2. speakers
  3. 148052-110812

MBL 101 (~1990) - amp suggestions.

Does anybody have experience with those speakers:
Designation was MBL 101, or MBL 101a/b/c (letters may designate colour).
They have _no_ cone drivers, only three 'Radialstrahler' units, the same size units as in later/current MBL 101 range, but lower crossover points. Subwoofers (MBL 201) were optional, I do not have them.
So far I have tried the following amps:
Pass Aleph 4: almost there, but feels like lacking authority. Also, female vocals seem to suffer (males fare better).
300B SET (glasshouse/hificollective): they make sound, even loud if pushed (circuit allows 300B to go A2), yet the match is poor, orchestra becomes a mess.
Moderate power SS AB amp ("INnovative Audio Ultrapath"): pointless. Sounds flat and gutless, worse than Aleph 4 or SET.
Mark Levinson 23: the best match so far. Controlled and effortless; merciless at times (poorer recordings are exposed for what they are).
-- Do you think I can [substantially] improve over ML 23?

inefficient

Showing 5 responses by rauliruegas

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rauliruegas
12,863 posts
 
Dear @inneficient :  The 20.6's double its power ( 100 watts at 8ohms. ) from 8ohms to 1 ohm, goes from 100 to 800w and 400 at 2ohms.

Do it a favor and don't put in the signal " road " transformers7autoformers and the like: can't improve that music signal.

This is other great alternative:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9cid4-spectral-dma-360-ref-solid-state

R.
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rauliruegas
12,863 posts
 
Dear @georgehifi  : The non-Evo Antileon even today is a good choice. I never herad the Evo but certainly is way $$$$$$ higher than the " old " Antileon.

R.
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rauliruegas
12,863 posts
 
Dear @inefficient : I forgo, I heard twice those MBL speakers one time in ahome audio system paired with Music Reference tube amps and the other at a distributor paired with SS electronics.

The system with the MR sounds good but nothing more in change the ones with SS electronics really makes the speakers shines.

The MBL's performs better at over average listening SPL and even the manufacturer ask for amps over 200 watts.

From my point of view of MUSIC home reproduction tubes never can honor MUSIC. Can " sounds " but that's all.

Of course that each music lover/audiophile has its own priorities and choices according to.

R.
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rauliruegas
12,863 posts
 
Dear @inefficient: My first ML amp was the 23 followed by the 23.5 ( that I choosed over that Krell you mentioned. ) and 20.5's and 20.6's.

From those times were excelent designs and between them Threshold S500 II and S5000e, believe it or not are a challenge for any today Pass ones.

You need to take a look to the Parasound monobloks JC1. I listened paired with different big speakers: top of the line Soundlabs, the big Dynaudio and  Magico. Very good with either.

The ML33's has very good engeneering but its performance has not the design levels.

I never heard these Electrocompanient but I owned its electronics and are very good designs:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d7a3-2-each-electrocompaniet-nemo-aw600-monoblocks-amplifiers

I forgot another very good choice could be the Gryphon Antileon where I have too first hand experiences.

Have fun in your hunt.

R.
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rauliruegas
12,863 posts
 
Dear @inefficient: Which your $$$ floor level for it.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.





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