Swap Allaes for SBLs

SBLs certainly have the potential to improve on Allaes, but be careful; much will depend on the balance of the rest of your system and also just how well SBLs work in your space (SBLs need the room to work with them more than Allaes). And of course, SBLs are older than Allaes, with all the caveats that secondhand speakers bring to the equation, plus a few unique extras thanks to their gasket design.  So it's not a clear answer by any means and if you're happy with Allaes right now then if you do take a punt on secondhand SBLs, keep the Allaes standing by just in case...

Writing as someone who happily went the other way, I would say that the SBLs ask more of the electronics with which they are fed than the Allaes.

To give an example, my one-time CDS3, NAIT XS, SBLs set was superb. I replaced the CD player with a CD5 XS and no longer had a coherent, pleasurable system. The Allaes made a lot more sense, making the music fun. They are a lot more tolerant of lesser electronics IMO. (And I know some here will struggle with the idea of music being fun ).

Chris

The SBL is a great speaker, but really does need good electronics to shine. You’d want at least a 200 to drive them, ideally a 250, with preamp and source to match. You can get away with a lesser amp, as Chris mentions above, but only if the source is really good. It would be interesting to know what your electronics are: if they are up to it then it might be worth hanging on and getting some SL2s, which come up from time to time. There have been a few pairs for sale recently. The easiest solution is just to stick with what you have, easpecially as you are so happy with them. 

Thanks for the replies, I’m running the Allaes with a Uniti Nova, I previously had a Superuniti. The step up in every way was massive and the Allaes really shine now but I’ve been bitten by upgradeitis, questioning the speakers, I’d really like a pair of Ovator 400s but I can’t find any at a reasonable price.

Nick

In that case I’d stick with the Allaes. Should you see some S400s for sale (there was a pair online recently for £1,200) do listen to them at home first, as you may prefer the Allaes. 

In defence of the Allaes, I think there are people here who run them with NAC282, SC, NAP300 etc. So they are capable of taking you a long way on an upgrade path, should you desire it.

I'm very happy with my SBL in my room powered by the Dac V1 / Nap200. I know it could be better with better electronics but at this stage they make me happy.

It always cheers me up when you post. One of my relatives is a dominatrix, Mistress Evilyne. Look her up. 

Have fun HH????!