Naim NBLs V Kef Reference 5

I'm pleased you brought my attention to the Reference 5, which I had not heard of previously. What a hideous looking speaker. How could anyone with any aesthetic sensibility whatsoever buy such a thing? I don't think anything much has changed with speakers in the last twenty years or so, apart from adding more drivers and silly shiny bits. 

The NBL's still sound superb to my ears but I haven't heard the Kef Reference 5's.

If at all possible, have a listen to both. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but, I prefer the looks of the large yet understated NBL's.

That was funny...

Being a relative newcomer to the world of Naim, I have no knowledge, or experience, of any of their loudspeakers other than Ovator 400s (which I have only heard, not owned). HH's comment moved me to spend 30 minutes Googling the Naim back catalogue. Now I can't comment at all upon how they sound, but from an aesthetic standpoint there isn't one I would give house room to!! Funny old world, ain't it?

The kefs might fit an industrial aesthetic but seem to be rear ported so will nee to encroach on the room rather. 

Naim speakers should be used with the grills in place, they look much better like that too.

They are really poles apart so an audition really is a must. In this price range i'd be looking at something from the Neat Ultimatum series or the Kudos Titan 707. The NBL's are a very fine (if very demanding of source) speaker so perhaps changes up front would be more appropriate than a change of speakers ?

James

PS - I like the look of the Reference 5, especially in gloss back so I count myself as one of those that lack aesthetic sensibility 

Kind of an odd comparison given that the KEF will be over £10k in all probability whereas the NBL, long discontinued, would be under £2k. I make no comment on comparative sound quality having heard neither.

I'd be in the HH camp looks wise. SWMBO certainly would be.

1. Marksnaim posted:

Kind of an odd comparison given that the KEF will be over £10k in all probability whereas the NBL, long discontinued, would be under £2k. I make no comment on comparative sound quality having heard neither.

I'd be in the HH camp looks wise. SWMBO certainly would be.

Not quite sure you're factually correct here. Given the NBLs cost £6,175 in 2001, I would suggest they'd cost more than the KEFs today, were they still in production. Certainly a fair comparison, if price is any indicator of quality.

My point was related to budget and availability in the here and now. In other words if I was prepared to spend over £10k on a pair of speakers then I'd be unlikely to end up spending less than £2k on an older 2nd hand pair. But that's just me maybe.

But point taken.

I'd just assumed the OP had NBL speakers already and was looking for a change, hence the question. 

That would be a reasonable assumption, given the paucity of information from the OP, who may own an Amstrad for all we know. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

That would be a reasonable assumption, given the paucity of information from the OP, who may own an Amstrad for all we know. 

Whats the hurry ?

Not everyone is living in front of a computer

Give him a day or two to explain further

think the OP has just purchased my mana sound bases, I used to use them under mana brik stands, so there's a fair chance hes got NBL's

Lyndon

b_lund posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

That would be a reasonable assumption, given the paucity of information from the OP, who may own an Amstrad for all we know. 

Whats the hurry ?

Not everyone is living in front of a computer

Give him a day or two to explain further

Maybe it's an Amstrad computer.

In which case he may be some time......

The Reference 1 Standmount would be a better comparative speaker.  They look like something I could love looking at whilst listening. Those classic Naim floorstanders are really standmounts located on or within a larger box anyway.

Kef speakers have always been a bit iffy when it comes to industrial design. The Blade speaker looks like a giant fancy shower gel dispenser, but without that flap out hook you use to hang it up. 

You would have to be some ridiculously wealthy masochist like Trump to entertain the thought of putting together a system behind the Muon flagship speakers !!

Hi Lyndon, Your correct I have just bought your Mana Platforms to stand the NBL's on. "Well Spotted"!

I am sorry you think I may be sitting in front of an Amstrad of which I did own many moons ago Hallibut but I do have some higher tech gear now, hence the quick reply. Regards Chris

Thanks to those of you that have given some good info.

crn6 posted:

Hi Lyndon, Your correct I have just bought your Mana Platforms to stand the NBL's on. "Well Spotted"!

 

Slightly off-topic, what do you think of the Manas? I ask because I've just built a pair of them to go under my DBLs and I'm just contemplating how the dickens I'm going to get them into position!

Tony

dont think he will have them until Wednesday 

i use mana under my DBLs, do you have a pair of the DBL lifters ?, they slide under the speakers on each side and allow you to pick them up

lyndon posted:

Tony

i use mana under my DBLs, do you have a pair of the DBL lifters ?, they slide under the speakers on each side and allow you to pick them up

No, but I'd love to know what they look like Lyndon! At the moment I have to use a pry bar to raise each side in turn. Bit of a fag really.

I would have thought that somebody would have designed a mini 'fork lift truck' type of tool to facilitate moving heavy speakers.  Would be a boon to most hifi dealers, I'm sure, and would help prevent back injuries.  It wouldn't have to be motorised.