Hi Folks,
My primary system consists of:
CDS2/XPS
52/Supercap
2x135s
SBLs
Black Burndies and Snaiks
2xfour shelf, Base-Starbase supports
Since reaching this stage, I have been amazed at just how good SBLs can sound, but I feel that I would like a little more fullness or weight to the sound.This is not a critisism of SBLs but a personal preference.Perhaps I should say that I have owned Naim/Linn,Naim systems since 1979 and so I am no newcomer to the sound.The system I perhaps enjoyed for the longest period of time was:LP12,Ittok,Troika, 32.5,Hi-cap, 250,Saras. It had a wonderfull, relaxed, full sound, although I am the first to admit it lacked in the detail that my current system has.
I am seriously considering changing the SBLs for NBLs and hope to be auditioning a pair at home very soon. Are there any of you out there that have already bought NBLs and run them in a system the same as mine? If so, I would value your comments on the way they have changed the sound.I would also value the comments any of you may wish to contribute to my proposed change.
Perhaps I should add that I do not wish to go active and that I am one of those heretics who prefer Base for it's non effect than Mana for it's effect.
John L.
Posted on: 13 November 2000 by Chris Bell
Dave,
Every time I do an upgrade, I have a hard time recommending the previous item. When I moved from a 72 to a 102 there was no way I could ever go back. The same goes for passive NBLs. The passive cross-over completly chokes them to death. Only after I went active did I really start to enjoy the NBL and understood the intentions of the designer--and as a result I would have a hard time recommending passive NBLs to anyone-- except maybe wtih a NAP 500.
Dave, I would say live with your system until you can upgrade to DBLs. Even passive, they are that good!
p
Posted on: 13 November 2000 by David Antonelli
chris,
I agree with your assesment of upgrades. Now that I have a CDS 2 the CDX/XPS seems rather pointless unless as a stepping stone, as the CDX is already quite good, especially with good stands. I've ordered some Wilson Benesch ACT 2 speakers and we'll see where that takes me. I LOVED the ACT 1s with my system, even more when I jumped to Cardas Neutral cable. They ACT 2 have the same drivers as the 20,000 GBP Bishop (barring the isobaric bass units) and are said to be even better. So I hope this will work out. If it doesn't I'll take a look at some other speakers including the Bishop, the DBLs and Mezzo Utopias before doing anything about my 250. I figure as long as I'm in the realm of relatively easy-to-drive speakers the 250 should be too much of a limitation, especially since I already have a 52 and a CDS2. The ACT 1s also showed me how much I was missing out on with the electronics I already have.
dave
(
Posted on: 14 November 2000 by David Antonelli
Cliff,
I've been laying low wrt travel lately but expect to be in the UK sometime after April. I always manage to stop in at least twice a year.
What is this "golden lane" business and are you sure it isn't a "Golden Mews" you are talking about?
I'd be glad to hear "real" NBLS. As I have often said, I am sure they are great speakers with a 500 or an active configuration, but with passive 135s they were certainly not slouches, but they failed to really make much of an impression on me. Call it lack of romanticism. I also found the tabla on the Indian stuff I was listening to a bit over emphasized. This instrument weaves and flutters setting a background rhythm like an irregular heartbeat and should never sound like a drum machine.
davee
