stu
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by mayburyds
I think the room theory may have some legs. I moved some furniture around today and things improved quite a bit. The room, whilst the shape is still the same as when I first bought the SBLs, the furniture is different as is the laminated flooring instead of carpet.
I played some old 12" singles which really seemed to bring things to life as opposed to some of today's recordings.
Not earth shattering bass but a lot more like I used to remember, much more satisfying.
Recapping the crossovers is proving a bit more of a challenge than I thought. Took one off today in the hope I could see what type of caps I need and found out that the board is sealed in the case with silicon. I'm sure it's just a case of cutting around it but now I'm wondering what other gotchas are lurking. If I take it further I'll let you know the outcome.
Huge - The sub idea sounds intriguing. Can you tell where I can get more information please?
Cheers,
David.
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Huge
OK, options for subs...
AntiMode 8033sii
miniDSP 2x4
In both cases use a short (1m) lead from the HiCap to the device then a longer cable from the device to the low level connection of the sub (it can act as the line drive instead of loading the preamp).
Don't forget that when using a sub, it should be closer to the listening position than the main speakers, to make allowance for the group delay of the sub's amplifier.
Here's what I did
https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...on-using-a-subwoofer
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by mayburyds
Huge,
That's quite an extensive review on using a sub!
A couple of questions - what socket and cable would you use on a hi-cap to connect the DSP and what sub do you use?
Cheers,
David.
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Huge
First the easy one, the sub I use is a B&W ASW610XP, but what sub you use isn't important to the principle, and there are a lot of competent subs around (but also a few duffers!)
To connect the miniDSP or an AntiMode to the HiCap would need a DIN 4 to 2xRCA Phono cable. Either make it yourself or people like Flashback sales can make one up.
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by mayburyds
Huge,
Sorry, a couple more question if that's ok?
Presumably the DIN cable goes into socket 3 on the hi-cap? Will any DIN 4 to 2 x RCA phone do as I have seen one on eBay for about £12 for a Quad system?
I have a B&W AS1 sub that I don't use anymore that has a "line in" socket. Can I use that input with a single RCA to RCA for the connection from the DSP?
Cheers,
David.
Posted on: 17 October 2017 by Huge
Hi David,
The Quad 4 pinout is NOT compatible with Naim systems and may cause damage.
You probably can use that sub, but I don't know it.
