Old vs. New Speakers

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jellyheadjeff:
Seeing various Kabers/Briks/SBL's for sale s/h recently how do these stand up to new products in the £1000-£2500 arena. Ideally I'm looking for a fairly smooth treble/deep bass presentation speaker that can go close to the wall at the end of a CDX(maybe soon to be CDS3)/XPS2/52/250 system.

What are forum members experience with these older speakers against within the same ballpark costing new products (Dynaudio/B&W/Linn/Naim etc)?

Jeff

---

I use the B&W Matrix 805V and like them very much. I also use the NAP250 and feel that the amp has enough power for the 805V (but not for the higher models like 804,803,802,etc.). With the NAP 250, the Matrix 805 gives smooth, relax and natural sound. The B&W 805 is a good match for Naim electronics since it provides more natural sound to the system (Naim sound can be very aggressive and forward, unless you use the top of the range models)... and dont you worry, the B&W 805 speakers are not slow they are just not agressive.

I'd forget the Kabers (lacking in warmth and bass IMHO) but still feel SBL's hit the spot and stand up increadibly well to newer designs.

Some people do like them, though from your description, I don't think you would.

If you're anywhere near Birmingham, come and listen to my SBL's if you like.

Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......

I'll try & get a listen of the B&W's although some other threads seem to infer the 805/804/803 etc have a harsh treble? Any basis for this? I was hoping to go for a floor stander - what level of amp is needed for the 804 & 803's? Would a NAP300 do it?

What I was sort of trying to ask was are you better getting a higher end older model than a mid range new offering. For example;
e.g s/h SBL vs. Alleas
s/h Kaber vs. Ninkas
s/h Briks vs. ??
& any others worth considering.

I've very briefly heard SBL's & Alleas on the end of modern CD based systems (quite different to mine so difficult to make a conclusion) but last time I heard Kabers & Briks were on the end of now 10yr+ vinyl systems - how well do these now sit on a revealing CD front end?

Jeff

Just sold my SBLs for £600. Have my reasons for doing so, mainly that I needed the money quickly. IMHO they are far better than the Intro, Credo, Allae speakers, and far far better value second hand. Mine were original Mk1 from the eighties. People contacted me arguing about the price because they had the original mid/bass unit which they felt was inferior to the Mk2 unit. Well, it might be. But the fact remains that they are phenomenally good speakers. The guy who bought them has a bargain. If I'd put them on for more I'd still be arguing with people about Mk1 Vs Mk2. I've seen Mk2 SBLs with wood veneers going on ebay for £700-£900. These are also bargains. SBLs rock, and are one of the best VFM upgrades about when bought second hand.

Noel.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jellyheadjeff:
I'll try & get a listen of the B&W's although some other threads seem to infer the 805/804/803 etc have a harsh treble? Any basis for this? I was hoping to go for a floor stander - what level of amp is needed for the 804 & 803's? Would a NAP300 do it?

What I was sort of trying to ask was are you better getting a higher end older model than a mid range new offering. For example;
e.g s/h SBL vs. Alleas
s/h Kaber vs. Ninkas
s/h Briks vs. ??
& any others worth considering.

I've very briefly heard SBL's & Alleas on the end of modern CD based systems (quite different to mine so difficult to make a conclusion) but last time I heard Kabers & Briks were on the end of now 10yr+ vinyl systems - how well do these now sit on a revealing CD front end?

Jeff

---

I will treat the info about tweeter is a warning but not nessessary true for all cases. My M805 works well. If there is a design problem (or if this is the intention of the design) you can always ask B&W for more info. Reviews on B&W are good especially the Matrix 805 and the new model N805. Second hand speakers are good (and they are usually sold at half their original price or less).

quote:

---

Originally posted by blythe:
I'd forget the Kabers (lacking in warmth and bass IMHO)..

---

Naturally someone differs - I have used Kabers for years and mine sound pretty darn fine to me ( using 82/Super/135s ) and there are some very cheap sets going.

I asked about Kabers vs. SBLs a while a go; consensus seemed to be that there is nothing wrong with what I have so I kept them.

Usual story, let your ears decide...

Mike