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
mount_rose_music
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
mount_rose_music's avatar
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?
deshapiro
177 posts
 
Incredibly well.
mount_rose_music's avatar
mount_rose_music OP
116 posts
 
Well I tried mc2000 on top, and VT100 on bottom, that sounded like doodoo. My whole family is apparently tubeophiles, as all of us preferred the mc2000 by itself over the Accuphase monos, although they had plenty of power.
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