MBL 101e MK2

**Mike** · June 8, 2018, 04:18 PM

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**Sean** · June 8, 2018, 04:27 PM

Those looks like they weight a ton. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, Mike!

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**Mike** · June 8, 2018, 04:31 PM

I’ve always loved MBL’s and frankly, they’re exceeding expectations right out of the box. Amps too. Just a big wall of sound. The magic of the melon!

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**joeinid** · June 8, 2018, 05:33 PM

Sweeeeet, I need to hear that setup.

Congratulations Mike. You are picking great gear.

**Mike** · June 8, 2018, 07:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDzT5hQ65eg

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**Alpinist** · June 8, 2018, 08:00 PM

Awesome Mike, congratulations!!!

Ken

**Alpinist** · June 9, 2018, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDzT5hQ65eg

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Hi Mike,

Truly amazing sound right out of the box! These are world class sounding speakers. I can only imagine how much better they will get after full break in. With the Select II DAC, MBL amps and MBL 101e Mk2 speakers, you are on top of the mountain, my friend. Enjoy the view!

Best,
Ken

**Kuoppis** · June 9, 2018, 06:11 AM

I really like the looks, they’re something special. The sound must be super, based on what I heard in Munich.

Congrats, Mike!

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**still-one** · June 9, 2018, 07:34 AM

Way to go Mike!!!

**Dguitarnut** · June 9, 2018, 08:07 AM

Wow.........Mount Everest! Yo!.......If E.T. had a stereo it would be this one....Congrats!........I won’t even ask it they fit in my SUV.
lol.

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 08:48 AM

Thanks Sean, Joe, Ken, Kouppis, Jim and Larry. I spiked them late in the day yesterday and wow, even a bigger difference. The 101e mk2's also have adjustments on the back for bass, mids and treble. Helps to get them dialed in. The soundstage is massive, yet still focused in my room. The bass is incredible and obviously the lower midrange melon is a big advantage over the two cones in the 111F. The amps might be the biggest surprise. They control the speakers marvelously, especially in the bass. But they don't sound "digital". Quite the opposite in fact and they run cool.

The cables are all new (AudioQuest Oak), the amps are new and speakers are new, so I need to let everything run in.

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 08:50 AM

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...ii-loudspeaker

**nicoludio** · June 9, 2018, 11:47 AM

What do you think of the bass, as compared to your other sealed bass enclosure speakers (such as Magico / Avantgarde)?

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by nicoludio

What do you think of the bass, as compared to your other sealed bass enclosure speakers (such as Magico / Avantgarde)?

I would need to wait for them to break in to properly assess. Hard to beat Magico bass for definition and Avantgarde bass for adjustability.

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**walesi** · June 9, 2018, 12:09 PM

I’d be surprised if the MBL:s would beat Magicos in bass definition. But it is the sum that counts, not the parts.

**a.wayne** · June 9, 2018, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Thanks Sean, Joe, Ken, Kouppis, Jim and Larry. I spiked them late in the day yesterday and wow, even a bigger difference. The 101e mk2's also have adjustments on the back for bass, mids and treble. Helps to get them dialed in. The soundstage is massive, yet still focused in my room. The bass is incredible and obviously the lower midrange melon is a big advantage over the two cones in the 111F. The amps might be the biggest surprise. They control the speakers marvelously, especially in the bass. But they don't sound "digital". Quite the opposite in fact and they run cool.

The cables are all new (AudioQuest Oak), the amps are new and speakers are new, so I need to let everything run in.

What amps are you using mike ..?

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

What amps are you using mike ..?

MBL N15 monos

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**nicoff** · June 9, 2018, 01:52 PM

I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the comparison between the MBL vs Mágico vs AG.

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the comparison between the MBL vs Mágico vs AG.

Not every design is a fit for every room or every listener, but they’re are all insanely good in their own right. There’s no sense bringing in a “Magico-like” speaker like Wilson, Focal, Rockport, B&W, as it just creates confusion. BBC monitors, omnipolar and horns offer a nice variety, along with SOTA cone and dome Magico. My goal is to get people to think about design for their tastes and room rather than just brands.

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**Boogieman** · June 9, 2018, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

MBL N15 monos

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Congrats! Are you using MBL DAC and Pre also? I think that MBL DAC made the cover of Stereophile recently, quite a feat, I think - with so many products out there

**Mike** · June 9, 2018, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Boogieman

Congrats! Are you using MBL DAC and Pre also? I think that MBL DAC made the cover of Stereophile recently, quite a feat, I think - with so many products out there

Thank you. I’m considering both of those. Yes, both highly reviewed. I have a client with the Noble Integrated and he loves it.

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**rrwmd** · June 9, 2018, 02:50 PM

Wow, congratulations Mike!

I remember how good they sounded at last year's AXPONA. I can only imagine how much better they sound completely dialed in in your treated room.

**nicoff** · June 9, 2018, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Not every design is a fit for every room or every listener, but they’re are all insanely good in their own right. There’s no sense bringing in a “Magico-like” speaker like Wilson, Focal, Rockport, B&W, as it just creates confusion. BBC monitors, omnipolar and horns offer a nice variety, along with SOTA cone and dome Magico. My goal is to get people to think about design for their tastes and room rather than just brands.

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Good points. Thank you Mike!

**Kuoppis** · June 9, 2018, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the comparison between the MBL vs Mágico vs AG.

Not sure if that really would be one vs. another.

They’re all iterations of really great sound, each with a slightly different overall characteristic IMHO.

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**bart** · June 10, 2018, 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mike,

Truly amazing sound right out of the box! These are world class sounding speakers. I can only imagine how much better they will get after full break in. With the Select II DAC, MBL amps and MBL 101e Mk2 speakers, you are on top of the mountain, my friend. Enjoy the view!

Best,
Ken

You are indeed Mike!

I watched "Everest" this week. I'm sure you will fare better than Rob Hall on his last trip up that mountain.

**Mike** · June 10, 2018, 05:39 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5scdMo5ZFXc

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**Ritmo** · June 10, 2018, 08:47 PM

Even vía YouTube the sound is pretty good Mike. Can’t wait to stop by the store for a listen.

**Kuoppis** · June 10, 2018, 09:46 PM

Appears to be a magnificient combo. Mesmerizing midrange, would definitely be worth a trip to Suncoast if living in the US.

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**bart** · June 11, 2018, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Appears to be a magnificient combo. Mesmerizing midrange, would definitely be worth a trip to Suncoast if living in the US.

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I think you live closer to Berlin, where they have their Reference system waiting for you...

**Kuoppis** · June 11, 2018, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by bart

I think you live closer to Berlin, where they have their Reference system waiting for you...

That is true, but they do not have all Mike’s other goodies

.

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**Alpinist** · June 11, 2018, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I would need to wait for them to break in to properly assess. Hard to beat Magico bass for definition and Avantgarde bass for adjustability.

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Mike,

I totally agree with this line of thought. What sounds best will be based on your room, requirements and sonic preferences. I’ve had many speakers grace my listening room but the biggest issue was always getting the bass right. With my Vandy 7’s 11 band equalization, attenuation and “Q” adjustments, I was finally able to tune the bass in my room perfectly with a minimum of acoustic treatments. I also got a speaker that is diminutive in size and doesn’t visually dominate the room. It really is all about meeting your requirements.

Ken

**Mike** · June 11, 2018, 10:12 AM

Awesome. The MBL 101e mk2’s actually have adjustability on the back for bass, mids and high.

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**Alpinist** · June 11, 2018, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Awesome. The MBL 101e mk2’s actually have adjustability on the back for bass, mids and high.

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Exactly, this is huge!

Ken

**altanpsx** · June 12, 2018, 09:10 AM

I had listened so many MBL's, in shows, in homes.

When I heart their reference line cd player and transport(6-7 years ago), i was really impressed, it sounded like analog and digital at the same time. I think in today digital standarts, it sounds good.

About MBL speakers, I thought they are overrated products, untill I heart the mighty MBL 101 x-treme with 2 pair of tad m-600 mono, tad c-600, dcs vivaldi(full stack), af1 turntable(graham elite, with a techdas tti cartridge), ypsilon vps100 phono pre, 2xstromtank s5000, full ansuz dtc cable loom etc. They were extraordinary. Funny thing is, untill that day, i had listened 101's so many times but they had never impressed me that way. After that they, whenever I had listened MBL setups, some of them had given me similar impressions, not all of them, and I noticed that, I dont like them when they paired with their own electronics. IMHO they paired best with Tad and Vitus. I really like to hear whatever your experiences with mbl speakers and electronics.

**Mike** · June 12, 2018, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by altanpsx

I had listened so many MBL's, in shows, in homes.

When I heart their reference line cd player and transport(6-7 years ago), i was really impressed, it sounded like analog and digital at the same time. I think in today digital standarts, it sounds good.

About MBL speakers, I thought they are overrated products, untill I heart the mighty MBL 101 x-treme with 2 pair of tad m-600 mono, tad c-600, dcs vivaldi(full stack), af1 turntable(graham elite, with a techdas tti cartridge), ypsilon vps100 phono pre, 2xstromtank s5000, full ansuz dtc cable loom etc. They were extraordinary. Funny thing is, untill that day, i had listened 101's so many times but they had never impressed me that way. After that they, whenever I had listened MBL setups, some of them had given me similar impressions, not all of them, and I noticed that, I dont like them when they paired with their own electronics. IMHO they paired best with Tad and Vitus. I really like to hear whatever your experiences with mbl speakers and electronics.

IMO, they sound best with MBL's own amps. Just God awful with Pass. Decent with T+A. Good with Gryphon. Great with MBL.
IMO, there is no contest between the 101e mk2 and the 111f. If you're in the market for the 111f's, sell a kidney and get the 101e mk2's instead.
IMO, there is no contest between the 101 xtremes and the 101e mk2. You'll need to sell both kidneys and a few other appendages to make that jump. But it would be sooooo worth it.
IMO, the speakers are very particular with cabling. I'm using all AudioQuest top of the line all copper cabling and it's superb. MIT was NOT a good match for the MBL's, but MIT remains the cable of choice for all Magico's in the store - by a country mile.
IMO, MSB and MBL is a great match. But then again, the MSB Select II makes everything sound great.

I have heard the 101e mk2's MANY times. Many many times. I have never heard them sound as incredible as they do in my store right now.

**altanpsx** · June 12, 2018, 10:39 AM

I love both of my kidneys Mike

Lottery ticket may solve this issue...

Without a doubt MBL speakers are very very special, whatever electronics you use. Anyone looking for new speaker and have budget should listen to them.

**Music Fiend** · June 12, 2018, 10:59 AM

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to listen to an MBL setup with N51+ N21 driving a pair of 101E MkII.

The room was quite big and without any acoustic treatment.

Really enjoyed their very elegant and articulate sound, although the lower frequencies seemed a bit loose.

Perhaps they would need better amplification and/ or not such a challenging room.

Having said that, I was hugely impressed with the speakers.

**Ritmo** · June 13, 2018, 03:36 PM

I stopped by Suncoast Audio today to visit with Mike. After a nice lunch, we listened to the MBL 101e MK2s. Mike has them setup in his large room with the MSB front end and the new MBL amps with Audioquest cables.

While the speakers and amps are still going through break-in, the system sounded quite nicely. I have heard MBLs at shows before (Axpona and RMAF) and always enjoyed their presentation and musicality. What I heard at Mike's was the best I've ever heard the 101s. The soundstage is as big as ever with effortless sound and really delicate micro details. This may not be the "cup of tea" speaker choice for everyone but, goodness, they are soooo good!

Thanks for the time Mike!

**a.wayne** · June 13, 2018, 07:55 PM

Mike is pretty good at getting his combinations to work , he actually listens to them and use whats best.

regards

**Music Fiend** · June 14, 2018, 04:13 AM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

The soundstage is as big as ever with effortless sound and really delicate micro details. This may not be the "cup of tea" speaker choice for everyone but, goodness, they are soooo good!

Effortless. That's a great way to describe their sound!

**Spock** · June 14, 2018, 06:32 PM

As i said here

Audioshow 2018 - lisbon / portugal

to me MBL was the best sound in last portuguese audioshow.

**still-one** · July 24, 2018, 02:37 PM

Mike
Any update on your 101 MK II's ? How have they been received by your customers?

**Mike** · July 24, 2018, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Mike
Any update on your 101 MK II's ? How have they been received by your customers?

A few updates:

- Jeremy from MBL (he’s been with them 20 years!) spent a few days with me earlier in the month. We worked on setup. Fairly straight forward, but we made some nice improvements. We discussed a lot about the various products, setup, features, etc. Great dealer training session.
- I added ISOAcoustic Gaia 1’s as experiment under the MBL 101e mk2’s and they improved focus and midrange clarity. Tightened up the bass too. They’re staying.
- The MBL mono amps made a big difference. The pass was not a good fit. The others were ok, but none better than MBL’s own amps for their speakers.
- Yesterday the MBL preamp and CD Player/DAC/Roon Renderer arrived. The Roon card will be sent separately soon, but the slot is there. Huge jump in dynamics and clarity and focus again. I was using the Chord DAVE as a DAC/Preamp preciously. Great piece, but again, MBL preamp/Source just a better fit for their speakers.
- The MBL remotes are sexy as hell! A joy to use.

The MBL system is sounding incredible right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cshxbFL5QPM

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**nicoff** · July 24, 2018, 03:03 PM

Which MBL amps are you using?

**Mike** · July 24, 2018, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

Which MBL amps are you using?

MBL N15’s

http://www.mbl.de/n15-mono-poweramp/?lang=en

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**nicoff** · July 24, 2018, 03:36 PM

Thanks Mike!

**Randy Myers** · July 25, 2018, 08:03 PM

A buddy in our audio club has MBL, speakers.... I think the 111 or something like that. MBL pre and mono blocks. He has been talking about trading the speakers in for the 101s. There may be a dealer coming to LA soon... not sure. Otherwise, he can't find a dealer where he can audition them.

**Mike** · July 25, 2018, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

A buddy in our audio club has MBL, speakers.... I think the 111 or something like that. MBL pre and mono blocks. He has been talking about trading tge speakers in to the 101s. There may be a dealer coming to LA soon... not sure. Otherwise, he can't find a dealer.

Ah hmmm....tell him to give me a call. I wish you could all hear what I’m hearing.

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**Alpinist** · July 25, 2018, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

A few updates:

- Jeremy from MBL (he’s been with them 20 years!) spent a few days with me earlier in the month. We worked on setup. Fairly straight forward, but we made some nice improvements. We discussed a lot about the various products, setup, features, etc. Great dealer training session.
- I added ISOAcoustic Gaia 1’s as experiment under the MBL 101e mk2’s and they improved focus and midrange clarity. Tightened up the bass too. They’re staying.
- The MBL mono amps made a big difference. The pass was not a good fit. The others were ok, but none better than MBL’s own amps for their speakers.
- Yesterday the MBL preamp and CD Player/DAC/Roon Renderer arrived. The Roon card will be sent separately soon, but the slot is there. Huge jump in dynamics and clarity and focus again. I was using the Chord DAVE as a DAC/Preamp preciously. Great piece, but again, MBL preamp/Source just a better fit for their speakers.
- The MBL remotes are sexy as hell! A joy to use.

The MBL system is sounding incredible right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cshxbFL5QPM

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Wow Mike! I am hearing significant improvement from your original video. The sound is more relaxed and musical. The break in of the speakers, the isolation and tweaking of position have done the trick.

Best,
Ken

**nicoff** · July 25, 2018, 09:18 PM

Are the the plants real? Do they have an acoustic purpose or just aesthetics?

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