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MBL: single 9008A to drive 101e - bad idea?

I would really like to buy a set of MBL's (101E mk2 + a pair of 9008A's) but my budget is a bit tight for now so I am considering buying a single 9008A for now and adding to make a pair later on. I know that using a single 9008A in stereo mode is not a recommended setup because of the degradation in sound quality, but this is really all I can afford for now. Or is this a really bad idea?

Theses are my choices, any help would be greatly appreciated!

1. 101E mk2 + one 9008A + 1531CD + Denon AVR 3808 as preamp
2. 111F + pair of 9008A + 1531CD + Denon AVR 3808 as preamp
3. 111F + pair of 9007 + 1531CD + 6010 preamp
4. 111F + single 9008A + 1531CD + 6010 premap
or any other ideas?

Thanks so much!! =)

FYI My listening music is usually vocals and classical, and my listening setup will be in a pretty open space 5m wide x 12m deep
clickster2
gregm
3,409 posts
 
Since you ask and have 60m2 for listening, I join Dev in choosing the 101. If you like their amps then by all means get the stereo & listen at moderate amplitude.

Ultimately, however, you'll be let down by the pre (the Denon is OK as pro).
So, I would suggest you consider cheaper amplification for now. Buy anything that's half way decent; a 500W cav, for example) and do some research work on the pre.

I find that cheaper amps can always be used later on; for subwoofers, second systems, etc...

Remember, classical is difficult to reproduce!
jaynewt
17 posts
 
I have the MBL 101Ds and a pair of 9008A amps along with the 6010D pre-amp. My speakers are very similar to those you are contemplating buying so hopefully my experience will translate. If I were you I would buy the 101Es. You REALLY need the mid/low Radialstrahler driver, its a huge step up from the models further down the range. However to drive that guy you also REALLY need the 9008A. I've used Spectral and Spectron amps previously with these speakers and the MBLs are a huge upgrade. I've read that the 9008A amps were designed specifically to drive this speaker. If funds are tight then buy a single 9008A. The sound may not be optimal but it will still be fantastic. Feel free to contact me directly if you want to discuss
teddy_bear
112 posts
 
Most of european components have different hot pin on xlr-s
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Teddy_bear do you know if this would also be true for say with my ACCUSTIC ARTS HYBRID TUBE DAC which is made in Germany?

I use the AES "XLR" digital connection from transport to dac and balanced "XLR" outs from the dac to my balanced "XLR" in's on my ARC REF3 pre.

Is there an easy way to find this out with out contacting the manufacturer.

The product distination was to be used in the USA and Canada.
clickster2 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the advice! =)
I'm currently using B&W 803D's with Pass Labs X250.5. It is my goal to eventually build up an all MBL system (perhaps within a year or two I'll add the other 9008A and the 6010D pre...)

Dev: When you said you didn't like the 9008A's paired up with your 101E's did you mean that you didn't like it when used in stereo mode, or just didn't like the 9008A's with your 101E's (in mono mode) to begin with?
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