2. amps-preamps
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Best amps for MBL101e's?

I took the plunge and bought 101e's and restarting the upgrade bug. These speakers are not very efficient and in a large room. I have the EMM labs combo, and probably am going to buy the 6010d preamp that I am demoing right now (great phono section, has the ability to match levels for 4 different output channels). My bias in the past has been tubes (MC2000, VT100mkII)...any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris
128x128mount_rose_music

Showing 2 responses by deshapiro

deshapiro
177 posts
 
I'm speaking as an MBL 101e owner. I love the combo of a ballsy solid-state amp and a tube preamp. I really didn't like the way the MBL 6010D pre mated with the 9011 amps. Unbelievably dynamic but with a steely or ringing sound at the upper frequencies. Having said all that, I am currently using a Boulder 2060 amp and an Audio research Ref 3 preamp, to extremely good effect. Incredible layering, soundstaging etc. But what really knocks my socks off is the "you are there" sense of dynamics. I'm also using a Rives PARC ettenuator, which really tames the bass in my room.

David Shapiro
deshapiro
177 posts
 
Incredibly well.
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