Mribob Quotes: "I am looking to replace my MBL 8011's powering my MBL 111'es; looking for 'warmth' in the highs, and more punch in the base; with detail and openness...I feel my current amps are not quite powerful enough to fully open my low impedence speakers; at 4 ohms..."
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".....at least no one is recommending that I spend even more on the bigger MBL's; or more expensive solid state amps yet.."
You spoke too quickly, I was holding back because you mentioned that the 9008's may be out of your budget, mine too but I didn't let that stop me.
There really aren't that many reviews of the Reference Line MBL 9008A's available on the internet. Since I own a pair, I can tell you that the 9008's have the qualities that you're looking for above. They're a huge step-up from MBL's Noble Line 8011's. They have deep, tight bass, with gobs of resolution and detail, very liquid and coherent from top to bottom, with a very sweet and luscious midrange (however not the best that I've ever heard), and sweet highs. The sound-stage is very deep and wide with excellent imaging and focus. They have unlimited power with great micro and macro-dynamics. The harmonics and decay of the musical notes are stellar. They are also dead quiet. The best compliment that I can give them is that they are very musical and Analog-like, without imparting any electronic signature. I also can't imagine getting a better match for your MBL 111 Speakers.
Since, additional power cords, and cables could easily approach the cost difference between your budget and a used pair of 9008's, I think you should take them for a spin if possible, just to see if they're what you're looking for. You may also want to consider the less expensive MBL 9007's. Also be aware that the 9008's are huge and take up a lot of floor space.
You also asked the question; What we thought of Class D Amps in general? I like the Class D Amps so far, they seem like a cross between SS and Tubes, but at the moment, I feel like they are leaning towards the SS side. I also own a pair of Bel Canto REF1000 Monoblocks, and I think they're great. They are like the baby brother to the MBL 9008's; both sonically and diminutively, they provide plenty of pure clean power for their size, and they have many similar attributes; deep tight bass, very coherent and well balanced from top to bottom, with a slightly dryer midrange, and less sweet treble, with less air. The sound-stage is not as deep or wide but still big, and everything is just slightly less, but still very, very, good. Although, the MBL 9008A's wins out in every category, except in price, I feel as though I could happily live with the Bel Canto's and based upon what I'm reading, I would probably enjoy the newer Bel Canto Ref II model better than the original.
Now to the good news, the areas that many people felt were weak in the original $4000 Bel Canto Ref1000's including myself, seem to have "possibly" been improved on, in the newer $6000 Bel Canto Ref1000 MkII Monoblocks, however I've not heard these new Amps yet, nor have I ever heard the Spectron's..., however, I think that you should add them to your list... as you may be pleasantly surprised, and if you are, then you could save yourself a ton of money and a ton of space.
Rich
