SBL

About the SBL

The Naim Audio SBL (Separated Box Loudspeaker) is a legendary British Hi-Fi speaker designed for exceptional sound quality and dynamic performance. It features a unique cabinet design comprising three separate enclosures: one for the bass/midrange driver, one for the tweeter, and a third coupled to the bass/midrange enclosure via a precision acoustical resistance. This design provides excellent driver isolation, extended low-frequency performance, and low distortion typically associated with larger cabinets. The SBL uses an 8-inch paper cone bass driver (updated in the Mk2 version) and a Scanspeak tweeter. It supports 75 watts peak power handling, has an impedance of 6 ohms, and a sensitivity of 88 dB, making it easy to drive and suitable for various room conditions. The speakers are capable of blasting loud without distortion and are especially favored for rock and live performance music. They can be upgraded to active operation using the Naim Naxo 2/4 active crossover for enhanced performance. Production ran from 1986 until 2002, and the speakers remain highly regarded for their completeness of design integrating drivers, cabinets, and stands. Dimensions are approximately 27 x 27 x 89 cm (W x D x H), and each speaker weighs about 24 kg. The SBL stands for Separate Box Loudspeaker, reflecting its innovative multi-enclosure design.