sbl—old driver, new driver

Posted by: graphoman on 23 March 2003

I like my sbls and want keep them permanently. They are some 8 years old and came S/H.

However, there is an option of changing the mid/low driver for a newer version. Would you describe (and evaluate) the difference? All opinions are well-comed.

graphoman

Posted on: 23 March 2003 by oldie

I had the "new"bass units fitted into my SBL's some years ago they made a terrific differance at what must be ,apart from cross headed screws
the cheapest upgrade available from Naim the only drawback, and yes there is one ,was being without my wonderful SBL's for about 3 weeks
so without any doupts at all I would advise you to go for it.
Enjoy the music.

Posted on: 23 March 2003 by graphoman

thank you, I may try it in the near future.

graphoman

Posted on: 23 March 2003 by hi fi fo fum

check the date of your SBL some older ones needed to have the baffle of bass driver cabinet enlarged....the new drivers can be refitted in about 2 hr.

Posted on: 24 March 2003 by graphoman

thanks, I’ll check them.

gra-pho-man

Posted on: 24 March 2003 by J.N.

Go for it

My SBL's date from 1992 and I had the new drivers fitted for £300, which was excellent v.f.m.

No negatives; whatsoever - better in every way. I guess it's a bit impractical for you to ship your middle boxes to Salisbury and back?

Do you have a dealer with enough experience to do the job?

It's also worth thinking about replacing the tweeters at the same time, if they're eight years old. Apparently their performance falls off due to picking up air borne detritus, rather than pure use or abuse.

It put the sparkle back into my top end. (And the speakers!)

Posted on: 25 March 2003 by graphoman

there is a Naim dealer in Vienna (2-3 hours from Budapest) I’m familiar with. Though I believe my technician friends would do the job perfectly. I find your suggestions very reasonable since any other parts of the system (others than the drivers) can’t go wrong but I”m afraid the expenses will rise too high. Anyway, if I’ll have the money I’ll go to it.

graphoman