2. amps-preamps
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Best amps for MBL101e's?

I took the plunge and bought 101e's and restarting the upgrade bug. These speakers are not very efficient and in a large room. I have the EMM labs combo, and probably am going to buy the 6010d preamp that I am demoing right now (great phono section, has the ability to match levels for 4 different output channels). My bias in the past has been tubes (MC2000, VT100mkII)...any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris
128x128mount_rose_music
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mount_rose_music OP
116 posts
 
Thorman, thanks! I have two biases, a:, they are so bloody expensive, and b:, if I get them with the preamp, the whole system will look like an expensive Fisher All-in-One:) Seriously think I will have to demo the 9008's though, afterall the speakers are voiced with the amps, or vice versa
robertje
46 posts
 
I strongly recommend you the CAT JL2 of JL3, please not the MBL amplifiers.
deshapiro
177 posts
 
I'm speaking as an MBL 101e owner. I love the combo of a ballsy solid-state amp and a tube preamp. I really didn't like the way the MBL 6010D pre mated with the 9011 amps. Unbelievably dynamic but with a steely or ringing sound at the upper frequencies. Having said all that, I am currently using a Boulder 2060 amp and an Audio research Ref 3 preamp, to extremely good effect. Incredible layering, soundstaging etc. But what really knocks my socks off is the "you are there" sense of dynamics. I'm also using a Rives PARC ettenuator, which really tames the bass in my room.

David Shapiro
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mount_rose_music OP
116 posts
 
Thanks for your feedback. I have pretty much always in the past had one solid state and one tube preamp/amp combo. I have the Ref 2, and didn't try it yet with the Accuphase monos I borrowed, good thing to spend tonite on!

cheers!
Chris
husk01
171 posts
 
David, Are saying a single Boulder 2060 will drive the 101E's?
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