Speakers

Posted by: Parlow on 16 November 2016

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers for my Uniti2 (with a budget of about £2000 for small floor speakers or stand mounted) and there's one thing that is driving me absolutely nuts. Speakers are ugly. While I get that form should follow function and I don't want to compromise, too much, just for looks there's just not a whole lot of choice. Kef seem to be trying with the LS50s to marry modern looks and good sound, albeit at a lower price point, but other manufactures seem stuck in 70s with stripy veneers or black.

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by Huge

I for one do not consider them ugly, in fact quite the reverse: I consider the gentle curve of the veneered facade to be most graceful, and complemented by the curve at the top of the grilles - an excellent example of quality design. I consider them to be the most attractive of Naim's speaker designs. The fact that they work positioned against the wall also goes in their favour both aesthetically and practically.

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by Emre

Very neat!

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by ChrisSU

Emre posted:
Very neat!

Yes, they have a certain Kudos!!

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by al9315

AND ! - They sound good too !!!

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by wenger2015

I must say, I absolutely love......... the look of the chair, lovely fabric.... nice design...

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by hungryhalibut

wenger2015 posted:
I must say, I absolutely love......... the look of the chair, lovely fabric.... nice design...

That's the point - my speakers are not your cup of tea, and vice versa. What is the OP after, having auditioned some previously dismissed as horrible looking?

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by nigelb

In my view, the SL2s are the best looking Naim speaker ever made. They complement the room and, as they are designed to be used against a back wall, are discreet.

I have never heard them so can't comment here. But as far as a speaker with a sleek and stylish design that simply 'melts' into a living space is concerned, they cannot be beaten in my book.

You would need that 250 to drive them properly though.

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by wenger2015

Good question..... If the OP doesn't like the look of your speakers or mine.....then theirs no hope for the poor fellow......

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by Erich

Solid Air posted:
How about these beauties?

In case you need:

If they don't come with grilles

Posted on: 19 November 2016 by Timmo1341

nigelb posted:
In my view, the SL2s are the best looking Naim speaker ever made. They complement the room and, as they are designed to be used against a back wall, are discreet.
I have never heard them so can't comment here. But as far as a speaker with a sleek and stylish design that simply 'melts' into a living space is concerned, they cannot be beaten in my book.
You would need that 250 to drive them properly though.

Focal Sopras and most Naim speakers seem to qualify for the Marmite award!! On a personal level they don't appeal looks wise, but as Im a ProAc fan this is only to be expected - a self confessed boring traditionalist I'm afraid. I agree with HH that the OP is going to have his work cut out to satisfy a wish list that appears to be pretty fluid!