Jon,
If you haven't done this in a while, clean the SBL tweeter's 4 mm male plugs (as well as all the other xover plugs) via insertion ten times or so and followed by a buff with a dry paper towel.
When I received a freshly refurbed CDS2 from Nana to replace my dying CDS I immediately noticed an extremely distorted top-end that wasn't present with my CDS or 101 tuner--it was only present with the "new" CDS2. I almost sent my new CDS2 back for diagnostics until out of desperation, I cleaned the one set of connectors I always neglected during the quarterly ritual--the tweeter connectors.
As you know, they are a PIA to remove and reinsert if hard back against the wall. Well, after cleaning the tweeter connectors and firing up the CDS2 again I was quite shocked. Not only had all the distortion disappeared but the top-end seemed more extended and detailed than it ever had with the CDS mk 1 or 101 tuner. I'm still scratching my head why this would be the case at least with two digital source that pretty much filter out info right above 20K in the same fashion (and more importantly at slighty lower frequencies a fifty year old man probably shouldn't hear either); however, it completely eliminated the distortion!
Just an idea that might bring some life and sparkle back to your SBLs for the interim even if you still decide to ditch them down the road.
regards,
dave
Hi Dave; thanks for the tip - you're right, getting the Naim plug out for the tweeter to clean the pins is a right PITA. Consequently it is probably some time - like at least a year - since I've done them; the crossover/main input plugs get cleaned usually about 2-4 times per year. The leads (no longer NACA 5 as they were sold(?)/included with the 180) are terminated in gold plated bananas, so not quite so prone to needing a touch up/in-out/scrape/clean as the nickel plated Naim ones.
I appreciate the apparent dichotomy between Naim SBL's and Sony.
However there are two principle reasons for this.
Whilst the SBL's don't compliment the digital Sony in terms of it's formidable tonal palette and lifelike spatial perspectives, they do however do dynamics rather well - always a Naim strength.
The big Sony is a gorgeous and seductive ballerina in tights compared to my previous Naim re dynamics, which was more like a builder in steel toe capped boots covered in mud, if you'll forgive the analogy. Consequently, the big Sony with it's blinding fast, quicksilver dynamics, results in a presentation of musical line and emotion that is more beguiling and involving to a level that my previous kit could not begin to approach.
Lastly, it is one of cost. I already own a superb amp, so selling off the Naim electronics, whilst with a measure of regret, did not leave me lacking in terms of sound or quality. However, it was also a lesson in that what may apply in the UK re resale value, and overall value (RRP cost new minus effective resale price commanded) does not hold water outside the UK.
Lets just say that despite being in absolutely as new mint condition with no marks or blemishes, complete with all boxes and manuals etc, it effectively sold for a pittance. Indeed before being auctioned off on ebay, it languished in a shop waiting for a hopeful buyer for nigh on 6 months. The reality is that Naim is an orphan here, and as such is exceptionally difficult to sell. Also the global used market courtesy of ebay and the internet means that what one paid for it new, with exchange rates, air - freight to the other side of the world, wholesaler and dealer markup, and luxury goods tax, bears no relation to the price that can be expected when resale time comes. It is always the global, or in this case UK second hand market that sets the price.
Bear in mind, that Naim purchased new here costs not just more or less double the UK pound (roughly converting to Australian dollars) but around 3.5 times by the time all the aforementioned outstretched hands along the way have taken their cut.
So I will almost inevitably have to accept a very large loss, and unfortunately, whilst the SBL's have their faults, they also do some things very well, and will be hard to replace. And of course, I will be relying upon sale price to some degree to assist with funding a replacement, now that I am an impecunious student.
I have already made up my mind that if I decide to sell, I will adopt either of two methods. If the price they command is a pittance, I will either keep them and use them as back surrounds, OR (you will like this..lol) I will put them out in the street, cut them up, set fire to them, and with a VERY BIG sign saying Naim rocks, film the flames, and put it on you tube. Of course, to spare the ignomy and bad publicity, someone could make me a fair offer for a mint pair of walnut SBLs!
Nah, only having a wind up on that one, but I have to say the resale price here considering what one paid new, is a complete joke. So much for high end Audio (and not picking on Naim in particular). Full of religious reverence when you buy, and last years worthless junk when you sell. Was luxury goods consumption ever any different?....LOL High End audio is such a con in so many areas unfortunately IME.
But that's life, and no point in whining about it, just move on and learn from ones' mistakes.
Apologies about the rant...
Anyone want to buy some mint Walnut SBL's, Mark 11 variety, complete with all boxes, manuals, templates etc, in absolutely mint nick? :JOEL:
Heh, I'll go an pour another glass of that lovely red I opened a while back...:SLEEP:
Best Regards
Jon....
