SBL setup ( again I know)

Posted by: David S Patterson on 30 September 2018

I just could not resist it. A mk11 pair of SBL speakers in remarkable condition. Carefully brought into the family home transported wrapped in duvet and pillows. (how many of us have done that over the years).

Ive had SBLs before, earlier much earlier models non fully veneered, rusty metalwork punctured pads and bass box spikes punched deep into the lower box. And I didn't like the sound they made mainly due to the lack of bass and bright balance.

So why try again, well I'm in a different house, I like a challenge, I also like to have a different perspective on the music I listen too every so often, basically I like a change every so often, I think it can make you appreciate what you have more without expensive upgrades always on your mind.

OK so the SBLs are home in one piece, well two each actually, as the bass box and lower section have stayed bonded together by the silicon seal. But this in itself has worried me. I have a full kit to reseal and repad the speakers and this is where I would really appreciate any knowledge tips opinions. Even seperating the two boxes without damaging upper and lower sections. ( I think the current seal may have been over liberally applied with silicon) Am I wrong in thinking the speakers work best with a seal made using the least necessary amount of silicon so the interface is keft to an absolute minimum.

I'd appreciate any knowledge to help me with the best setup.

Thanks

David

Posted on: 30 September 2018 by Alley Cat

David S Patterson posted:
I just could not resist it. A mk11 pair of SBL speakers in remarkable condition. Carefully brought into the family home transported wrapped in duvet and pillows. (how many of us have done that over the years).

Oh that sounds so familiar - my SBL mid/bass sections are in storage - they're bloody heavy and difficult to transport and I'm trying to pluck up the courage to move them back padded out by old duvets/pillows in the car boot. It's less than a mile from the storage unit but those darned sleeping policemen are eveywhere....

Posted on: 30 September 2018 by hungryhalibut

SBLs should only be transported with the bass box removed, to avoid making the spikes bite into the wood. In this case though, as there is loads of silicone, they may well be ok.

When the new gasket has been stuck onto the bottom box, the trick is to add a line of silicone just wide enough to join the gasket to the upper box. The silicone should not join the wood of the two boxes, as it wrecks the effect of the isolating spikes. Before adding the silicone you should smear a little bit of washing up liquid on both the gasket and the bottom of the bass box. This makes getting them apart far easier.

As for getting them apart, a wooden spatula is your friend.

Posted on: 01 October 2018 by Bob the Builder

I just tried some SBL Mk1's with Mk 2 Bass drivers they were very poorly set up basically wheeled in put against a wall and connected up and I have to say for the money they are the best speakers I've heard unfortunately my other half would'nt give them house room not even in the spare room.

Posted on: 01 October 2018 by Christopher_M

In your avatar, David, the SBLs look a bit close together.

IMO it is vital that when the bottom boxes are placed, attention is paid to levelling them and spiking them hard to the floor before any gasket replacing, siliconing, etc. From experience, once each speaker has been completely assembled, you don't want to be moving them because the position in the room is not right.

Enjoy your music from these superb speakers.

Posted on: 01 October 2018 by Suzy Wong

Transported mine from Maidenhead to Fareham, fully built in their boxes - laid flat (front uppermost), one in the boot, one on the back seat. Seals remained intact judging by the “push test”, no rocking/movement of the two lower boxes, just had to re-align the tweeter box slightly.

Sound superb.

Posted on: 01 October 2018 by David S Patterson

Thanks

Assembly in position makes allot of sense. Is as close to rear wall as is possible the rule. And is there a torque rating for the treble unit 'legs'

Posted on: 01 October 2018 by Stephen packer

I've had SBLs for a couple of years, the latest pair were the ones mentioned above by Bob the Builder. I had removed the tweeter boxes and carefully laid the speakers on their backs in my car.

One of the seals broke during the journey and I had been a bit concerned about how fiddly they would be. I took the broken seal one apart and the metal pads weren't damaged and thetvasket was in good condition.

So I just cleaned up and removed the old silicone i had some of the 'right' silicone and after applying washing up liquid to the gasket and bottom of the bass box I put a bead around the seal (as described in the SBL manual). Put the speakers together (in position) and left for an hour or so before I fitted the tweeter box.

It really wasn't that difficult. Or I was very lucky. I have used silicone gasket goo on engines quite a bit so squeezing it out wasn't a new activity for me but frankly I'd be happy to do it again if I had to. I didn't bother with the other speaker since the seal was there and the driver responded correctly to a gentle push.

The only 'problem' I'm left with is whether to keep the MK1 pair.

Posted on: 02 October 2018 by carruthers esq.

David

Glad you got them home safely, I hope you enjoy them as much I have!

Posted on: 03 October 2018 by David S Patterson

Currently on holiday and unable to progress the install.

"David

Glad you got them home safely, I hope you enjoy them as much I have."

How do your replacements compare out of interest.

Posted on: 03 October 2018 by carruthers esq.

David S Patterson posted:
Currently on holiday and unable to progress the install.
"David
Glad you got them home safely, I hope you enjoy them as much I have."
How do your replacements compare out of interest.

Early days and not much time to play so hard to evaluate, but i had already conceded they wouldn’t be better than the SBL’s!