SBL's

Posted by: bigtrak on 17 January 2002

Howdy
I have been searching for a pair of second hand SBL's for as cheap as I can get (max £600) I think I may have tracked some down.
They are old versions (serial number 86243) and the seller has told me that they do not have the later version bass units. How did the bass units differ? can they be upgraded with later bass units and at what kind of cost?
They are in walnut finish and are described as "not A1 but O.K with one having a slight scratch on the top corner" I am not all that fussed about the cosmetic condition but I just wonder if I should maybe save a bit more money and look for some later versions (what year were the later bass units introduced?) The asking price is £599 but open to offers. does that sound reasonable?
Sorry about all the questions!
Thanks
Posted on: 17 January 2002 by woodface
The price sounds about right but I would be wary of the condition of the grills. SBL's are designed to be listened to with the grills in place so make sure they are not too tatty. They can be upgraded with the latest drivers, I have not compared but have been told they are a big improvement. They really are a great speaker but you may well want hang on for a later model at circa £800 - £1000.
Posted on: 17 January 2002 by Martin Payne
See the "Naim Audio Main website" (link above).

Under Product Histories, you will find:-

quote:
NA SBL ... New Naim mid/bass driver, new internal foam 1995


You will also find, under Serial Numbers:-

quote:
Serial number Year of manufacture

000016 - 006933 1982
006944 - 011998 1983
011999 - 019752 1984
019753 - 026689 1985
026690 - 031999 1986
032000 - 041484 1987
041485 - 049945 1988
049946 - 060867 1989
060868 - 069924 1990
069925 - 076367 1991
076368 - 083272 1992
083273 - 093739 1993
093740 - 105143 1994
105144 - 117211 1995
117212 - 128626 1996
128627 - 139322 1997
139322 - 150454 1998
150455 - 161170 1999
161171 - 2000

This would help you verify the age. (Apparently we haven't reached 2001 or 2002, yet, but that's not likely to cause you a problem!)

I'm told that the older drivers have a fuller sound, new drivers sound somewhat 'tighter'. I think the driver upgrade is about £300?

cheers, Martin