Difference between Burmester 979 and MBL 1521A

Himiguel, I just added the MBL 1521A to my system and I'm delighted with what it has added to the overall sonic performance with my Accustic Arts Tube Hybrid DAC. If you want more details regarding the 1521A's sonics, either go to my review of AA DAC or my system here on the GON.

To answer your question directly, I believe the MBL transport has as much musicality as either the CEC TL-0 or the Burmester 979, but offers much "punch" in the lower end and generally better macrodynamics across the board.

As a happy owner of the MBL 1621A transport, I'll say you can't go wrong with the MBL. Coupled to a nice DAC (like MBL's own DACs, they are fantastic at all price points) I strongly doubt you'll ever need a new Red Book front end.

The 1521+1511 combo is quite close to the 1621+1611. They basically sound the same but the 16xx's just goes that extra step. If you can't afford them, don't compare the two.. The 15xx combo is wonderful in its own right, and compares favorably to most other digital sources I've heard.

Osgorth, could you further elaborate on the differences between the 15xx and
16xx combos? What digital sources actually surpassed either or both combos?
Slam at the bottom end as well as an overall relaxed sound are very important to
me.

The 16xx duo has that extra bit of refinement I'd say. When you go from 15xx to the 16xx in the same setup, it's like you go from "this is great!" to "ahhh.." ;)

The presentation has more air, the resolution is slightly better, and it all sounds so natural and real. The relaxed sound you mention, I've never heard it better than this. Plenty of slam too, when the music allows.

Honestly, the differences are not huge, but then again they are. Sorry for being vague, but it's difficult to describe.

See, when you listen to the 15xx setup, it's not as if you're missing something. They are truly great, make no mistakes about that. But, when you move up to the 16xx, you realize that there were in fact something missing before. Something holding the music back. Hard to put the finger on it, but it's clear as day when you do the A/B.

This might differ in mixed setups - I've only listened to them in an all-MBL chain. Which is absolutely recommended too, the MBL synergy is huge.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure if I've actually helped you here. I find it hard to talk about the sound of MBL gear because there's not much to describe. All their gear is very coherent, and the differences are various grades of refinement and resolution. I think what you need to do is to arrange for an audition, and hear for yourself what I'm struggling to describe. :)