Isobariks v NBLs

Posted by: Michael on 20 May 2001

My system at present consists of CDS/CDPS/LINN LP12+LINGO/EKOS/TROIKA/NAC52/2xNAP135s/LINN ISOBARIKS connected with NAIM A5 cable.

I am in the process of having the CD player head unit upgraded to CDSII and the 135's serviced by Naim.

Will be interesting to hear the result when the gear comes home again! The 135s are 15 or so years old and have never been serviced so they should really sing after a visit to the doctors!

My dealer is going to demonstrate NBLs to me in a few weeks as I am interested to hear them as a possible replacement for the "bricks".

Has any other owner with a system similar to mine been there and done that....and if so what did they think?

Posted on: 21 May 2001 by Simon Matthews

I used a 1982 pair of briks for a number of years followed by a 1987 pair up until earlier this year. I replaced them with a pair of passive nbl's. Front end is lp12,aro,lingo,dynavector xx-1, prefix and cds1. amps are nac 52 with single nap 500.

The difference going to nbl's is large and very worthwhile. Briks are great fun but are quite slow by modern standards with an overhanging bass, dropped back mid and an overall lack of finesse.
The nbl's need carefull room placement to let the side facing bass units work as intended. When you get them set up well they do most everything better than briks. Bass is really deep but with control and tune playing ability well in advance of the briks. The mid is wonderfully open and informative and the treble is detailed and sweet. The overall balance of a recording is much better portrayed on the nbl's. Everything knits together and becomes highly addictive.

Give them a good listen, in the context of your system I think they would bring big smiles.

Posted on: 22 May 2001 by Tony L

quote:
Couldn't agree more with Simon's well put analysis

What? I thought you hated NBLs.

Tony.

Who has yet to hear NBLs play music properly (though suspects they can).

Posted on: 22 May 2001 by Dev B

NBL's are great (especially with a six pack)

Posted on: 22 May 2001 by Simon Matthews

"Who has yet to hear NBLs play music properly (though suspects they can)".

You suspect correctly!