Keeping the DBLs going

Hi Gavin,

I have recently aquired DBLs and would also like to keep them going for as long as possible. Not much out there comes close.

I think that manufacturers links are not allowed here but I can tell you there is a company in the US that do make DBL grill replacements. Just google foam speaker grills and dig around on the site cause its not obvious that they do DBL's but there is a pic of a pair on there.

With regards to drivers, don't think naim have any more mids, not sure if they repair bass drivers either but have heard that the foam bass driver surrounds can be replaced if your ones are starting to rot. Be nice if someone could confirm this.

cant see your pic by the way.

regards,

Mario.

"am pleased to say that despite its small size, the room itself sounds pretty neutral."

What shape and size is the room? Interesting it's not boomy.

Thanks for the response Mario - it took me a while to work out how to get the picture working, so here is the set-up below.

Should have thought of searching Google so this advice is very useful too.

Yes the repair of DBL's was to get the base units re-foamed.  One was damaged during the last installation, but it was probably about time they were done.  It is hard to say exactly what the effect has been, because so much of the set-up was changed from the last configuration.

Gavin

I would estimate it is about 6m wide and 5m deep.  I am sitting facing the 6m wall.  There is a large double door along the length of the 5m section (bottom pic).  On the opposite wall there is desk with a book case in front (top pic).  Behind my listening chair there are some cabinets.  There are not many soft furnishings (carpet aside).

One of the changes I made was to put a beam that protruded from the ceiling back into it.  I changed the location of the door, which is now in the corner.  I did consider soundproofing - but my budget ultimately didn't stretch to that.

It does have a different sound to much of the rest of the house, which I was remarking on.  I suspect this is largely due to not being wooden or tiled floor.

PS. Yes, there are some additional NAIM boxes from an older olive set-up waiting to be set up at some point. 

Congratulations on the DBLs Gavin, they're something really special! Looks like you're running wonky active?

That's right, I have a 300 which I put on the mid.  To my taste, this is the least bad place.

Would be great to upgrade, but I think the most cost effective move would be to add a Supercap DR to my SNAXO - replacing the older olive unit.

Given this is the first time it has all been running properly in the last 2.5 years, I am trying to be patient and enjoy it as it is!

I wonder what parts the factory still has? Phil? Anyone know?

Chris has posted an excellent resource here in the USA for Naim grills - foamspeakergrilles. I purchased a set of SBL grills from them a few years ago and was very happy with the quality and fit. Very reasonable cost as well! 

Good luck,

Mark

That is good to hear.  I am waiting to hear back from them as we speak!

All is sounding a lot better too.  After being 1 year in storage, it seems a bit like running in from new.  Not quite the "timing problems" of a new SNAXO, but it is only now getting that active system dynamism, soundstage improving too.

Is there issues if a system is powered down for long period of time, I have old monoblocs and they have laid idle for 2 years due to house move

Apparently my helpful link was removed.