I heard MBL speakers at a shop in the UAE. The set up was bad and they were unimpressive. I have heard German Physics speakers at few shows and have been very impressed. You could walk into the "soundstage" and the placement of the instruments was stable. A few years ago I heard a rebuilt pair of Ohm Walsh 5. They were a bargain in omnis. Good luck on your journey.
Replacing My Maggie 3.6R
Many of you know I have been a Magnepan fan for a long time with my first pair of 2.6's in the 90's. As I evolved to prefer tube power with these speakers I upgraded to the 3.6R, Manley Neo Classic Amps and Vandersteen 2W Sub. About two years ago I added stereo Rel's and truly thought the quest was over. Over the years I have tried to move on from Magnepan but could never find a box to deliver the soundstage and imaging. I've listened to Revel, B&W, Focal, KEF, Harbeth among others. More recently listened to Acora, Joseph Audio, and Magico and many other A listers. I came close with SF Amati and even closer with Vimberg Mino, with the Mino's just out of my financial reach. I then attended AXPONA 2024 for the first time and listened too so many I've forgotten, but I did listened to MBL's and I was sold!
- ...
- 23 posts total
I've also been a Maggie fan for many decades and have owned several models since the late 70's. I loved the open, airy soundstage and how the speakers disappear, but was always somewhat disappointed with the lack of dynamic impact. I tried a number of dynamic box speakers, but always returned to the Maggies. Until recently. Several years ago, I tried open baffle speakers and have now found my nirvana. |
Love the feedback as always. I did order a pair of the MBL 116F. I had them in my room for two weeks and threw everything at them digital and analog. To my ears I heard drastic improvements in imaging and sound-stage depth which actually surprised me. The MBL's delivered the slam/dynamics that my Maggies never could deliver on. And finally they are a "normal size" speaker. The true test came after the MBL's were picked up and returned. I honestly missed listening to them and my Maggies didn't quite do it for me anymore................the journey continues |
German Physiks, as mentioned by @g2the2nd , are a solid pick. Single driver, beautiful airy highs and soundstage. But very expensive compared to Maggies. Nevertheless, their Unicorn model is one of the best speakers I've heard. But it's expensive and has looks only a mother can love. |
Xagwell... You say you " ordered " a pair of MBL's...and used them for a few weeks, and they met all your expectations... then they were picked up and returned... What happened... did they suddenly no longer meet your expectations, or perhaps had mechanical issues which necessitated their return... Just curious..... |
- 23 posts total