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Anyone owns the mbl 116?

Hi folks :)

I'd like to hear from people who own or have demo'd the mbl 116 speaker in their homes.. What is your experience with this speaker? What electronics did you use? Please also describe your room setup and dimensions if possible.

I have listened to the full Noble Line setup at my dealer rather extensively and I like it a whole lot.

I'm strongly considering buying the mbl 116 and a complete mbl electronics setup (6010D pre-amp, 8011AM or 9007 amps, 15xx or 16xx CD+DAC). In case you are wondering why I'm looking at the 116 and not the 101E: it's because of a limited room size (13' x 18' x 8'). I think this is too small for the 101E, unfortunately, but I know that the 116 works well in small to medium size rooms.

Any insights you may be able to give me would be greatly appreciated.
osgorth

Showing 2 responses by osgorth

osgorth OP
109 posts
 
I have heard the 116 with the ASR Emitter II Exclusive, and that was very good.. Until we plugged in the MBL 8011AM monoblocks into an MBL pre-amp, that is. They were a LOT better than the ASR! Everything improved, and not subtly either. I was quite surprised to be honest, it sounded fine with the ASR but with the MBL amps, I realized I had been listening to recordings on the ASR, but now I was listening to the real events. Very brutal difference, I felt. Impressive. :) Especially considering the 8011AM's cost less than the ASR, and the fact that the ASR is a great amp on its own (it really is, I've listened to it extensively before).

Dave_ptr: I had the same opinion early on, the MBL sound takes some getting used to since it's not "thrown at you" as it is with all dynamic speakers. Brief demonstrations can be anything but impressive, but they sure grow on you. At least they do on me, I'm hooked & I've ordered them now. :)

I wouldn't call the MBL amps "warm", Simonw. I'd rather call them dead quiet, very dynamic & VERY "natural". I have not heard your Ayre monos, but I'm sure they could work. Hopefully you can audition the 116 in your home?
osgorth OP
109 posts
 
Congrats Simon! :)

I have ordered them as well, should be getting them late March if all goes well.

As for cables, the best I've heard so far is a silver/copper hybrid cable as interconnect (balanced) that my dealer makes, and Audience Au24. That's a great match, very neutral and natural-sounding. You might want to look for similar stuff. Send me an email and we can stay in touch when I get my gear, and we can exchange experiences on this - I'm planning to try a bunch of cables when they're finally here. :)
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