Naim Speakers

The debate has run for as long as Naim have been making speakers. Even some Naim dealers will try to put customers off. The trouble with the older ones, such as the SBL, is that they have to be assembled and are tricky to move, which made it hard for dealers to sell them. But once in your house, the fact they go near the wall means they are actually very easy to get sounding good. The other misplaced belief is that they don't do bass. My take on that is that many other speakers don't do good bass. The thing is, a lot of people think loads of bass is a good thing. When well set up the speakers can be really excellent. Of course there are many excellent speakers out there, some of which do things better, and some worse, than Naim speakers. 

Anyway, I'm pleased that my little system has got you thinking: maybe you should find the opportunity to listen to some Naim speakers then you can see if you love or loathe them.

If people had the misconception that older Naim speakers don't or couldn't do bass then they never heard DBL's or NBL's for that matter.

I've been around Naim and hifi a long time. The impression I get is that the new range of speakers is quietly selling in greater numbers than previous models.

The greatest barrier to customers enjoying Naim speakers at home has often been dealers who either dismiss all Naim's loudspeaker attempts (Naim make excellent amplifiers but .....) and/or those who haven't been able to set up a convincing demonstration in their shop. You cannot sell what you can't demonstrate.

I have pointed out that several customers managed to insist on home dems of, say, SL2s - very often resulting in a purchase and a delighted owner.

Also - each range of Naim speakers attracts a vociferous group of nay-sayers who, for reasons mysterious to me, need constantly to reiterate how truly ghastly they are - every time they have heard them and with absolutely every combination of amplification and front end.

Under such circumstances owners have learned to keep quiet about their guilty pleasure - as any ensuing discussion risks being derailed by the usual suspects.

Of course - the moment any range is discontinued through lack of sales - it becomes an unsung marvel and "Why, oh why did Naim stop making them. I for one one would pay £x pounds for them if only they would make them again" - even though I never would while they were current.

The more independent minded among us buy them - despite the forum and some dealers. There hasn't been a Naim speaker that couldn't show merit if treated with a little love.

(Yes - I include the Arivas).

I have NBLs and they have plenty of bass. Naim speakers were never prevalent in the US. I listened to Credos, Arrivas, Allaes, and never thought they were a great value due to price. They N-stats were good but I did not want stand mounts. Once I listened to NBLs I was convinced of the synergy with Naim amps and cd players. Would love to hear DBLs but very rare I imagine.

Sorry! I hope you have Powerlines on them both. 

Out of interest, which speakers are you using at the moment?

I think this precisely sums-up the present situation. 

I will now return to guilty sonic pleasures from 'speakers which must not be Naimed'.

DB.

In this case I would suggest you get a demo. You can then judge by yourself. Best, nbpf 

+3

The previous owner of my speakers traded them in for some Kudos Super 20s......

That's the spirit! Our next joint adventure will be the addition of an XPS DR.....

I have demoed Kudos S20 and Naim S-400. I found the S20 impressive but I preferred the S-400 for low-volume, non-fatiguing listening. If you are happy with the c20 there is perhaps little point in demoing the 'marmite'. Best, nbpf

One can never have too much Marmite. Yum.

Absolutely.

...or Allaes.

I have had both NBLs and DBLs (at the same time) - I sold my NBLs due to lack of space (too much Hifi - not enough rooms) but they are a fantastic speaker.

The DBLs are something else - what's really scary is what they do with a Statement driving them, even passively. We installed a Statement onto a set of DBLs for a customer not too long ago and I really didn't want to leave!

Phil

'Even passively?' That's really slumming it - I suppose you had to sell the NBLs to make room for the NAP S1 six pack.  

If only... *sigh*

Phil

I never understood the trashing of Naim speakers, even from Naim owners.  (And has been pointed out, dealers as well.)  Maybe you might like something different, but I never heard them as "bad." ("Bad speaker, bad!")

I had SBLs for years and I thought they did bass just fine.  I also had heard the NBLs, Credos and Intros.  Never got to hear the SL2s, which seems to be the most venerated speaker they ever made. (Well perhaps except for the DBL...but I am thinking in terms of something I could actually possibly afford!)

Adam; the "usual suspects"?  Oh, do tell!

Recently moved from Rega RS5 to Naim Credo; they are nearly 17 years old, but I love them.  It only made sense if I was building a Naim system to use Naim speakers, I'm not unhappy I switched.

RS5 were great, just liked being deep into the room...the Naim speakers push up against the wall very tightly which I like.  Also the standard Naim speaker ends just work.  Very happy with the new openness of the bass, and love them even at low volume (thought I can never decide what volume I like as an album plays).

There are a few things in my system which I really have no desire to tinker with for a long while...and frankly I'm relieved as this allows me to focus on other components:  Turntable wall rack, speaker wire, speakers, phono stage.

This leaves me with only Pre/Power amp (happy here), DAC, streamer?, turntable, cartridge, power supplies and power cables to worry about.