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The SL2 is a compact package of speed, precision and musical coherence
It represents an extension of the Naim loudspeaker design philosophies that were pioneered fourteen years ago with the release of the original Naim SBL, wherein separate boxes are used for the bass unit and its loading chamber.
The two cabinets are separated by a PAR (precision acoustic resistance), a Naim innovation that ensures consistent and accurate loading of the bass drive unit, irrespective of loudness, providing an ideal acoustic performance not possible in conventionally configured loudspeakers. The larger cabinet acoustically loads the bass-mid driver giving the precision and control of a small loudspeaker combined with the power, bandwidth and dynamic range of a much larger box.
Cabinet colorations and resonances are further controlled and reduced by the application of Naim's thermally stable aluminium mass dampers to the internal walls. The decoupled cast aluminium plinth provides essential stability and controls the critical interface between loudspeaker and floor. A combination of curved and non-parallel surfaces reduces internal standing waves and creates a visually stunning loudspeaker, available in a range of modern, real wood veneers.
The Naim designed and manufactured bass-mid drive unit features a computer modelled aluminium chassis and split-mass aluminium phase plug, improving heat dissipation and providing exceptional power handling over a wide frequency range. The wide-dispersion Scan-Speak tweeter was chosen for its ultimate sound quality after exhaustive comparisons. Another Naim innovation for the SL2 is the arm, attached at the mechanically stable aluminium plinth and totally separate from the rest of the loudspeaker, that holds the tweeter. This provides the ideal mechanical situation for the tweeter, making it completely free of interference from the mid and bass frequencies, allowing for the ultimate high frequency performance.
The passive crossover is decoupled from the rear panel of the speaker by anti-vibration mounts, protecting it from microphonic disturbances. Being sited externally also allows for easy removal and use of the SL2 in fully active systems.
The SL2 is designed to be consistent, easy to set up and ensure high levels of performance in every situation. The virtual absence of cabinet resonance and mechanical interference provides a startling yet totally natural musical clarity. |
