MBL 101 E MK II install advice

I will be soon taking ownership of MBL 101 E MK II loudspeakers. They are going into our second floor condo and I'm pretty sure given the size of the crates They will need to be unboxed on the ground level and carried up (actually) 2 flights of stairs. I watched a YouTube video where they used suction cup grippers (which I've previously seen used for carrying plate glass). During the video one of the grippers fell off which was horrifying.

Any advice on safely carrying the 101s is appreciated. Right now I'm thinking of building a rigid wood "stretcher" and bolting the speakers down to it.


Any other advice for a new owner is welcome!

Regards,
Patrick

You can use stair climbing hand trucks to carry heavy stuff up the stairs including speakers. There are many videos on YouTube showcasing different brands and models.
You would basically take the speaker out of the box, securely strap it to the hand truck (very important), and then take them up the stairs. You might be able to rent the hand truck so check with your local U-Haul store.

Won't your dealer be installing them for you or did you purchase used?

Mike should be an expert on this.

I’m an expert in asking: who’s your dealer on this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by nicoff

You can use stair climbing hand trucks to carry heavy stuff up the stairs including speakers. There are many videos on YouTube showcasing different brands and models.
You would basically take the speaker out of the box, securely strap it to the hand truck (very important), and then take them up the stairs. You might be able to rent the hand truck so check with your local U-Haul store.

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I assume you mean strap the subwoofer cabinet?

Thanks,
Patrick

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Originally Posted by pdemasco

I assume you mean strap the subwoofer cabinet?

Thanks,
Patrick

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Yes correct. Strap the subwoofer cabinet to the hand truck. The straps need to be tight. To protect the finish of the speaker, you can use a blanket or similar around the subwoofer cabinet.
This can be done by one person, but for extra safety, you may want to have one person in front and one behind while going up the stairs.
Some of the better hand trucks come with wheels that automatically prevent it from going backwards an extra safety measure.
Note: ratchet straps are ideal for this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nicoff

Yes correct. Strap the subwoofer cabinet to the hand truck. The straps need to be tight. To protect the finish of the speaker, you can use a blanket or similar around the subwoofer cabinet.
This can be done by one person, but for extra safety, you may want to have one person in front and one behind while going up the stairs.
Some of the better hand trucks come with wheels that automatically prevent it from going backwards an extra safety measure.
Note: ratchet straps are ideal for this.

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I did the same procedure to get mine up to the 3rd floor room.
(Also had the help of our elevator).


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Make sure you don’t tilt the speakers beyond a few degrees. The omni’s could damage. Try to keep the speaker as upright as possible. Be very careful of the midrange and tweeter. No touch.


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Originally Posted by Mike

I’m an expert in asking: who’s your dealer on this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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That's what I meant! :D

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Originally Posted by MPW

Won't your dealer be installing them for you or did you purchase used?

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They are dealer demos but the distance precludes them from installing. They have given advice on this but I wanted to get other opinions.

You have a very expensive set of speakers. Is there a reason you don't pay extra for travel from the dealer? Something damaged, will pay for the travel expense. This is to say nothing for the proper setup and adjustment.

Just my suggestion. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by brad225

You have a very expensive set of speakers. Is there a reason you don't pay extra for travel from the dealer? Something damaged, will pay for the travel expense. This is to say nothing for the proper setup and adjustment.

Just my suggestion. Good luck.

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In normal times I would consider that, but I don't feel comfortable asking anyone to fly at this point. I hope some day to bring the dealer out to fine tune the system. Just not now.

Regards,
Patrick

The suggestion of having someone professional do this is the best idea. There is way to much (expensive)to go wrong.
Second why not take the crates up, unpack up there bring the crates back down it would be safer.

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Originally Posted by Big B

There is way to much (expensive)to go wrong.
Second why not take the crates up, unpack up there, (and) bring the crates back down: it would be safer.

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My thoughts exactly.
If the crates fit up the stairs, that is. Unless the crates can be hauled through a 2nd floor window / balcony, etc?

Congrats by the way, those are excellent speakers!

The crates are HUGE and extremely heavy - no way!!!

Hire movers for a couple of hours. Do not remove the plastic until brought into your space. For ease of lifting and moving, they can use shoulder straps - https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies...olly/?id=15428 . Good luck!

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Originally Posted by FRO

The crates are HUGE and extremely heavy - no way!!!

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Totally agree. No way!!

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Originally Posted by nicoff

Totally agree. No way!!

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Just to circle back on this. After a lot of thought and talking with a piano mover I decide to build a custom carrying rig. It consists of a platform that the speaker can be bolted to and a partial cover that is easily attached with 3 pipes that also serve as handles. They were moved efficiently and safely up my 2 flights of narrow stairs 2 days ago. I set them up in a sensible (but probably not ideal) location and will start tweaking as soon as I can unplant my butt from my listening chair!!! :D

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8ad5717b_h.jpg

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Originally Posted by FRO

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Your system is looking great!

I see that you added a pair of Rel S212SE subs. How do you like the end results? Easy to integrate with the 101s?

I just removed the Stillpoint Apertures and a number of Vicoustics absorption panels. While the system sounded pretty darn good, the room was a bit too dark. I left the bass traps in the corners and some minimal absorption. The change brought a substantial improvement in the stage and a bit more detail.

I’m very sensitive to bright sounding speakers. I was afraid the removal of the panels would make the room too lively but it didn’t.

Thanks, Mike!
Just (1) Rel 212SE sub currently.
Integrates great with the MBL's, with REL's advice of locating sub diagonally in the corner.
I'm really enjoying what these Apertures do in my room!

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Originally Posted by pdemasco

Just to circle back on this. After a lot of thought and talking with a piano mover I decide to build a custom carrying rig. It consists of a platform that the speaker can be bolted to and a partial cover that is easily attached with 3 pipes that also serve as handles. They were moved efficiently and safely up my 2 flights of narrow stairs 2 days ago. I set them up in a sensible (but probably not ideal) location and will start tweaking as soon as I can unplant my butt from my listening chair!!! :D

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Great idea! Glad the move worked well for you. Now, it’s time to enjoy the music!

A few audio tweaks this weekend.

Upgraded my main dedicated power line with a new 30amp circuit breaker.
Cleaned all contacts and added Silver Conductive Grease to contacts.

Gigafoil filter and custom silver ethernet cable to the EMM Labs NS1.
Powering Gigafoil with my Uptone JS-2 Linear Power Supply.

Added upgraded Morrow REL subwoofer cable and Purist Audio Design DOMINUS power cord to REL 212SE subwoofer.

Installed AddPower Sorcer 2 to adjacent power conditioner outlet, added upgraded Audioquest Hurricane HC power cord.



http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/5...c9cfc6f5_b.jpg


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Update on dialing in my MBL101E speakers.

Kudos to Mike for the footer delete suggestions.
Instead of using the factory supplied spikes or trying expensive aftermarket footers, Mike suggested the same thing he did to his MBL system.
Completely remove the entire factory footer assemble (spikes and brass coupling), and place speakers directly to my Symposium Ultra platforms.
I also pulled the speakers out further from front wall to 52" (center tweeter), no toe-in.
Results were firmer bass and great vocal center imaging.
Minor adjustments will also be a lot easier since the Symposium platforms slide easily on the carpet.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bf9d9e4b_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62cd0706_k.jpg

Nice set up! What is your center to center dimension? (Tweeter to tweeter)

You can try removing the plastic inserts that attach to the top of the box and check if you like the change.

Center to center dimension - (Tweeter to tweeter) is 100".
Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FRO

Update on dialing in my MBL101E speakers.

Kudos to Mike for the footer delete suggestions.
Instead of using the factory supplied spikes or trying expensive aftermarket footers, Mike suggested the same thing he did to his MBL system.
Completely remove the entire factory footer assemble (spikes and brass coupling), and place speakers directly to my Symposium Ultra platforms.
I also pulled the speakers out further from front wall to 52" (center tweeter), no toe-in.
Results were firmer bass and great vocal center imaging.
Minor adjustments will also be a lot easier since the Symposium platforms slide easily on the carpet.

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For reference, my MBL 101s are setup as follows: (Center of the Tweeter)

- Side walls - 38"
- Front wall - 55"
- Tweeter to Tweeter - 104"
- From Speaker to Seating - 128”

My speakers remain slightly toed-in in the angle Jeremy (MBL US President and Distributor) and I set them up last year. I may play a little and remove the toe-ion for kicks. Who knows, maybe they will sound even more delicious than they do today!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ritmo

For reference, my MBL 101s are setup as follows: (Center of the Tweeter)

- Side walls - 38"
- Front wall - 55"
- Tweeter to Tweeter - 104"

My speakers remain slightly toed-in in the angle Jeremy (MBL US President and Distributor) and I set them up last year. I may play a little and remove the toe-ion for kicks. Who knows, maybe they will sound even more delicious than they do today!

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What is your sitting distance from each speaker (from center of tweeter to listening position)

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Originally Posted by nicoff

What is your sitting distance from each speaker (from center of tweeter to listening position)

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Updated my posting with speaker to seating position - 128”.

Just for reference, currently mine are:
- Side walls - 50"
- Front wall - 82"
- Tweeter to Tweeter - 123"
- Speaker to Seating - 168”
- Rear wall - about 80 inches behind seating position

Speakers toed-in toward listener.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nicoff

Just for reference, currently mine are:
- Side walls - 50"
- Front wall - 82"
- Tweeter to Tweeter - 123"
- Speaker to Seating - 168”
- Rear wall - about 80 inches behind seating position

Speakers toed-in toward listener.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ritmo

For reference, my MBL 101s are setup as follows: (Center of the Tweeter)

- Side walls - 38"
- Front wall - 55"
- Tweeter to Tweeter - 104"
- From Speaker to Seating - 128”

My speakers remain slightly toed-in !

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by FRO

Center to center dimension - (Tweeter to tweeter) is 100". No toe in ..!
Thanks!

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A quick Setup reference .... ;)