MBL 101 (~1990) - amp suggestions.
76w in 4 Ohm do not seem to do the trick @ 80 dB/W (or even 80 dB/2.83V). To R.: in ‘cost no object’ situation I’d start with a pair of ML 33 and see if they are any good. In real life I tred ML 23, I could get a Krell ksa 250s, probably a ML 333, a Pass X350... or —and that is quite realistic right now — another Pass Aleph 4 and run them paralelled one per channel. = I look for ideas and _experience_ Experience with old MBL 101 seems a scarce commodity though... |
Dear @inefficient: My first ML amp was the 23 followed by the 23.5 ( that I choosed over that Krell you mentioned. ) and 20.5's and 20.6's. From those times were excelent designs and between them Threshold S500 II and S5000e, believe it or not are a challenge for any today Pass ones. You need to take a look to the Parasound monobloks JC1. I listened paired with different big speakers: top of the line Soundlabs, the big Dynaudio and Magico. Very good with either. The ML33's has very good engeneering but its performance has not the design levels. I never heard these Electrocompanient but I owned its electronics and are very good designs: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d7a3-2-each-electrocompaniet-nemo-aw600-monoblocks-amplifiers I forgot another very good choice could be the Gryphon Antileon where I have too first hand experiences. Have fun in your hunt. R. |
Currently I use MBLs in open living area, 6 x 7.5 x 2.5 m (or 20' x 25' x 8'4), Room has large windows, at it's other end it opens to upper floor ( ~2 x 3 m / 7' x 10' "hole") + extends into a hall (1.2 x 4.5 m / 4 x 15 feet), not empty space (open kitchen, some furniture and clutter). MBL 101 ability to fill the room is quite surprising (not nearly as much volume 'gradient' as when I used Lowther Fidelios). And there is bass, -- my neighbour from two floors down informed me so. |
