Thread: MBL X-Treme MK II Review

Just finished perusing the review of the MBL X-Treme Mk II in the October issue of TAS. All I can add is that it has been about 16 years since I first heard the original version in the dealers showroom in Singapore. To this day I have still not heard a better speaker whether in a showroom, in someone's home or at an audio show. It was my audio epiphany. I can't imagine what the new ones can sound like when set up properly.

Jim - The MKIIs sounded terrific in Munich. Certainly a dream speaker.

Originally Posted by still-one

Just finished perusing the review of the MBL X-Treme Mk II in the October issue of TAS. All I can add is that it has been about 16 years since I first heard the original version in the dealers showroom in Singapore. To this day I have still not heard a better speaker whether in a showroom, in someone's home or at an audio show. It was my audio epiphany. I can't imagine what the new ones can sound like when set up properly.

Best I've ever heard, also.

Just received the TAS issue w JV’s review. Look forward to the read.

Wish I had the room and the $ for the Extreme's. May not be everyone’s favorite but, to me, these would be my dream speaker.

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Just received the TAS issue w JV’s review. Look forward to the read.

Wish I had the room and the $ for the Extreme's. May not be everyone’s favorite but, to me, these would be my dream speaker.

You've got a home for your 101e's when you upgrade.

Ritmo,

I see you are using the carbon specials. Can I ask as I’m contemplating a pair also, what did they bring to the 101’s.

I’m using a pair of 9008’s and a dCS Rossini plus clock front end.

Originally Posted by Colin L

Ritmo,

I see you are using the carbon specials. Can I ask as I’m contemplating a pair also, what did they bring to the 101’s.

I’m using a pair of 9008’s and a dCS Rossini plus clock front end.

Hi Colin,

The Carbon Specials are an excellent pairing with the 101s. I have them setup next to the 101s, on the outside (see my sig picture). This position helped with timing and better coherence with the 101s. Corner placement created acoustic issues in my room. Adding EVPs under them made a significant impact.

A couple more things:

- I did not use the REL recommended connection to the 9008As. MBL was not sympathetic to that so I have them connected via single ended cables to the MBL 6010D Pre - 2nd zone.
- I have the subs crossed quite low - 25-28 Hz.
- As much as I like the Carbon Specials, if I were to do this again, I would probably consider the new REL Ref 31 (12” driver with a sealed cabinet). But, that’s a much more expensive proposition.

Lastly, every audiophile friend that’s come over has commented on the sound of the MBL-REL combination. Some even called the sound experience as an “MBL Extreme Junior”.

PM me if you want more info.

Thx!

Ritmo,

I don’t seem to have enough posts to send a PM so anyway…questions and advice….

You say MBL were not sympathetic to hi-level connections. The factory said don’t use them?

I had concerns that they might cause issues with bridged balanced amps which is what the 9008’s are. If needed I can run the subs single ended from the extra outputs on the Rossini or, when my pre is back for repairs and if I decide to put it in the system, from balanced outputs on the pre.

Mini-extremes is what I am looking for. Deeper cleaner bass, impact, scale and better ambience, plus the benefits to the midrange that come from good subs - I used to use dual WB Torus’s, now with my brother and he won’t give them back


I have the option of used Carbon blacks or maybe new 212 sx’s.


Any advice or thoughts?

Colin,

I was advised by MBL representatives that the high level connection with the 9008a could be problematic so I decided not to do it. The MBL 6010D pre has two zones so I used the second zone for the subs and it works perfectly fine.

I haven’t heard the 101s with the REL 212s but I’m aware of several people that have this combination and are perfectly happy with it.

Thx!

Ritmo,

Got the dem pair of Carbon Specials in and working the last 4 days. I'm running them off the spare RCA connections on the back of my Rossini Apex DAC. MBL seem reluctant to allow use of the high-level option.

The crossover point is down around the mid-20's and not much gain on them either but still a major impact on air, soundfield, ambience and detail all through the audio range. I'm very happy with the changes.

I certainly don't need more bass capability in my room (about 9m x 6.5m x 2.5m) so would it even be worth looking at the 212SX or the 31.
On the basis of "go big or go home" it would probably be the 31 but that's a big bugger indeed, much bigger footprint than the Carbon but I guess it would give more control.

I would value your thoughts

CL

Hi Colin,

Glad you decided to try the Carbon Specials. They work perfectly fine with the 101s.

If I were to go up the ladder with subs, then the next step up for me would the 31s. But I’m perfectly happy with the Carbon Specials.