Mike's Systems

**Ritmo** · November 9, 2019, 07:44 AM

A wonderful sounding system Mike. Change is good and fun.

PS - The AG Duos are also wonderful!

**rrwmd** · November 9, 2019, 08:59 AM

Congratulations Mike! I know you've loved those speakers for a long time. Heard them once at APONA and was blown away at their holographic sound.

Your AG system sounded great, but I'm sure this is also fantastic. Looking forward to having a listen next time I'm down there. Cheers!

**Randy Myers** · November 9, 2019, 09:35 AM

Awesome Mike! A buddy in our audio club has a pair of those. Amazing speakers.

You have got to be loving those MBL's in that gorgeous room!

**still-one** · November 9, 2019, 09:43 AM

Mike, I am sure that is one amazing set-up. Change is good every so often.

**MPW** · November 9, 2019, 10:05 AM

Stunning system Mike. I’ve really been impressed with MBL every time I’ve heard them at shows. Enjoy!

**MikeCh** · November 9, 2019, 11:02 AM

Wow! Exciting. Extremely well done!

**nicoludio** · November 9, 2019, 12:11 PM

Congratulations, Mike!

Some have mentioned that the mbl is a system play - do you find that to be true?

Is bi-amping mandatory?

**Mike** · November 9, 2019, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by nicoludio

Congratulations, Mike!

Some have mentioned that the mbl is a system play - do you find that to be true?

Is bi-amping mandatory?

Thanks you! I’m over the moon with this system. You really do have to close your eyes while listening to an MBL system. It’s total immersion.

MBL speakers are definitely, 1000%, a system play IMO. In the store, we tried Luxman, Hegel, VAC, ARC, Gryphon, Constellation, etc. All excellent amps in their own right. The Constellation was VERY good on the MBL’s. That system worked very nicely. But when you hear the MBL amps, preamp and source on their own speakers, it’s magic. I was shocked at how most of the other DAC’s were lackluster compared to the MBL DAC on MBL’s.

But then again, the MBL N31 DAC/CD and now Roon Streamer: http://www.mbl.de/mbl_and_roon/?lang=en
is Stereophile Class A rated: https://www.stereophile.com/content/...-media-players

Bi-amping is not required at all on the 101e mk2’s. There is just more headroom when you do and I find the bass a little better controlled if you do. But it’s not a big big difference.

These speakers work incredibly well in my room. I was worried to be honest, but from the first note, I knew I worried over nothing. Bass is perfect and despite my peaked roof, they are doing their magic. A real testament to the adversity of this speaker.

I am currently using the ISOAcoustic GAIA feet under them, however, at the suggestion of one of the Asian distributors, I’ve ordered Symposium 17.5” x 17.5” Ultra Platforms in “Stealth Edition” which are expressly for mbl 101s (they have also make other sizes for other mbl speakers). These platforms will have the optional (3rd constrained layer) black aluminum top to complement the mbl finish. See pic below.

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**UltraFast69** · November 9, 2019, 12:39 PM

IMO - System synergy makes it less trial and expensive error.

And don’t go too far over the moon, we need you here

Enjoy

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**nicoludio** · November 9, 2019, 01:06 PM

Mike, that is excellent feedback, especially since you have access to many choice amps and sources. Others (including non-mbl dealers) have mentioned to me too that it’s a system play.

While the 101e mk 2s are a considerable investment, the rest of the Noble line is relatively affordable.

Nonetheless, I am quite surprised (pleasantly, I would add) that the N31, despite its modest cost, is more than good enough. Have you tried the MSB Select II with the system?

That’s a photo of Ron’s showroom, in my neck of the woods. Will have to find some time to have a proper listen.

**Mike** · November 9, 2019, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by nicoludio

Mike, that is excellent feedback, especially since you have access to many choice amps and sources. Others (including non-mbl dealers) have mentioned to me too that it’s a system play.

While the 101e mk 2s are a considerable investment, the rest of the Noble line is relatively affordable.

Nonetheless, I am quite surprised (pleasantly, I would add) that the N31, despite its modest cost, is more than good enough. Have you tried the MSB Select II with the system?

That’s a photo of Ron’s showroom, in my neck of the woods. Will have to find some time to have a proper listen.

Yes I have and it was good, very very good, but the overall MBL synergy is just amazing.

You must listen at Ron’s and let me know!

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**nicoludio** · November 9, 2019, 01:10 PM

Very reassuring, and pocket friendly outcome

**kzhtoo** · November 9, 2019, 03:08 PM

Whoa, Mike! Thought you’d never part with those AG.

Heard 101e mk2 once at a show for about an hour and half. I rarely stay past 15 min in any room when I go to shows. My wife, who does not take much interest in my gears, says that’s the speakers (in white) that she’s going to buy one day. And she’s still saying that from time to time.

**Mike** · November 9, 2019, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Whoa, Mike! Thought you’d never part with those AG.

Heard 101e mk2 once at a show for about an hour and half. I rarely stay past 15 min in any room when I go to shows. My wife, who does not take much interest in my gears, says that’s the speakers (in white) that she’s going to buy one day. And she’s still saying that from time to time.

Ha! Your wife has good ears.

I wasn’t planning on parting with the AG’s, I love them. But with all this candy in the store, I just had to try a different flavor at home. Variety is the spice of life!

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**still-one** · November 9, 2019, 06:54 PM

Yep. Been there many times. That is where I had my audio epiphany with the MBL extremes. Ron and his sister Cheng are great people.

**Mike** · November 9, 2019, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Yep. Been there many times. That is where I had my audio epiphany with the MBL extremes. Ron and his sister Cheng are great people.

You need to make another trip to Florida.

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**Alpinist** · November 10, 2019, 01:37 AM

Double Wow!!!

Ken

**apdoc2004** · November 10, 2019, 01:56 AM

Mike,
Amazing set up! Can the MBL 101E MkII speakers work well in small rooms (about 13 x 18 ft) or do they always need a big room? How big is your current room?
Thanks,
Anshul

**sharkmouth** · November 10, 2019, 03:20 AM

Congrats Mike. Always wondered if you would..

**AJ Soundfield** · November 10, 2019, 08:08 AM

In that room? This I have to hear...

**Mike** · November 10, 2019, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield

In that room? This I have to hear...

Come on over.

**Ritmo** · November 10, 2019, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

You need to make another trip to Florida.

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This is one impressive speaker! Quite a step up Mike!

**Kuoppis** · November 10, 2019, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

This is one impressive speaker! Quite a step up Mike!

Mike, would you like me to burn those in for you? For a couple of years...

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**Audiophilehi** · November 10, 2019, 10:37 AM

Wow! That’s hardcore Mike. Congratulations on a serious and beautiful system. Not sure if you’ll be getting much sleep going forward.

**Mike** · November 10, 2019, 11:03 AM

Thank you everyone. More pics to follow later this week. Don’t forget the event on Saturday Nov 16, 1-5pm.

One more teaser?

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**Spock** · November 10, 2019, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I have switched to the MBL 101e mk2’s, with four Noble amps, Noble preamp and Noble CD/DAC/Roon streamer.

Hum... It seems you have a simple taste.
Only the best satisfies you!!

For my taste you will not regret the change!

Amazing!

**Mike** · November 10, 2019, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by apdoc2004

Mike,
Amazing set up! Can the MBL 101E MkII speakers work well in small rooms (about 13 x 18 ft) or do they always need a big room? How big is your current room?
Thanks,
Anshul

Ash - that would be close. I think you would be ok, but I would love to see a pair of 120’s in that size of room to start. My room is about 14 x 22. So, as you can see....13 x 18 is close. But I would start with the 120’s, a Noble Integrated and Noble CD/DAC/Roon streamer and good copper cables.

**apdoc2004** · November 10, 2019, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Ash - that would be close. I think you would be ok, but I would love to see a pair of 120’s in that size of room to start. My room is about 14 x 22. So, as you can see....13 x 18 is close. But I would start with the 120’s, a Noble Integrated and Noble CD/DAC/Roon streamer and good copper cables.

Mike,
Thank you so much for your input. You have got me thinking! Please do not forget to put some videos of the performance of the MBL extremes on 11/16! I am anxiously waiting to see how they sound in your showroom.
Anshul

**Randy Myers** · November 14, 2019, 09:15 AM

So Mike, I see that avatar... are we stepping up again

.... are those coming home

...

**Mike** · November 14, 2019, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

So Mike, I see that avatar... are we stepping up again

.... are those coming home

...

We sure did in the store! But sadly, they won’t fit in my room at home. Too tall.

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**Randy Myers** · November 14, 2019, 05:06 PM

Dam.... those are supposed to be amazing. I don't know how much they cost, but I am sure more than my car... probably more than all three of our cars

...

**Mike** · November 14, 2019, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Dam.... those are supposed to be amazing. I don't know how much they cost, but I am sure more than my car... probably more than all three of our cars

...

Ha! The 101e mk2’s are $70k. The 101 Xtremes are $263k.

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**Randy Myers** · November 14, 2019, 06:52 PM

Well crap... if they were under $200k

**Mike** · November 14, 2019, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Well crap... if they were under $200k

Not all $260k speakers get resold for $20k.

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**puroagave** · November 14, 2019, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Not all $260k speakers get resold for $20k.

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that wouldn't be a certain Danish speaker...

Mike, congrats on the addition of the big MBLs to the stable. Florida's audiophile community should be rejoicing.

**Alpinist** · November 14, 2019, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Not all $260k speakers get resold for $20k.

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Hmmm, now what speakers could you be referring to?

Ken

**Randy Myers** · November 15, 2019, 12:48 PM

Yes indeed. Congratz. I cannot imagine many stores having these amazing MBL on display. That is beyond amazing indeed!

**Mike** · November 15, 2019, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Yes indeed. Congratz. I cannot imagine many stores having these amazing MBL on display. That is beyond amazing indeed!

I am the only dealer displaying the full MBL XTreme Reference System in North America. Florida isn’t a bad place to visit, especially in the winter!

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**the professor** · November 15, 2019, 02:55 PM

Hey hey..... I resemble that remark!!!

It was $19,950.

Originally Posted by Mike

Not all $260k speakers get resold for $20k.

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**Mike** · November 15, 2019, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

Hey hey..... I resemble that remark!!!

It was $19,950.

At least you’re a good sport about it and someone got a heck of a deal.

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**Randy Myers** · November 15, 2019, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I am the only dealer displaying the full MBL XTreme Reference System in North America. Florida isn’t a bad place to visit, especially in the winter!

That is simply awesome Mike... very big congratz indeed!!!

**Swisstrips** · November 15, 2019, 05:51 PM

Simply wow for sure, what a beautiful environment to spend time in.

Over the yrs have you ever put your gear on side wall (minus amps)?

Not a small task with your rig and would guess that topic came up when Jim S config’d your system? but would be a “fun” experiment.

I’m a believer in keeping gear out of the speaker / front wall environment when possible.

**Mike** · November 15, 2019, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Swisstrips

Simply wow for sure, what a beautiful environment to spend time in.

Over the yrs have you ever put your gear on side wall (minus amps)?

Not a small task with your rig and would guess that topic came up when Jim S config’d your system? but would be a “fun” experiment.

I’m a believer in keeping gear out of the speaker / front wall environment when possible.

Yes, most definitely. The tallest piece is below the tweeter and midrange, so it’s ok, but yes, better if off to the side. I just have any room. Too many records and tapes on the side.

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**1kw** · November 16, 2019, 07:48 AM

I need to take a ride up from Naples to Mikes showroom

**Mike** · November 16, 2019, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by 1kw

I need to take a ride up from Naples to Mikes showroom

Come today for the event at 1pm.

**CPP** · November 22, 2019, 11:32 AM

You're adventure into audio never ceases to amaze me. Well done, again !

**KeithR** · November 29, 2020, 06:17 PM

Hey Mike, any system changes at the casa these days ?

**Ritmo** · November 29, 2020, 09:32 PM

Good question. I think he’s been pretty steady lately, but, maybe he’ll surprise us!

**Mike** · November 30, 2020, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by KeithR

Hey Mike, any system changes at the casa these days ?

I’ve made several changes the past year since this thread was updated.

I put Critical Mass Center Stage 2 feet under all my components, including amps.

I added the Shunyata Everest 8000/Omega XC.

I changed all my digital cables to Shunyata Omega USB and Omega Ethernet with Omega Clock BNC cables - 50ohm and 75ohm, as well as a 35 foot Ethernet run coming soon.

I changed out the MBL N31 CD/DAC/Streamer for a Esoteric Grandioso K1X with Esoteric PS1 and a Cybershaft Clock. The Aurender W20SE/Aurender ACS10 is the network transport/ripper/storage I’m using and my NAS is simply now a backup in case of failure.

I replaced my MBL Noble Preamp and amps with the Reference MBL 6010D and 9008a monos.

I added the VAC Statement Phonostage about a year ago as well as an Avid Acutus DARK Turntable with two SME V arms, a MySonicLabs cart and a mono cart. This table augments my Kronos/ZYX setup.

During the lockdown, I undertook a major project of updating my home theater. I went with a JVC NX7 projector, the latest Stewart Screen, re-did all the Inwall wiring with the best in-wall wiring from AudioQuest. Ran two runs of AudioQuest Cherry Cola HDMI from the projector to the new Trinnov Altitude SSP, added two Hegel C55 power amps, replaced all my short run HDMI cables with AudioQuest Diamond’s, moved my Niagara 5000 to the home theater system, added a Panasonic 900 BluRay Player, replaced all my in-wall speakers with the best B&W in-wall speakers, added the B&W HTM1 D3 center and two B&W DB1D subs. Also upgraded all XLR IC’s in the home theater system and received a professional color calibration for the projector.

So, pretty much status quo.

**brad225** · November 30, 2020, 10:27 AM

So basically, you still have the 101 X-Treme and a couple of miscellaneous other items and most everything else changed.

It is a pleasure to watch you put together ultimate systems.

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