I've heard them on several occasions at the CES in Las Vegas. Admittedly this probably wasn't an ideal setting, but they do some things extremely well. The sweet spot is huge, the presentation is smooth and velvety - maybe even creamy. They have very realistic timbre and articulation. They do not excel at recreating dynamic contrasts, but they do not sound like boxes.
Now, one thing I do remember is the big amplifiers they were driving these beasts with. The amplfiers were about 1/3 the size of a twin bed mattress, and as I recall were rated at around 800 watts per channel into the Radialstrahler's 4-ohm load. I believe these speakers are somewhat less efficient than even the notorious Sound Labs.
I think MBL has recently introduced a new version of the Radialstrahler, so older models ought to be showing up from time to time at a good price.
Different people are sensitive to different inadequacies, so until somebody builds the perfect loudspeaker, it's a matter of picking your poison; that is, picking the speaker that not only makes the magic happen for you, but also whose inadequacies are relatively benign to your ears. The MBL's make a lot of magic happen for me - the textures are rich and creamy; the presentation is like being wrapped up in velvet; and they sound great from anywhere in the room. On the other hand, I would like a bit more dynamic contrast. That being said, the Radialstrahlers are a very easy and relaxing speaker to listen to, and I suspect that Radialstrahler owners spend a more time than most to music.
Best wishes,
Duke
Now, one thing I do remember is the big amplifiers they were driving these beasts with. The amplfiers were about 1/3 the size of a twin bed mattress, and as I recall were rated at around 800 watts per channel into the Radialstrahler's 4-ohm load. I believe these speakers are somewhat less efficient than even the notorious Sound Labs.
I think MBL has recently introduced a new version of the Radialstrahler, so older models ought to be showing up from time to time at a good price.
Different people are sensitive to different inadequacies, so until somebody builds the perfect loudspeaker, it's a matter of picking your poison; that is, picking the speaker that not only makes the magic happen for you, but also whose inadequacies are relatively benign to your ears. The MBL's make a lot of magic happen for me - the textures are rich and creamy; the presentation is like being wrapped up in velvet; and they sound great from anywhere in the room. On the other hand, I would like a bit more dynamic contrast. That being said, the Radialstrahlers are a very easy and relaxing speaker to listen to, and I suspect that Radialstrahler owners spend a more time than most to music.
Best wishes,
Duke