Description

Hello to all Audiophilers. It has been a long journey and I'm almost to the end. I want to share my humble & proud system with you. We all have our preferences in our journey to build a system to our standard. The MBL gears is the end of the road for me. Every time I fire up the system, I bring the concert hall home and all the musicians play their instruments & sing right in front of me and thats go for both movies & musics. I believe it is the best we can hope for in a playback system. I wish everythings go as plan & well in your journey. As for me, the look, feel, & sound of MBL is HEAVENLY! Please share your thoughts, questions, & suggestions. Thanks & Happy Listening......
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Components Toggle details

    • Oppo BDP-105
    This is a great for HT and some musics.
    • Koetsu Rosewood Signature
    I love the way Koetsu produce the sound. Very lush mid & sweet high and solid bottom.
    • MBL 6010D Pre-amp
    This is the best solid state pre-amp I have ever encounter. Its has all tube charateristic but without tube flaws. The craftmanship is out of this world.
    • MBL 101E MKII
    WoW! behold my pride & joy! There is no speaker can move me like the MBL 101E MKII. Its sound so REAL.
    • MBL 121 Center channel
    Use one as a center channel. Excellent sound and match with my front two channels.
    • MBL 121 surround
    I use a pair of MBL 121 for the surround channels and a single 121 for the center channel.
    • MBL 9008A monoblock amp
    Beautiful, just plain BEAUTIFUL in look & sound....
    • Theta Digital Casablanca III surround processor
    This is cream-de-la-cream processor in the market. It equipt with 2 of their top DAC The Extreme Dac. It has all the bell & whitle and extremely detail on set-up.
    • Theta Digital Dreadnaught II 5x200/ch
    very powerful and great for multi-channel
    • JL F112
    The best sub for Home theater. Lightning fast and thunderous!
    • Transparent Reference xlr 35ft mm1
    Extremely detail & smooth. I use all Transparent References mm1 cables for my system.
    • Transparent Reference mm1 speaker cable
    Extremely detail & smooth. I use all Transparent References mm1 cables for my system.
    • Black Granite Stand
    I have a local granite store to cut all my black granite for my amps stand, center stand and my front Left & Right.
    • Otari Mtr-12 Reel-to-Reel
    Here is r2r that replace my transrotor turntable. this is the best sound reproduction money can buy. I love the sound of r2r, so realistic and natural.
    • Teac 25-2 Reel-to-Reel
    sound amazing!

Comments 29

How did you mount the Mbl 121 to
The rear wall ? I’m
Thinking of doing something similar .

Thanks ,
Damian

thequietman

Owner
just update my system. i no longer have the turntable and replace it with 2 reel to reel table( see pictures). I use to thoughts that turntable was the holy grail of sound reproduction until i listen to a reel to reel. The r2r is so natural, realistic and full body sound that make LP sounded thin.

ericngo1

Owner
hello Rob......

sorry for the late reply. I do live in DFW area.

ericngo1

Great looking system!

Are you in the DFW area also?

Rob

robforst1

Owner
Hello SAADAT....

Thanks for the kind comments and suggestions. Before MBL, I have use B&W, from 802N to 802D2 and I have it set up to 7.1. I use Theta CASABLANCA 3 for movies and musics before I jump to MBL. I have listen to a lot of pree before, ARC, LAMM, CJ, Ayon, and 6010D is pretty special. My 6010D have built in phono and I spin vinyl for musics and that is why I don't have CD. I only use 105 for movies and stream movies.

ericngo1

you are certainly on the right path in terms of pure sound reproduction. i am highly appreciate your decision on choosing your power and pree, yes to me 9008 and 6010D is the end of the world.

i have few question to you, what other pree did you tried? did you tried any conventional cone speaker? above all the main suggestion to you is, please get a cd pro2 enabled cd player. your system certainly shining now, but to me your next vital upgrade should be your cd player, oppo is very good for movies.

i am a great fan of MBL, please go through my system if you have time. my next 3 vital upgrades are, switched to MBL9007 mono, MBL6010D then MBL1611F.

most excitingly waiting to see the diff between 6010D and ML 326S, if GOD wish.

i am very happy with my current setup, just need another 9007 to reveal what actually mono black stores for me.

:)

MBL1621A
Wire world platinum starlight XLR/AES
PS Audio AC10 power cord

Oppo 105
Wire world platinum starlight SPDIF
Transparent premium powerlink

Bricasti Deign M1
Transparent ref RCA
cardas clear ac power cord

Mark Levinsion No 326s
Transparent super RCA
cardas clear ac power cord

MBL9007(stereo)
Wire world platinum electra ac power cord
Wire world polaris speaker cables

Dynaudio countour s.4

Pure Power+ 3000
cardas clear beyond 20amp ac power cord

regars
SAADAT

bengalfinch

Hi Eric,

there use to be allot of info. in relation to others with not so positive experience in relation to the product reliability "amps" and service as a whole but have vanished. For me it's old news, been there and done that but if you would like more info send me a personal PM and I will share. You might even be able to look back threw my threads and find some.

Personally I have nothing against him as a person.

The Vac's I made mention of are in a whole other league "SUPERIOR" sonic wise, quality so if you were looking for tube amps for your MBL's these would be the ones I would highly recommend and your amp hunt would be complete.

dev

Owner
Hello BabyBear...

Thanks for the answer of Ultra 5 and the recommendation of Screen Innovations. I will check them out. I really enjoy your system when I was there with your Magico M5. Your system make beautiful musics. Me and Hung would love to come back to check out your new update system.

Hello Dev...

The thoughts that Ken "owner of CAT" using the 101 to make the JL3 amps and to match with the 101 is very appealing to me. Just curious, what sort of bad experience do you have with CAT? For one thing, if the owner of CAT is reading this, then he might try to resolve the issues if the amps have problems or customer service problems. Secondly, to let the public know what they are getting into. I'm sure with all the ultra high end name brands like CAT, ARC, VTL, Lamm, Magico, MBL, Wilson, Rockport, just to name a few, they all want to please their customers and protect their name brand if there is a problems.

ericngo1

Hi Eric,

I don't know if I would really call my self a veteran, was very educational though.

Yes Ken the owner of CAT utilizes the 101e's, unfortunately I would not recommend his amps due my bad experience.

Now the VAC 450 Statement mono's are a whole other story, absolutely gorgeous with out those reliability issues, by far not cheap but put a smile on my face every time when turned on.

There are numerous pics of my set-up floating around.

Babybear answered your question, to date anyone whom I know that has tried these Ultra 5's has had positive results, even Jeremy B of MBL. Some are even using under their turntables like Babybear with positive results.

Yes I'm also married, I am fortunate but still at times my wife does comment here and there but then again I don't really ask about her shopping ;-) Does remind me of what happened recently when I acquired those MM3 speakers, when they showed up she was home and they come in 6 good size wooden crates weighing 250+ lbs each. Comment was; what the heck are in those and when I replied she just shook her head.

Enjoy!

dev

Hi Eric,

SP Ultra 5's are Stillpoints Ultra 5 footers. There are also the Stillpoints Ultra SS footers. The Ultra 5 are their top of the line (bigger and more expensive) but both are extremely effective at what they do. I use both in my system (but not under my speakers).

Also, since you enjoy your system so much for movies - if you haven't heard of Screen Innovations - you should check them out. They are an Austin based company that makes video projection screens. The Screen Innovations Black Diamond projection screen is the best projection screen that I have ever seen. It is pretty amazing.

Arnie

babybear

Owner
Hello DEV.....

Man, you are a veteran at this. I did have a chance to listen to JL3 at 2012 CES and love it. I also find out, the owner of CAT also have a pair of 101e MKII when he make the JL3. Unfortunately i can't use tube amp. I use my system 50/50 for movies & musics but JL3 would be the one I pick if i was going with tube amps. I don't know about you but I have a wife to convince and I'm lucky to have what I have today. I always admire those lucky souls whose could try so many different things. How about some pix of your systems and what is SP Ultra 5's?

ericngo1

Congrats! I agree MBL 101e speakers truly are special. I also own a pair of EA MM3 speakers which are allot bigger and have 2 powered woofers in each speaker, both speakers offer their own sonic differences for sure.

A recommendation would be to place some SP Ultra 5's under your speakers, doing this will even further enhance their capabilities, not cheap but when you have such a system the return is well worth it.

I was pleasantly surprised on my amplification journey to have firstly tried CAT JL3 Sig MK2 tube mono blocks, upon trying numerous SS amps there were sonics that I NEVER FORGOT and missed.

I've had numerous SS amps paired up with mine over the years but for some time now I've been off the merry-go-round, my amps included 9008's same as yours with 1060d pre-amp - pair of 9011's - Boulder mono 2050's - Karan mono 1200's to just name a few

I found I would like this and that but never forgot what I heard when I owned those CAT's paired up. Unfortunately they did not stay due to reliability issues, at that point in my journey I had a pair of Bryston 28 Squared mono blocks and 9011's. I found the Bryston's to be more musical and to my liking, I know of a few individuals whom also owned the 9008's and once they tried the Bryston's actually sold the 9008's but you really would need a tube pre paired up with them like the ARC Ref 3 or 5, or Vac Sig MK2a which will still allow you to do your home theatre. The latter pre-amp being the preferred by many whom have heard and my current pce.

My current set-up consist of;

-MBL 101E's placed upon SP Ultra 5's
-Vac Sig MK2a pre with phono
-Vac 450 Statement mono blocks
-MS 5000 table with floating platter mod from Germany with various arms/carts which replaced my TW Acustic Black Knight table
-Minus K custom platform which my table sits upon
-Finite Ref Sig double wide 3 shelf high component stand
-Burmester 100 phono
-K-01 player for playing those shiny disc, I did own 1621a transport "gorgeous pce" paired up with a tube dac which was my preference but due to taking up so much real estate and basically collecting dust due to I mostly listen to vinyl and my tuner decided to sell and go with a single player. Tried numerous and for my taste this one was a winner, so many different options "filters" to try which changes the sonic flavour and also plays SACD which is nice
-MD 109T tuner and MR-78 moded, both amazing tuners.
-Stealth cables through out

dev

Owner
Hello B_Limo

Thanks for the kind words. You are right about the spouse supportive, without it, none of my MBL would exist. Your system is not too shaby either. What do you use your system for: musics or movies? For me, its 50/50.

ericngo1

I love your speakers!! MBL's are my favorite.

b_limo

Owner
Hello Theduker....

Thanks for the nice comments. You are welcome to come by if you ever in fort worth TX. I do indeed enjoy the system every bit of it, whether I listen to musics or watching a movies. Thanks & Happy listening...

ericngo1

Your system is awesome, I would love to hear it! I have been interested in those speakers ever since I first saw them.

theduker

Owner
System edited: Here is the latest update on my system. The Avid Volvere was replace by Transrotor Fat Bob S Reference turntable. Replace the surround with a pair of MBL 121 and use two pair of Transparent Reference mm1 speaker cable for a true bi-wiring.

ericngo1

Owner
Hello John...

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm glad you enjoy my system as I do enjoy the system tremendously. You are welcome to come by anytime when you have a chance. As you already know, we have not listen to all my reference lp's yet. Thanks for helping me with the networking and see you soon...

ericngo1

Eric, really enjoyed hanging with you last night enjoying your system. As I said then, the music was effortless, smooth, three dimensional, full of macro and micro dynamics to die for. That Dead Can Dance MFSL vinyl blew my mind with the subterranean bass levels and dynamics. It was all good and I appreciated listening to your reference level system. I liked that you did all the room design and layout and system setup yourself. And, the HT sounded great too. The JL really pounded, but clean, clear and deep, not muddy in any way. Exceptionally well integrated 2 ch and multichannel surround system. I don't know how anyone gets any sleep in your house '-) You are a lucky guy. See you soon. John

swanny76109

Hello Eric, so how's all that new vinyl you got at CES sounding on your new Transrotor 'table?
I would agree that the MBL 101 Extremes were quite the treat and impressed the hell out of me. Wow! What bottom end huh? That bass was unreal!
Nice hanging out with you and the guys from Ntt. Thank You for dinner at Gilley's. Good times indeed.
Next year I should have my "scooter" driving skills perfected and hopefully not drive thru any walls! Ha Ha Ha!
Should have my new Transparent Ref's any day now, will keep you posted. Oh, and I want to get the pictures you took at CES. Lets talk soon. Peace. Mike.

martinmobile

Owner
system edit: I just recently replace the Avid Volvere TT to Transrotor Fat Bob with TMD(transrotor magnetic drive) & M1 power supply. Everything stay the same except the table and the differences is startling. The fit & finish is first class. With Audiogon new look, I don't know how to change out the picture but when I figure it out, I will update it.

ericngo1

Owner
I was just at the 2012 CES and thought the TAD room sound very natural to me. The Q7 tonal balance is great from top to bottom and just a bit bright on top compare to TAD room. I also would include that sound really good to me was the NTTAudio Lab, the Hanson/Tenor, Wilson/Lamm, Wisdom, perfect8 technology, C.A.T/MBL. The Very Best of the show honor goes to the MBL room with their 101 xtreme, hands down! It's the most lively & most natural sounding that I ever heard, period! Not only it sound phenomenal but strykingly good looking! At these level, no systems is bad, just different.

ericngo1

The Venetian during C.E.S. is a freak fest.

martinmobile

Owner
Hi Martinmobile...

I always say " why fix something that Is not broken". Until this projector start to given me trouble, then I'll replace with 3d dlp projector. I kinda like the film looking that this CRT projector put out. Beside, it's one big & heavy mother and I don't want to mess with....yet. Btw, I didn't get the inside joke. Thanks for your sugestions.

ericngo1

Hi Eric, that's a beast of a CRT projector isn't it? Have you given any thought to upgrading to a DLP 1080p Hi-Def projector? Not that there is anything wrong with what you are running or anything...but the newer DLP 3 chip projectors are a fraction of the size of your "godzilla" CRT, and run cooler, and have unbelievable color saturation and top notch resolution. Any thoughts on that bro? Also, the prices have come way down over the years on DLP...so you won't have to sell off your first born to afford the upgrade! Otherwise, I'de say you have reached up to the "top shelf" of in-home entertainment. But what about fishnet stockings, leather, stilleto heels, and tatoos? (inside joke)

martinmobile

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