My system currently comprises the following components:
MBL 111E Speakers
MBL 6010D Preamp
MBL 1621 Transport
MBL 1611 DA Converter
MBL 9008 Power Amplifiers
Rockport Capella 2 Air Bearing/Vacuum T.Table
Rockport 7000 Air Bearing Arm
Clearaudio Insider Reference Wood Cartridge
Kondo M7 KSL Phono Stage
Kondo ANScz Step Up
Kondo LPz Interconnects
Kondo SPz Speaker Cables
Shunyata Power Conditioner
Finite Element Pagoda Master Reference Stands
Kondo, Nordost,Gryphon & NBS Power Cords.
Numerous tweaks eg Shakti Hollographs, Black Diamond Racing
footers, Aurios, Finite Element Cerapucs.
I have been involved in this Hobby and the pursuit of the Ultimate Sound for over 25 years and feel I have come round full circle. I started with powerful solid state amps (Krells, Gryphons, Classe, VTL, etc ) and Dynamic speakers ( Duntechs, Infinitys, Sonus Fabers as well as Apogees and Martin Logan electrostatics, Audio Notes etc ) I've owned over 30 pairs of high end speakers over the years.
I then got the Single Ended High Efficiency bug and worked my way up to a Kondo( Shinri 300B, M7 Silver preamp, M7 KSL Phono etc as well as an Audio Note DAC 5 and CEC TLO Transport ), with Avantgarde Duo Speakers.
I was very content for a while until one day I went to my Audio Dealer The Audio Connection here in Sydney Australia. Josef Riediger the owner who I've known for many years was setting up an MBL Reference System for another customer and asked if I would like to have a listen. Up to that time I had heard many good quality high end systems but none had tempted me from my Kondo and Avantgarde set up.
Unfortunately this fateful day was to be different. What I heard was so natural and musical it shocked me, particularly coming from powerful solid state amps and inefficient speakers. It was treading that fine line combining the best of valves and solid state. I couldn't sleep that night and realised I had to have that sound. As you can guess I ended up buying the complete MBL Reference system which had a synergy I couldn't get by mixing my beloved Kondo gear.
So here I am going full circle, as I never thought I would be going back to poerful transistor amps and inefficient speakers. However the MBL gear is unique and shows you can never generalise or have preconceived ideas.
The other amazing component I was lucky to purchase was the Rockport Capella air bearing T.Table and arm. Andy Payor does not know what compromise is. It absolutely embarassed my earlier T.Table which was not cheap. I would love to one day get a Sirius 3 which is the bigger brother to mine but I'm more than happy with the Capella.
As always there is a never ending search for perfection. Looking forward to your feedback.
Jzach: I had my final audition yesterday at a dealer here in LA;for the 111E's, and compared the MBL's 8011 with more powerful Parasound JC-1 halos; MBL won hands down...I also auditioned the Usher Dancer BE-10's, and W/P, and B and W 802d; found the MBL's to be best speaker: fabulous detail, warmth, of course outstanding sound stage; and totally engaging without any fatique. I will be placing my order in time for the holidays...I appreciate all the tips and tweaks shared in this tread; and once I start experimenting with cables; etc; I'll let you know. Dave Weihart has been fantastic to work with; and a big help in auditioning journey.
I'm planning on getting the 111's soon; and plan on powering them with the MBL 8011's; which is all I can afford. Any thoughts on that and it's power level? what can you suggest for cables? I enjoyed them at my listening sessions; but at times thought they were not 'warm' enough; and caused slight listening fatigue from the metal tweeters(too bright). Their sound staging however was so amazing....liked them much better than the 116's. Happy listening to your great system.
