UHA Uses The MBL Reference System To Test and Voice The UHA Tape Decks
Because Of The Reliable MBL Transparancy And Natural Sound Reproduction.
We have all Levels of MBL gear, give us a call at 540-295-8313 or email greg@unitedhomeaudio.com
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MBL 101 X Speaker New!
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Read the latest reviews of our MBL Radialstrahler:
Music, Metropolis-Style
Why do MBL speakers look like something out of a classic sci-fi movie?
“…Whether I was in the mood for an intimate vocal disc such as Nina Simone’s After Hours, the exotic jazz of James Carter’s Chasin’ The Gyspy, the San Francisco Symphony’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, or the eardrum blistering sounds of Led Zeppelin’s How The West Was Won, the MBL system seemed to morph in shape and size with each recording. Rather than bringing the venue to you, this system transports you to the event. It will play softly or scary-loud, sweetly or aggressively, big or small, with an absolutely thrilling sense of ease, refinement, and power…”
Home Entertainment Magazine
by Wayne Garcia
mbl 116 Radialstrahler Elegance
“A Challenging Vision”
“…their 116 provides the closest I have heard to a Holographicwork of art in a loudspeaker, one that sings and breathes as well. …the 116 approaches the most cinematic, viscerally felt and effortlessspacious presentation I have ever experienced in a loudspeaker. The 116 is seamless from top to bottom, with a power of transparent resolution, speed and effortless image clarity that is brilliant, both in music’s big flourishes as well as in its minute, filigree details.”
Stereo Times by Nelson Brill
…read the whole review
mbl Radialstrahler 116/121/111RC 5 Channel Surround Sound System
„Listening To Outer Space“
“The tweeter’s performance was positively hypnotic—easily the best I’ve heard. And the speaker’s overall balance was excellent. Yikes! The snare drum rolls and the horn flourishes have never sounded so fast, smooth and real in this room, nor has the presentation appeared so massive, spacious, seamless and complete.”
UltimateAVmag by Michael Fremer
…read the whole review
The technological tour de force that has continually redefined audio playback for over 30 years. MK II’s are the refined version of the earlier 101e Radialstrahler which garnered worldwide recognition as a truly great and classic loudspeaker. A speaker that is equally competent at reproducing the delicacy of a string quartet and the bone crushing transient dynamics of a rock performance.
101 – MKII -Improvements
New Base Drivers – offering more control
Improved Upper Midrange
New subwoofer cabinet design, aquistic center more improved bottom end
New Crossover Technology
Retuned front to rear signal
New ring design surrounding the bass ports
Reduced speaker height, improved listening
New 101 -MKII grill design
Combining performance, looks and luxury, the 101e – MKII does not produce sound as a conventional forward-firing point source, but as genuine 360-degree-radiating omnidirectional spheres. “Radialstrahl” means to “emit sound in a circular signal.” The tweeter, midrange, and bass modules are each pulsating spheres, while a custom-designed subwoofer module is housed below. Each hand-finished 101e – MKII is a thing to behold—a sculptural device that benefits from classic German attention to detail, and obsession with perfection.
Due to its revolutionary construction the Radialstrahler is able to produce three-dimensional sound in the living room at home that corresponds to that of a concert hall. In theory, this concept is simple: Like a musical instrument, the Radialstrahler radiates the sound waves in all directions – not only in one direction like conventional speakers, effectively energizing your entire room with sound.
In practice, the concept is not as easy, of course. We had to develop and process the components and the materials that create such a totally new soundadventure.
The Radialstrahler concept includes a circular vertical arrangement of lamellas around an axis for each frequency range (tweeter, midrange driver and subwoofer). On the upper side, these lamellas are firmly glued in a thrust bearing and on the lower side, they are connected to a moving coil. If a pulse of music is now transmitted from the amplifier to the speaker, these slightly bent lamellas (therefore the Radialstrahler is also called “Biegeschwinger”) are oscillated – they radiate sound waves, in this case music. The result is a sound of unusual acoustic space and realism that is absolutely free from coloring, that is neutral and homogenous.
In order to meet the high demands, especially concerning realism, the numerous lamellas being arranged around the axis in the tweeter and midrange driver are made from one of the highest-quality materials: they are manually made from carbon fiber, pressed under a high pressure and hardened at an exact temperature. The assembly of the exactly controlled components requires absolute precision in fine mechanics.
The same applies for the lamellas of the woofer, which show the lowest sound distortion, when they are manufactured from an aluminum/magnesium alloy.
With other procedures that are not less complex we optimize the sound of all three systems in order to avoid distortions, vibrations and other undesired modifications of the sound. Thus, we attach importance to a highly effective system for cooling the moving coils, so that the coils only convert a very small part of the fed energy into heat that may have an influence on the sound. For such a high pulse power like that of the Radialstrahler (2200 W), this influence may be important. The mbl 101e -MKII still reproduces the most fast musical pulses like that of an orchestra neutrally and without any distortions, when many other speaker systems already have to give up.
In order to create a solid basis for the homogenous realism of the three Radialstrahler systems, we integrated a subwoofer into the mbl 101e – MKII that has also been carefully developed and that substantiates the precise play in the subwoofer range. Like the tweeter, the midrange driver and the woofer the subwoofer is submitted to the objective of the overall system as a whole: the natural sound. Accordingly, it is perfectly integrated in this 4-way speaker system which is unique – not only with regard to technology.
The sound of the Radialstrahler should be just perfect, but its appearance should not be less: Our acoustical showpiece should not only be just beautiful; it should be an esthetical pleasure, making the avant-garde design justified by its functioning a statement of the senses. And we have been confirmed from many sides that we got very close to our objective.
The mbl 101e -MKII simply lights up with natural elegance: It is modern and timeless in one, it differs in every respect from conventional speakers, but it is discreetly beautiful. It is a harmonic complement to every stylish living space without making a negative impression as musical furniture. specially as the Radialstrahler really sounds brilliantly everywhere). But whoever regards it deliberately – and which visitor would not like to do that? – will be bewitched by its appearance: even when looking at it, the manually selected materials make you feel like touching, feeling the brilliant workmanship.
But listening is believing. And it’s safe to say that the new 101e- MK II provides a thrilling and unforgettable musical experience. Whether you’re hearing it for the first or the hundredth time, the 101e- MKII is bound to raise goose bumps, to increase the pulse. With the 101 music doesn’t seem to come from the speakers, but is simply there, in all its majesty and beauty.
THE MBL 111 F
mbl 111 F – Radialstrahler-Hybrid System I
Regardless of the type of music you prefer – our patented radial-beam principle is the guarantee for your total listening pleasure. The sound waves are radiated spherically, thus creating a natural three-dimensional acoustic pattern.
The mbl 111 F gets its hybrid character from the use of complex pressure-chamber technology in the woofer range, which gives it an enormous bass foundation and two force-balanced chassis in the lower mid-range, which provide for virtually unlimited dynamics and impressive impact. Thanks to radial-beam technology in the mid-range speaker and tweeter, the sound of your music remains enjoyably airy and light. Even the finest nuances are reproduced with ease. The interplay between these individual elements gives this speaker sound with a purity and beauty that will impress you right from the very start.
Another technological sensation is the patent-pending “crystallizer”. This system is unique in the hi-fi range: you will experience music with more definition and less distortion than ever before. The unadorned silhouette inspired by the Bauhaus style can be elegantly integrated into virtually any home environment. And the form also makes a considerable contribution to optimizing the sound quality.
In this way, the mbl 111 F satisfies your desire for exquisite sound quality as well as for good looks that reflect classical understatement.
MBL 116F Radialstrahler
Although MBL designed the 116 Radialstrahler Elegance to sell for just half the price of its big brother 101E, one listen reveals a speaker of greater similarities than differences; a speaker that can conjure the magic of your favorite musical artists into your very room.
“Radialstrahl” means to “emit sound in a circular signal.” And the 116’s tweeter and midrange act not as conventional point source radiators, but instead as pulsating 360-degree omnidirectional spheres.
This speaker offers the same dimensionality, refinement and resolution of the larger MBL’s. Dual side firing sub woofers replicate the radiation pattern of the two woofers mounted higher on the enclosure for consistent room loading. Finish quality is immaculate and attention to detail is exemplary, qualities we’ve come to expect on all mbl products. The custom-designed bass enclosure houses a quartet of seamlessly matched low-frequency drivers—two 5.5” woofers, and two 8” aluminum subwoofers, which makes the 116 a true full-range system The 116 is a four-way design. Delicious MT-50 Radialstrahler midrange and an HT-37 Radialstrahler tweeter. Frequency response is 32Hz – 33kHz. The numbers don’t begin to describe the magical qualities these speakers possess.
Each hand-finished 116 is a thing to behold—a modern sculptural device that benefits from classic German attention to detail, and obsession with perfection.
Intended for medium- sized rooms, the 116 is fully capable of the “disappearing act” that marks each of mbl’s Radialstrahler speakers as something truly special. Once you’ve experienced it, the difference between mbl’s Radialstrahler designs and conventional speakers is the difference between merely listening to music, and being transported by it.
Press Articles:
Stereophile
Michael Fremer
There wasn’t a genre of music or a favorite recording that didn’t yield spectacular results through the mbl 101Es, or, in many cases, reveal heretofore hidden information—the resolving power of these speakers was astonishing. But more than revealing new information, the mbls delivered what I already knew was there with an unforced ease and grace that are unrivaled by any speaker I’ve heard. When finally set up correctly and surrounded by the right associated gear, they were positively addicting.
mbl 101 E Radialstrahler loudspeaker
When they and all of the associated equipment were right, the sound-and it’s a big sound-floated effortlessly in three-dimensional space as with no other speaker in my experience. More important, they created a believable musical reality.
http://stereophile.com/
loudspeakerreviews/1004mbl/ (“Stereophile”)
Natural Sound
Live music is incomparable: direct, nuances, complex, but harmonic as a whole. Music sounds like it is – real. No matter if you are listening to the filigree play of violins in a concert hall or if you really feel the powerful bass at a rock music event, you always experience music as tangible part of your environment, as element of the senses coming from all sides. To experience music at the moment of its creation is a cultural and sensuous event and will therefore always have an important position in our society. And that is good.
But unfortunately, you cannot always give yourself over to music in a concert hall, you do not always have the time for row 12, seat 17 in the “Gro§e Symphonie” (large concert hall in Berlin). You would rather like to permit yourself the luxury of experiencing music, enjoying music at home in your own living space, and that as natural and harmonic as in the concert hall. This is, however, not easy – even with the most advanced reproduction technology – since this high demand poses a serious problem even for very good conventional speaker systems: In contrast to the instruments of the live event, those speakers radiate the sound only in one direction – to the front. For this reason, they can only insufficiently reproduce such round harmony, that is produced by an orchestra radiating to all sides. The ratio of direct sound (from the boxes) and indirect sound (reflected by the walls and other objects) is not balanced. This is an obvious drawback.
For us at MBL this drawback in speaker construction was a challenge 20 years ago: How must a new speaker be in order to radiate the sound – of an instrument or a voice – as it is the case in reality? In which way a balanced ratio between direct and indirect sound and thus a harmonic and real, i.e. perfect musical pleasure can be achieved?
During many years of acoustic research in cooperation with Professor Dr. Josef Sternberg and Professor Dr. Herbert Fritz (among others) of the Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrt an der Technischen Universität Berlin (institute for aeronautics and aerospace at the technical university of Berlin, Germany) we have finally developed a speaker concept that breaks through the physical limits of conventional speakers – the Radialstrahler, which we now present in its most advanced version, the mbl 101 E.
Due to its revolutionary construction the Radialstrahler is able to produce three-dimensional sound in the living room at home that corresponds to that of a concert hall. In theory, this concept is simple, but brilliant: Like a musical instrument, the Radialstrahler radiates the sound waves in all directions – and not only in one direction like other speakers.
In practice, the concept is not as easy, of course. We had to develop and process the components and the materials that create such a totally new sound adventure.
The Radialstrahler concept includes a circular vertical arrangement of lamellas around an axis for each frequency range (tweeter, midrange driver and subwoofer). On the upper side, these lamellas are firmly glued in a thrust bearing and on the lower side, they are connected to a moving coil. If a pulse of music is now transmitted from the amplifier to the speaker, these slightly bent lamellas (therefore the Radialstrahler is also called “Biegeschwinger”) are oscillated – they radiate sound waves, in this case music. The result is a sound of unusual acoustic space and realism that is absolutely free from coloring, that is neutral and homogenous.
In order to meet the high demands, especially concerning realism, the numerous lamellas being arranged around the axis in the tweeter and midrange driver are made from one of the highest-quality materials: they are manually made from carbon fiber, pressed under a high pressure and hardened at an exact temperature. The assembly of the exactly controlled components requires absolute precision in fine mechanics.
The same applies for the lamellas of the woofer, which show the lowest sound distortion, when they are manufactured from an aluminum/magnesium alloy.
With other procedures that are not less complex we optimize the sound of all three systems in order to avoid distortions, vibrations and other undesired modifications of the sound. Thus, we attach importance to a highly effective system for cooling the moving coils, so that the coils only convert a very small part of the fed energy into heat that may have an influence on the sound. For such a high pulse power like that of the Radialstrahler (2200 W), this influence may be important. The mbl 101 E still reproduces the most fast musical pulses like that of an orchestra neutrally and without any distortions, when many other speaker systems already have to give up.
In order to create a solid basis for the homogenous realism of the three Radialstrahler systems, we integrated a subwoofer into the mbl 101 E that has also been carefully developed and that substantiates the precise play in the subwoofer range. Like the tweeter, the midrange driver and the woofer the subwoofer is submitted to the objective of the overall system as a whole: the natural sound. Accordingly, it is perfectly integrated in this 4-way speaker system which is unique – not only with regard to technology.
The sound of the Radialstrahler should be just perfect, but its appearance should not be less: Our acoustical showpiece should not only be just beautiful; it should be an esthetical pleasure, making the avant-garde design justified by its functioning a statement of the senses. And we have been confirmed from many sides that we got very close to our objective.
The mbl 101 E simply lights up with natural elegance: It is modern and timeless in one, it differs in every respect from conventional speakers, but it is discreetly beautiful. It is a harmonic complement to every stylish living space without making a negative impression as musical furniture (especially as the Radialstrahler really sounds brilliantly everywhere). But whoever regards it deliberately – and which visitor would not like to do that? – will be bewitched by its appearance: even when looking at it, the manually selected materials make you feel like touching, feeling the brilliant workmanship.
The colors are perfectly harmonized. The satin-finish black color of the covering that has been manually deposited in several layers shows an interesting contrast to the corpus inside showing through; the accentuating cap underlines the value and the beauty of the speaker, thus raising the living space to nobility, also with regard to architecture.
Thus, we make high-end technology a product of classically good style, and great sound articulates with such a seducing elegance that the Radialstrahler technically and optically becomes the new version of modern pleasure, that the delight in uncompromisingly good sound becomes the way of life of most sophisticated standard.
Press Reviews
“This type of spatial illusion cannot be conveyed by conventional speakers – no classic speaker releases airy sound so naturally. The speakers reproduce strong pulses precisely, they lead symphonic attacks brilliantly and vivaciously and impart clear outlines to complicated bass courses.”HiFi Vision
“The speakers reproduce such a multi-dimensional sound panorama that no other speaker could reproduce in AUDIO–s audition room. When moving through the room, the acoustic pattern is not constant, but the individual instruments move always having the correct ratio to one another as if an orchestra would play between the speakers. No other speaker tested until now provides such a phenomenal all-round radiation and can be placed without any problems.”
Audio
“Up to now, no other speaker could reproduce such a nature-related sound pattern. The definition and airiness of the speaker are really so amazing that one can find new sounds on well-known CDs again and again.”
Playtronic
“Amazing was how easy the sound was released from the speaker and that the position of the speakers could hardly be found out. A standard was set.”
Stereoplay
“… No smearing, no delaying tactics, blurring of the edges. With dangerous percussion, check out the musically barren but sonically thrilling Sheffield Labs drum extravaganza. The MBL handles every thwack, smack and crack with utter, nay, Germanic control. From bass drum through to frenzied Zildjians, you get thump and splash in the correct proportions. And you’ll marvel at hyperactive guitar plucking, which suggests that Joe Satriani is faster than yer average domed tweeter.”
The King of all preamps the
MBL 6010!
The enjoyment of music in its complete splendor – without concessions to audience taste or zeitgeist …
Our quest for perfection and the desire to offer our customers the finest of what is currently technologically feasible have come to fruition in the shape of the mbl 6010 D pre-amplifier.
For this reason, we have endowed the device with the mbl 6010 D identification number with the proud accolade of “The Pre-Amplifier”.
These components are manufactured individually through precise craftsmanship. The perfectly aligned electronics constitute the cornerstone of music reproduction. Sockets, switches, plugs and potentiometers of the highest quality ensure perfect interaction. The cabinet construction is designed for the optimal signal flow between the individual electronic plug-in units. From an optical viewpoint, this results in an unconventional, functional image which contradicts all fashionable contemporary trends.
The perfect high gloss varnish of the cabinet units, applied in several coats and subsequently polished, is also very imposing – the best is just about good enough for us.
The sturdy chief operating elements – the volume regulator and the incoming selector switch – are turned from solid brass. The high-gloss polished, 24-carat gold plated surface of these operating elements provides an optically appealing contrast to the device’s high-gloss black coloration. For fans of the colder “Arctic Silver” version, these elements have been plated with high-gloss chromium, thereby emphasizing quality without appearing obtrusive.
The technical concept of plug-in technology offers the option of updating your device individually. Subsequent additions or adjustments to new technology are feasible at any time. The basic device, built up as a complete pre-amplifier, is equipped with two CD inputs, a tuner input, two tape recorder attachments (or DAT), as well as six output terminals. Two existing slots can be optionally fitted with Phonomodules (MM or MC), Balanced or CD direct inputs. Similar to a precision instrument, all input signals can be fine-tuned. This adjustment is implemented via the integrated level unit – easily and individually. A processor input (bypass) is provided for the possible connection of the high-end system with the video processor.
Totally relaxed and concentrating on the music, the volume is optimally set for the respective acoustic environment via the infrared remote control. Needless to say, all inputs and outlets can be operated via remote control.
The power unit especially developed for the mbl 6010 D provides an abundance of energy. Comparable with the engine of a sports car, the power unit’s design is an essential factor in determining the quality of reproduction. The power unit of the mbl 6010 D is equivalent to a powerhouse equipped with all imaginable technical finesse: guarding technology, mains filter, Mu-metal encapsulated toroidal core transformers, high-speed senseline voltage regulation … all of which is scrupulously conceived, because perfection is our goal.
When the Stradivarius sings and a feeling of well-being sets in, you can rest assured that a considerable amount of work involving the tuning of the linear amplifiers has gone on behind the scenes. The CD inputs contain sophisticated bias current compensators thus eliminating the need for coupling capacitors in the signal path and distortion sinks below the range of measurement – resulting in an unparalleled, unadulterated acoustic pattern.
The signal path from the output driver amplifiers is also undisturbed by capacitors. The optimal solution for maximum reproduction quality. Combining the mbl 6010 D with any power amp or active speakers is no problem at all.
A masterpiece of musical reproduction: An acoustic pattern which is both analytical and warm – even the deepest, velvety black music, bass passages remain contoured and dry. Listening to music will become an indispensable experience.
MBL – the artistic blacksmith amongst high-end manufacturers.
This true analog power amplifier is built only with discrete components of highest quality. Neither integrated circuits, nor microprocessors are involved in this design. Our engineers have created a true balanced design. In mono operation 2 full range high quality power amplifiers (in- and off- phase) driving the speaker without any ground connection. On the rear panel you will find a balanced connector with gold plated pins to connect the amplifier section direct with the input signal. Though, there is a possibility to drive this amp in Stereo too, for this operation you will find RCA connectors for unbalanced Stereo operation. The Stereo input signal is connected by using drilled pure 6N copper wire direct to the input of the electronic board. There is no relays to switch between Mono/Stereo operation to avoid any influence by contact distortions. This power amp is offering incredible flexibility, but mainly sheer power for passionate music lovers. Using this High End power amp in a home theater setup you get a sound quality level you never believe that this can be happened. In short, the mbl 9008 A is a technical masterpiece manufactured in the service of music.
The circuitry technology concepts developed by MBL, such as the “DPP” (Direct Push Pull) and “IGC” (Isolated Gain Cell), are combined here with a unique new circuit board design with ultra-short signal paths. In addition, special low-induction components in the passive environment make it possible to exploit the full bandwidth of this amplifier.
– Special technical features:
– Multi-layer PCB with heavy CU planes in the output section
– Gold plated copper planes
– Layout in “ground-plane” and “eye-of-an-needle” techniques
– Low-induction MPC resistors and MHz-type RSH capacitors
– Super-fast ring-emitter transistors in X-crossed array
– Regulated power supply for the Class-A drive electronics
– Custom MBL-built binding posts made of pure copper
– No output relays
– 198.000 uF custom built “long life” power capacitor bank
– Pure copper internal wiring 6NCU
– DC servo coupling
– Flat frequency response to beyond 350 kHz
– Outstanding mechanical structure, in a compact housing
…and a few secrets that we would rather keep to ourselves.
This fully balanced differential amplifier employs 2 custom built toroidal transformers for the power stage and 1 custom-built, fully-shielded transformer for the driver stage. All transformers are mounted on a metal shield and encased in epoxy for ultra-effective damping. The output stage and the driver stage employs separate supplies to fully isolate the output stage from the input stage.
As far as the sound is concerned, this is the weapon to protect the beauty of the music from all deleterious influences. This is the amplifier you have always been seeking for.
Just open your ears and listen.
A beast of an amp
19″wide 13″ tall 24″ deep and HEAVY!
TWO POWER CABLES feeding two power supplies!
2200w peak power!
A technical masterpiece in the service of music. This high-end treat does not boast yet unheard of measurement data; certainly not, it simply outdoes everything that was considered the “best” up until now.
The circuitry concepts developed by MBL, such as the “DPP” and “IGC” technologies, are combined here with a uniquely new circuit board design with ultra-short signal paths. Special low-induction components in the passive area make it possible to exploit the full bandwidth.
Special technical features:
– Multi-layer PCB with heavy CU planes in the output section
– Layout in Ground-plane and Eye-of-an-needle technique
– Low-induction MPC resistors and MHz-type RSH capacitors
– Super-fast ring-emitter transistors in X-crossed array
– Regulated power supply for the Class-A drive electronics
… and a few secrets that we would rather keep to ourselves.
Thanks to the uncompromising, balanced mono design, it was possible to eliminate virtually all sources of interference. Two complete power amplifiers inside the mbl 9011 keep the speaker under absolute control at all times. The input, a single balanced connector on the back, is connected in a purist direct way to the input difference amplifier using twisted 6N copper wiring.
As far as the sound is concerned, we wouldn’t dare attempt to describe or classify it; after all, perfection is difficult to put into words …
So just open your ears and listen.
