Are the foam grilles on SBL's (and other Naim speakers) part of the design parameters for optimum performance, or are they designed to be optional in use. I have tried listening to them with grilles on and off, and I am not sure whether I am imagining any differences in sound, and more to the point, I seem to prefer them without.
My previous speakers, not Naim, were always used without grilles and definately sounded better, and I'm not sure whether this influences my current view, as I do tend to prefer the look of exposed drivers.
I've recently seen Naim speakers in dem rooms of a dealer without grilles, so do most owners leave them on, or do many prefer them off, or doesn't it make any difference.
Cheers
Ade
Posted on: 20 May 2001 by Martin Payne
Ade,
I believe the foam used is supposed to be acoustically transparent, so shouldn't make much difference.
However, tweeters are quite susceptible to being gunked up with dust, hair, etc, etc, etc.
SBL tweeters are partially upward-facing, so will quickly accumulate a layer of grime.
Best not to run without the grills unless you fancy replacing the tweeters regularly. For info, I understand that Malcolm Stewart (a heavy smoker?) does (did?) this with his SBLs. It does make for a subtle improvement on older speakers.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 20 May 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
The foam grilles are part of the solution in controlling dispersion on the Naim 'speakers that utilise them (IBL / SBL / DBL).
If though you prefer them off though- don't worry too much, just beware of the dust problem.
Andy.
Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com
Posted on: 20 May 2001 by Mick P
Ade
Play the music with the foam off, if thats what you prefer.
Put the foam back when not in use.....no dust problems.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 20 May 2001 by Ade Archer
Mick,
I do make sure I replace the grilles after listening because:
1. It keeps the dust off
2. It keeps 3 year old fingers off (Necessary after a previous near disaster).
I am certain after listening that the grilles aren't acoustically transparent,and the difference is very subtle, but Mr Pig's description seems reasonable in that without grilles there seems a fraction more detail, but a slightly more 'clinical' presentation than with them on.
Cheers
Ade
Posted on: 20 May 2001 by Philip Pang
Ade
The foam grills for the SBLs (NBLs, DBLs for that matter) were designed as an integral aspect of the speaker and contributes to a degree to its sonic performance, as well as its aesthetics, and are therefore not meant to be removed when listening. Leave them on; just make sure that the top and bottom foam grills do not in any way touch - they ought to be physically separate.
Hope this clarifies.
Good listening; the music's still groovin'.
Philip
naimniac for life
