quote:

Originally posted by Frank F:
You did however hear SBLs with a 300 and a 500, did the owner try two 300s??

Frank,

I did not ask him.
However, I understand why he used the 500 on the bass unit.

A 500 does have a better authority on the low frequency than a 300. There's no getting around that.

You ought to try the combination yourself and see.

Bob,

“They are only meaningless to those who don't have the engineering knowledge and experience to interpret them. After all, Naim use measurements.”

May I point out my co-editor (at Hifi Magazin, 1979-1992) was one of the best experts around, a leading person at the (obviously state-owned) Hungarian Institute for Measuring Electric Equipments (MEEI) and our cooperation happened due to an appointment with the GM, also a good acquintance to me. Ridiculous it is, my magazin’s technical background was much stronger than that of most if not all audio magazines of the world.

Any time we read on a new measuring method (by Colloms, Matti Otala etc.) we were able to reproduce it on the humble audio available in Hungary that time. As Editor and Mädchen für Alles, it was me who had the job first to understand what was going on during these measurements, then to explaine the points to the public. So I know what I’m talking about.

Otherwise, Naim Audio obviously makes lots of measurements but they never give the result away. Only a raw specification in the User’s Manual.

graphoman

Hi Kuma,

That might be worth trying in a year or two!! The 300s have no problem with the bass here. Other members state that the best amp should be on the treble - the 300??

I am having lots of fun with an Akiva in a Keeled deck with Ekos 2, Lingo 2 and Prefix K. Very fast but not quite as natural as the DV Rua. Both are better than CDS3/555ps though, I can hear the graininess of CD when I compare them. My friend Kaya and her husband agree, it is good to have a second opinion.

BTW I think that the Akiva will go with my 32.5/HC/250/Saras in Warsaw and the Rua will stay here.

Thanks

Frank

quote:

Originally posted by Frank F:
Other members state that the best amp should be on the treble - the 300??

That seems to be the convention, but in reality, I found that's just a guide. You can start there but I'd recommend try both ways to see which works better.

I was expecting out of balance bass out of an SBL with a 500 on the bottom but the system was very well balanced and it was indeed one of the best Naim set up I have heard.

quote:

I am having lots of fun with an Akiva in a Keeled deck with Ekos 2, Lingo 2 and Prefix K. Very fast but not quite as natural as the DV Rua.

I am not surprised by this.
I found the Akiva well-rounded but the midrange seductiveness falls short of other *round-earth* cartridges.
Certainly, I didn't buy it for that.

Hi Tony

Another exciting system to hear the next time Ian & I are in the area (subject to invitation of course).

I would have to say that what you have put together there is, in my view, one of the finest music making systems available today and I look forward to hearing reports either on here or privately from JN & Michael.

I suspect that visits to the family home in Suffolk are going to increase in the foreseeable future.

Warmest regards,

Norman
Partner - UHES

quote:

I suspect that visits to the family home in Suffolk are going to increase in the foreseeable future.

In that case you really must pop in.

You could maybe give us some guidance on future locations for Signals Towers.


Kindest, warmest . . .

Alastair

Norman I am hoping to get over to Tony's in the next few weeks.

Look forward to seeing you again anytime.

quote:

Originally posted by Rodborough:
Hi Tony

Another exciting system to hear the next time Ian & I are in the area (subject to invitation of course).

I would have to say that what you have put together there is, in my view, one of the finest music making systems available today and I look forward to hearing reports either on here or privately from JN & Michael.

I suspect that visits to the family home in Suffolk are going to increase in the foreseeable future.

Warmest regards,

Norman
Partner - UHES

You'd be very welcome anytime guys! ("The Armed Man"'s playing as I type).

quote:

Originally posted by Signals UK :
You could maybe give us some guidance on future locations for Signals Towers.

...but the ideal location's just up the road from you Alastair! The lovely, picturesque BT building at Martlesham Heath! Surprised a man of your considerable wealth hasn't snapped it up yet!

Failing that Alastair..the House in the Clouds, Orford.. what a whacky place to have a dealership! Sorry guys we digress from the thread subject... enough of this frivolity!

quote:

...but the ideal location's just up the road from you Alastair! The lovely, picturesque BT building at Martlesham Heath! Surprised a man of your considerable wealth hasn't snapped it up yet!

Strangely, I did a demonstration in their lecture theatre once. Just after I started up in business. I knew even less then than now and failed to run like hell from the potential disaster that 50 minutes set up in an unknown acoustic could bring. It was dire.

Getting back to the subject of the thread, the SL2s really do polarise opinion. It's not just a room match issue. Those who fail to connect with them (and they all seem to have Focals!) hate them with a passion. For those who get along with them, there is nothing else.

I'm blighted by seeing both sides of the argument, although the SL2s really seem to play the content and emotion rather than revel in the airiness or tonality. Some might call it music versus hifi, but it's not even that simple!

Anyway my thought for the day . . .

Alastair


PS sorry if last post looked a little acidic. I think smilies set me off.

The SL2s are an absolutely top-notch pair of speakers - I can't understand what people could find to dislike about them, beyond the lack of a little bit of bass every now and again.

quote:

Originally posted by Signals UK:
PS sorry if last post looked a little acidic. I think smilies set me off.

Go on Alistair, just try them - they won't hurt!

quote:

So I know what I’m talking about.

Hello graphoman,

I'm sure you do. My remarks were aimed at no-one in particular and certianly not at your good self.

Cheers,

Bob

JonR said:

quote:

The SL2s are an absolutely top-notch pair of speakers

I will drink to that!

Bob

quote:

Failing that Alastair..the House in the Clouds, Orford.. what a whacky place to have a dealership! Sorry guys we digress from the thread subject... enough of this frivolity!

It'd be worth it just to see the delivery man's face.

House in the clouds.


A

Thorpeness!

As this is only five miles from Sizewell, there should be no problems with mains electricity (plus the third arm to help handle the wiring).

James

Hello Bob,

“My remarks were aimed at no-one in particular”

The points is that all measurements in reviews are irrelevant, independently from the reader’s knowledge. Naim Audio has allways been one to understand it.

Cheers, graphoman

Yikes, James...the mind boggles.... a dedicated spur direct from the power station!

quote:

a dedicated spur direct from the power station!

You had better have the right fuse fitted!

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by JonR:
The SL2s are an absolutely top-notch pair of speakers - beyond the lack of a little bit of bass every now and again.

Not with one or two 500s driving them they don't!