AudioAficionado.org - MBL 'Cost Is No Object' Show at Alpha High End, Feb 24-25, '18

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MBL 'Cost Is No Object' Show at Alpha High End, Feb 24-25, '18

Last weekend, as you have read in Jacques' fantastic thread, my wife, Spirit Crusher, Jacques and I went to the MBL show in Brasschaat, near Antwerp.

Jacques' review here: https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=42303

MBL has been something special in my personal audiophile history.

After intense listening to music when I was younger, I got involved in other hobbies, to the point my best system was the Harman Kardon in my BMW!
Later, some 10 years ago, I bought an entry level B&W surround set (XT-series) with a Pioneer receiver.
Half decent for movies, but soon I wanted more. Much more.
I listened to Monitor Audio, B&W 800 series, KEF Reference,...
Until, some 9 years ago, I attended my first 'Cost Is No Object Show' in Antwerp, with a couple of MBL set-ups.
The 101E moved me in such a way I wept.
At that time, an MBL system was/seemed unobtainable for me, but I knew what I was striving for: to get as close as possible to that experience.

So I was looking forward to this show, a lot.
Also because it was a unique opportunity to experience their Reference Line.
Normally you can only hear it in Munich, or in Berlin, in their own showroom.
How Sammy managed to get MBL and their 2000 kg of gear to Antwerp remains a mystery to me.
He must be very convincing.
And we were lucky enough to be able to visit!

3 systems were demoed.

Let us start with the most modest one: the Corona Line, with the 111F speakers.
Outside that room, this integrated from the Corona Line:

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...82untitled.jpg

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...83untitled.jpg

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...25untitled.jpg

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...27untitled.jpg

Enter the room, not the most easy one to photograph with all the gear towards the sunny street:

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...43untitled.jpg

The Corona Line electronics, with a CD/DAC, pre and power amp each retailing for 6-7K).
The speakers: 33K

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...56untitled.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by bart (Post 902307)

Enter the room, not the most easy one to photograph with all the gear towards the sunny street:

The Corona Line electronics, with a CD/DAC, pre and power amp each retailing for 6-7K).
The speakers: 33K

Especially challenging as the wife and photographer had forgotten her tripod at home. All shots had to be hand-held. AAAARGGG, this was definitely outside my comfort zone!

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...52untitled.jpg

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...63untitled.jpg

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...66untitled.jpg

This system sounded very good, with glorious mids and treble, but as we will later see, the integration of the bass and mids/highs could be better.

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...69untitled.jpg

Excellent pictures and thanks for sharing Bart. I have a feeling this was a serious visit and even your wife was involved so.... I have only one question... When is your pair arriving? :D

Other gear, unemployed.

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge...51untitled.jpg

Total cost of this system: 50K + cables and streamer.
It seems that MBL is developing their own streamer now.

http://metazahren.com/photography/ge..._2untitled.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHC1 (Post 902318)

Excellent pictures and thanks for sharing Bart. I have a feeling this was a serious visit and even your wife was involved so.... I have only one question... When is your pair arriving? :D

Well ... the MBL-101 X-treme are definitely welcome to live with us... there's just one minor issue: funding!

May be we should start playing the lottery. :D