Reasoned opinions please: keep my old Kabers or get some old SBLs?
Posted by: Tarquin Maynard - Portly on 16 October 2002
Open to suggestions bearing in mind 2nd hand prices! I like the Kabers, but I'm impressed by what I have heard of the SBLs, do not want to waste dealer time with A/B comparisons.
Just have to tell The Nagger that they ARE still Kabers....
Mike
Just have to tell The Nagger that they ARE still Kabers....
Mike
Posted on: 16 October 2002 by blythe
I personally prefer the SBL's - when I first bought my SBL's the Kabers were the "other" speakers I considered, but I found the SBL's more involving.
I guess a slighty warmer sound, just made me feel more part of the music.....
A wise choice in my opinion.....
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
I guess a slighty warmer sound, just made me feel more part of the music.....
A wise choice in my opinion.....
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 17 October 2002 by Laurie Saunders
SBLs win...every time
Laurie S
Laurie S
Posted on: 17 October 2002 by Bosh
Have the SL2s gone back yet? If so what is the final verdict, or are you waiting to hear the NBLs in Salisbury?
Posted on: 17 October 2002 by David C
Mike,
I think that there is little difference between Kabers and SBL's overall, they both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Different presentations. SBL's would be a sideways move rather than an all round signifiant upgrade. The biggest problem with Kabers is that they love power. When I had them I took them active and that was magical. The downside is that is quite an expensive route. I used two 250's and two 135's which gave a very good result. I eventually replaced mine with Quads. Other speakers worthy of mention are te Dynaudios, particularly the Confidence series, although 135's will probably spit a dummy at driving them.
Regards
David
I think that there is little difference between Kabers and SBL's overall, they both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Different presentations. SBL's would be a sideways move rather than an all round signifiant upgrade. The biggest problem with Kabers is that they love power. When I had them I took them active and that was magical. The downside is that is quite an expensive route. I used two 250's and two 135's which gave a very good result. I eventually replaced mine with Quads. Other speakers worthy of mention are te Dynaudios, particularly the Confidence series, although 135's will probably spit a dummy at driving them.
Regards
David
Posted on: 17 October 2002 by blythe
The SL2's went back yesterday :-(
(that was Wednesday)
The final verdict is that they are a superb speaker and undoubtedly better than the SBL in almost every area.
Having said that, I'm in no way disapointed to be back with my SBL's they are such a great speaker.
They do sound (and are) smaller.
The treble is better on the SL2.
The bass is better in the SL2 - still controlled and not "lagging" behind.
The sound stage is bigger on the SL2 - they sounded bigger, wider, more open.
The timing is the same with both speakers.
Mid range and vocals were still dynamic, very detailed, revealing etc. One or two CD's I felt that maybe a better front end would sweeten things further - hence looking forward to hearing some of the new gear when I go to hear the NBL's!
The bottom line I suppose is: "Would I buy the SL2?"
The answer is a definite YES!
However, I am going to wait until I've heard the NBLs at Salisbury - and also listen to (I hope) a CDX2 and 252 and decide whether or not to blow a silly amount of money.
Basically, the SL2's were so good, it's re-ignited my interest in my system - after all, it's about 4 years since I did anything significant, which was going active with my SBLs.... (2x250's)
Looks like an expensive Christmas coming up :-(
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
(that was Wednesday)
The final verdict is that they are a superb speaker and undoubtedly better than the SBL in almost every area.
Having said that, I'm in no way disapointed to be back with my SBL's they are such a great speaker.
They do sound (and are) smaller.
The treble is better on the SL2.
The bass is better in the SL2 - still controlled and not "lagging" behind.
The sound stage is bigger on the SL2 - they sounded bigger, wider, more open.
The timing is the same with both speakers.
Mid range and vocals were still dynamic, very detailed, revealing etc. One or two CD's I felt that maybe a better front end would sweeten things further - hence looking forward to hearing some of the new gear when I go to hear the NBL's!
The bottom line I suppose is: "Would I buy the SL2?"
The answer is a definite YES!
However, I am going to wait until I've heard the NBLs at Salisbury - and also listen to (I hope) a CDX2 and 252 and decide whether or not to blow a silly amount of money.
Basically, the SL2's were so good, it's re-ignited my interest in my system - after all, it's about 4 years since I did anything significant, which was going active with my SBLs.... (2x250's)
Looks like an expensive Christmas coming up :-(
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Thanks to all for comments.
Looks like SBLs might be a sideways move; strengths to be had from both speakers. Have heard comments similar to Kabers being power hungry before; comment made also is that they do respond very well to improvements upline.
Ku Stone might be an option - does anyone have a spare set / know how I can get hold of some? Spoke to my local Audio T in Reading recently, they where good enough to phoen Linn about bringing my Kabers up to current spec. The impression we got from Linn was that you can upgrade to current spec but fidgit fidgit......did'nt seem keen to get involved. Understandable maybe. I would not want to try a home dem from a dealer as I would only go second hand - seems the way forwards until I win The Lottery.
The other point about the Kabers is that The Nagger is used to them....
Thanks, keep the comments coming!
Mike
Looks like SBLs might be a sideways move; strengths to be had from both speakers. Have heard comments similar to Kabers being power hungry before; comment made also is that they do respond very well to improvements upline.
Ku Stone might be an option - does anyone have a spare set / know how I can get hold of some? Spoke to my local Audio T in Reading recently, they where good enough to phoen Linn about bringing my Kabers up to current spec. The impression we got from Linn was that you can upgrade to current spec but fidgit fidgit......did'nt seem keen to get involved. Understandable maybe. I would not want to try a home dem from a dealer as I would only go second hand - seems the way forwards until I win The Lottery.
The other point about the Kabers is that The Nagger is used to them....
Thanks, keep the comments coming!
Mike
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by Mr_Sukebe
Mike>
As a fellow owner of Kabers, and having listened to some other interesting gear recently, I'd suggest that they are a good all round speaker, sitting somewhere between the Naim extremes of brilliant speed and tunefullness and the hi-fi sound of things of being nice, full range etc.
From everything I've heard, seen and read, I'd suggest that they will happily support a very good front end without too many problems, so chances are you're probably better off putting upgrade money into that area.
What is your present front end/amp?
As a fellow owner of Kabers, and having listened to some other interesting gear recently, I'd suggest that they are a good all round speaker, sitting somewhere between the Naim extremes of brilliant speed and tunefullness and the hi-fi sound of things of being nice, full range etc.
From everything I've heard, seen and read, I'd suggest that they will happily support a very good front end without too many problems, so chances are you're probably better off putting upgrade money into that area.
What is your present front end/amp?
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by Not For Me
I am told that my Kabers are the weakest link in my system, but it seems that any significant improvement will cost SL2 type money i.e. £5,000 ish, which needs some serious thinking about.
I have pinched the Ku-stone stands off my Keleildhs and put them on the Kabers, and also put them on Mana stands, all of which tighten up the bass. I haven't done the drive unts as yet, waiting to see what to do.
I would be interested to know where you go from them.
DS
OTR - Front Row
I have pinched the Ku-stone stands off my Keleildhs and put them on the Kabers, and also put them on Mana stands, all of which tighten up the bass. I haven't done the drive unts as yet, waiting to see what to do.
I would be interested to know where you go from them.
DS
OTR - Front Row
Posted on: 19 October 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Sukebe:
What is your present front end/amp?
Hi Mr_Sukebe
amplification via 82/Hicap/135s; input from LP12/Arkiv/Ekos/Lingo, Rega planet CDP. Other upgrade thoughts seem to lead to Supercap...
Mike
Posted on: 04 November 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Thanks to all for comment; looks like I will keep the Kabers and upgrade cartridge to Arkiv Boron or poss Arkiva after Christmas.
Mike
Mike
Posted on: 04 November 2002 by Mick P
Mike
I am in Swindon just a few minutes off Junction 15 of the M4.
I have a set of SBL's powered off a 250 in my dining room system.
You are welcome to have a listen.
Regards
Mick
I am in Swindon just a few minutes off Junction 15 of the M4.
I have a set of SBL's powered off a 250 in my dining room system.
You are welcome to have a listen.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 04 November 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
quote:
Originally posted by Mick Parry:
You are welcome to have a listen.
Regards
Mick
Mick
How kind. I feel I will almost certainly stay with the Kabers but would be delighted to come down and check the alignment of your wallpaper ( pace " Who is Mick Parry? " thread ) not to mention listen to the vast collection of Anglo Jock hi fi boxes in your house.
Drop me an email if still OK with you.
Regards
Mike