MBL EQUIPMENT IN STORE FOR DEMO (more to come!)
NEW! MBL 116F Monitor Speakers
MBL N11 Preamp
MBL 9007 Monoblocks
MBL 116F Speakers
By Appointment the MBL Reference system.
101E speakers
9008 monoblocks
6010 Preamp
MBL Audio Speakers Page
MBL Audio Reference Line Page
General description / special features:
LASA 2.0 amplifier – MBL-developed technology that combines the advantages of
different amplifier concepts. The resultant amplifier is perfectly suited to drive complex
loads such as loudspeakers, ensuring that the frequency response remains stable even at
varying loads and has a homogeneous tonal balance throughout frequency range
UNITY GAIN function for improved transparency and resolution of music through a lower
noise floor and greater dynamic range
Soft Clipping – even at very high volumes the amplifier goes gently into clipping mode,
never sounding aggressive or distorted
Power supply is built around an analog toroidal transformer with protective shield
technology in its MU-metal enclosure
380 watts (4 O) power with 28 Amp peak output current, values that ensure a sovereign
and unconstrained performance even at higher volume levels
Rectifier with low recovery losses
Simple selection of the music source by intelligently managed inputs from all connected
devices (eg CD-DAC)
Analogue volume control via stepping motor and potentiometer
Unused inputs can be deactivated, eliminating interference with the input selection
The maximum volume during power-on can be limited by a simple menu setting, to
prevent dangerously high levels (eg protection of children’s ears)
High-quality, vibration-damped full copper loudspeaker connections (binding posts) by
the German manufacturer WBT
5’’ color TFT display, 6 smart keys
MBL SmartLink version 2.0, employed to network MBL devices with the exchange of
status information
Intelligent remote control concept for easy operation
SD-card slot for easy firmware and display content update
“Made in Germany” development and production made in MBL’s own factory in Berlin
This is a very seriously good preamp, very lively and dynamic sounding.
It would be my preamp choice below $20,000!
Greg Beron
This from the designer Juergen Reis via Stereophile and Jason Victor Serinus.
“I know the sound of every resistor, every capacitor—everything. I know what tonal balance will be created when I mix this with that. So, when I started to develop the N11, I had a sound in my head. I made the schematic, optimized the layout to measure well, and then began listening and tuning with small parts. I adjusted the capacitor contacts, chose the correct parts for the desired sound, and determined what kind of silk screen on the printed circuit board would create the sound that would best fit Noble Line target customers.
“Some of my work involved tuning the power supply. It may come as a surprise to learn that you can change tonality without even touching the signal path, because the signal originates from the power supply. The impedance curve of the N11’s power supply is absolutely homogenous from DC to 200kHz, which creates a very balanced sound. I also tuned the resistors for the voltage gain, using a mix of carbon and metal resistors to create a neutral balance. There are a lot of preamps that claim to be ‘neutral’ or ‘in balance,’ but there are different shades of ‘neutral.’ If you have a tube preamp, for example, ‘neutral’ is at a different level than solid-state; it’s not better or worse, but it is different. It took a lot of work to find the tonal balance I like a lot that measures well, with low noise, and fits very well in the Noble Line.”
“I won’t tell anyone that the N11 is the ‘best’ preamp for their system, but I will say that it matches perfectly with other Noble Line components, and its sound is different than the sound of the preamp section of the Noble Line N51 Integrated amp. The goal is to choose components that work well together to achieve optimal synergy. They don’t have to be the ‘best’ products or all from the same company, but they have to work optimally with your other components, your room, and your taste. This is the biggest challenge for a dealer: To get to know a customer well enough to be able to find the best combination for them.”
“Unity Gain”
A unique aspect of the N11 is its “Unity Gain” feature, which can be engaged or disengaged easily via the preamp’s control panel or remote control. “When you have components whose specifications are within the normal range, eg, a digital source with an analog feed of around 2V and a power amp that delivers its maximum power around 2V, then it makes the most sense to have a preamp or control unit that works best at 2V,” Reis told me. “If you set our preamp to Unity Gain, the music flows the easiest way, without impediment, from the DAC to the power amp. This gives the highest transparency and lowest distortion.”
This is, Reis confirmed in a series of emails, a matter of reducing the preamp’s gain so that the signal isn’t amplified excessively and then attenuated. With “Unity Gain” activated, a 2V input signal—full-scale according to the CD Standard—results in a 2V signal to the power amp with the N11’s volume set to 70. Two volts is close to the input voltage at which most power amplifiers achieve their maximum power: max-in = max-out, or vice versa, depending on your perspective.
Transparency and sovereignty – allows music to flow freely Symmetrical layout for better common mode rejection LASA 2.0 power amplifier – homogeneous tonal balance throughout frequency range Soft Clipping – goes gently into clipping, never aggressive or distorted Analog toroidal transformer with protective shield technology in its MU-metal enclosure 2 x 380 watts (4O) power, 28 Amp peak output current 1 balanced XLR Input and 1 floating-balanced RCA input
SPECIFICATIONS
380 watts (4 O) power with 28 Amp peak output current, values that ensure a sovereign and unconstrained performance even at higher volume levels
High-quality, vibration-damped full copper loudspeaker connections (binding posts) by the German manufacturer WBT
2 analog inputs (1 x RCA floating-balanced, 1 x balanced XLR)
Power supply is made by a massive analog toroidal transformer with protective shield technology in its MU-metal enclosure
2 MBL SmartLink connectors (RJ45)
LASA 2.0 amplifier – MBL-developed technology that combines the advantages of different amplifier concepts. The resultant amplifier is perfectly suited to drive complex loads such as loudspeakers, ensuring that the frequency response remains stable even at varying loads and has a homogeneous tonal balance throughout frequency range
From Stereophile:
Jürgen Reis, MBL’s lead engineer, was delighted to show me the company’s new 560W (into 4 ohms), mono power amplifier, the MBL N15 ($17,800). Slimmer than MBL’s reference-line amplifiers, four N15s (for bi-amping) fit into one equipment rack. There are two XLR (balanced) inputs, one for a preamplifier and the other for a future media server. Reis was proud of the N15’s very high common-mode rejection and 36-ampere output capabilities. Using MBL’s smart-link network connection, one can access a display showing the amplifier’s temperature and fault status. I was treated to a detailed PowerPoint presentation showing the amp’s stability and low distortion while driving difficult speaker loads. I was impressed by how the amplifier is cooled using diecast internal heatsinks via chimney-style air distribution that flows from an intake at the bottom of the chassis, up through the output stage and power supply, and out the rear panel.
mbl 9007 Mono / Stereo power amplifier – the passion of power and music
This true analog power amplifier is built only with discrete components. No integrated circuit, nor microprocessors are involved in this design. Our engineers have created a fully balanced design for mono operation. Though, there is a possibility to drive this amp in Stereo too, thus offering incredible flexibility, especially in High End home theater setups. In short, it is a technical masterpiece manufactured in the service of music.
The circuitry technology concepts developed by MBL, such as the “DPP” (Direct Push Pull)is 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 quality FR4 with heavy CU planes in the output section
• galvanic gilding to protect the copper against pollution
• ultra short signal paths
• extreme high peak pulse power up to 1.900 W (MONO)
• balanced XLR and RCA input
• 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
• DPP circuit (Direct Push Pull)
• IGC technology (Isolated Gain Cell)
• Regulated power supply for the Class-A drive electronics
• Custom MBL-built binding posts made of pure copper
• No output relays
• 132.000 uF custom built power capacitor bank
• Pure copper internal wiring
• DC servo coupling
• Flat frequency response to beyond 350 kHz
• Outstanding mechanical structure
This fully balanced differential amplifier employs a custom built toroidal transformer for the power stage and 1 custom-built, fully-shielded toroidal transformer for the driver stage. The power transformer is mounted on an aluminium metal shield and encased in epoxy for ultra-effective damping. The output stage and the driver stage employ separate supplies to fully isolate the output stage from the input stage.
All of these outstanding technical specialties set the stage for our ultimate goal:
Music reproduction on highest quality level.
Engineered in Germany for the music lovers in the world.
Flexibility:
Discontinued MBL Noble Line Products are listed below:
MBL 8011MA
$7,976 each
All new design the 8011MA replaces the 8011M
IN STORE NOW FOR DEMO!
Notice the new faceplate matching the larger reference amps.
New on /off and standby switches.
New led lights matching the reference amps.
This new 8011M “A” version is sweeter yet more detailed and yet faster than the old version.
Never the least bit harsh, (all too often even more expensive solid state from other manufacturers
tends to be harsh or strident on the highs).
We have always been tube guys but the MBL amps may be better, I am surprised to say.
We proudly present MBL’s latest update of the mono power amplifier mbl 8011M
the new “A-version”: 8011M A
This new “A”-version not only features a new optical look well adapted to the MBL reference power amplifier line, but also some technical innovations:
1.) There are now 2 separate mono power stages built in to improve the impulse
response and reduce the harmonic distortion and signal crosstalk.
2.) The achievement is: more transparency and higher quality in sound.
The mbl 8011M A also features more user comfort like:
standby mode, sleep mode and the brightness levels of the LED display can be remote controlled.
The mbl 8011M A will captivate you with its excellent sound and its beautiful compact design. And of course it offers everything you expect from MBL:
superior materials, high quality workmanship and sophisticated technology for brilliant, genuine music reproduction.
This output stage is a mono block which is identical to the stereo version in its construction. Special features include the bi-wiring speaker connections on the rear panel, main charging electrolytic capacitors with extra long service life and a connection to accommodate convenient remote switching via the preamplifier. The preferred placement of the mono output stages beside the speakers makes it possible to work with extremely short speaker wiring, thus reducing wiring losses and increasing the quality of music reproduction considerably. This mono block version is also highly recommended when longer distances between the speakers and the electronics are involved or for use in a home-theater system. The output stage is universal and can also easily handle multi-channel operation. With this mono output stage, you will set your own individual accents. The demands of a high-end purist on design and technology can be satisfied without compromise.
The mbl 8011 Output Stage
These powerful output stages show off the purity and naturalness of your music to its best advantage: from the most delicate pianissimo to the most spirited fortissimo – it’s a sound experience that maintains a consistently high level of quality. Thanks to the combination of the superior materials and high-quality technology you have come to expect from MBL, the music reproduction is so lively and fresh that you will be fascinated by the wonderfully impressive sound. Even the slightest interference created by the power conduction is successfully eliminated by the ingenious “ground plane layout”, giving the acoustic pattern its incomparable purity and sound precision.
The mbl 8011 is available in two versions: As a stereo output stage, the mbl 8011 S or as a mono unit, the mbl 8011 M.
Regardless of which output stage version you should decide on, the overall mbl concept guarantees you listening pleasure that is virtually unlimited.
Hi-fi enthusiasts, who will settle for nothing less than absolutely neutral music reproduction, will find their dreams fulfilled by this preamplifier. The sound pattern is three-dimensional and finely differentiated, the presentation is dynamic and self-contained – you will feel as if you are actually at a Live Event! The appearance of the mbl 5011 is impressive due to its clear and practical streamlined design. There are only those controls which are technically absolutely necessary. The volume control is easily recognizable by its size and gold or chrome finish. Inputs and functions are selected using polished full-metal buttons. The digital display on the front panel indicates the exact volume level and combines attractive design with easy fine-tuning. The electronic of this preamplifier are a “delicacy” which satisfies even the highest aspirations. At the rear of the mbl 5011 there are five inputs plus two additional optional inputs to configure the preamplifier to meet your personal requirements. Besides balanced and CD-direct inputs, the selection of optional modules includes various top quality Phono inputs for MM and MC . For smooth integration of a Video Surround Processor into your High End Audio System, our preamplifier already has a processor/bypass input with fixed amplification fitted as standard. The outputs offer the sort of flexibility only known previously with our Reference preamplifier mbl 6010 D. The mbl 5011 has a total of 6 outputs. Besides a “fixed output” – uncontrolled output to connect e. g. recording equipment – this preamplifier has, as a “special treat”, two output groups with separate volume and switch-on/off controls equipped with 3 balanced and 3 unbalanced (RCA) outputs. This dream machine fulfils all your requirements and enables optimum utilization in all existing High End systems. The direct connection of the input and output connectors with the printed circuit boards provides extremely short signal paths for purest music reproduction. The input stages are fitted with fantastic ‘BIAS’ current compensation which enables pure DC coupling and you will be surprised by the control and musical beauty of this special electronic design. The results of our work: brilliant technology, top quality processing, exclusive appearance design and a fascinating, incomparably clear and pure sound
MBL CD player 1531
Transport-Section:
Media Standard compact disk (Red Book)
Resolution: 16-Bit
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
Number of Channels: 2
Modulation: EFM
Error Correction: CIRC
CD Mechanism
CD-PRO 2 Module
Heavy Die-Cast frame
3-beam laser
Glass Lens
Linear sledge for radial tracking
Fully digital servo processing
D/A-Section:
Resolution 24 bit Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz Error correction Repeat block on error D/A Converter 1-bit linear, double push pull; Oversampling 128x Signal to Noise-Ratio 110 dB/ 112 dB
Analog Outputs:
Connection RCA, XLR Frequency Range DC – 20 kHz, +0 dB / -0.5 dB Signal to noise 110 / 112 dBr, 2 V Dynamik 97 dB Channel seperation 110 dB, 1 kHz THD 0.0007%, 1 kHz Output level 2V (RCA),4V (XLR) Output Impedance RCA= 100 Ohm, XLR= 200 Ohm Digital Outputs: Digital Bi-phase signal,
no pulse distortion
or jitter up to 500 MHz AES/EBU, XLR XLR:
Output impedance: 110 Ohm
Open Voltage: 5.0Vp-p
Load Voltage: 2.5Vp-p
Bandwidth: 40 MHz S/P-DIF, RCA RCA:
Output impedance: 75 Ohm
Open Voltage: 1.0Vp-p
Load Voltage: 0.5Vp-p
Bandwidth: 40 MHz Toslink General:
Power supply
(factory set for country) 230/115 Vac, 50/60 Hz
Toroidal transformers
2 guard shielding
Separated windings for:
digital out, servo, control, display
10 voltage regulators
Power consumption 60 VA max. during ”Play”
15 VA max. during “Standby” Weight (net) 20kg, 44 lbs Dimensions (w x h x d) 450 x 170 x 400 mm,
18 x 6.3 x 16 inch
