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. :)
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. :)