mbl 101e vs 116f vs 111f

IMHO, Mac would NOT be a good match.
As I've stated before, the Mac is rated into 4 ohms, which gives the impression of more power than it actually delivers. (Universally, mfgrs rate in to 8 ohms).
I am not damning the Mac, I like it's basic sound, and even went to New York and attended McMasters Training, which gave me a real appreciation for the 'hands on' nature of that company, in terms of build.
It's just that the Mac is 'softish' in the bass, with a bit of 'bloom' and sponginess which would not do well with the MBL...Besides, we're talking about electronics, I believe, when talking about MBL, which cost a bit more, aren't we?

Congrats on chosing from the line that I think makes the best speaker on the market today.

Best,
Larry

I think that the MBL electronics, if within a price range that's possible, would be the perfect match--the synergism of the product line becomes very obvious at that point.
I've tried the MBL in my home and it's very Gryphon-like in its sound. Not at all hashy or grainy, very smooth, nice staging. Possibly a little 'soft' sounding in the very top. I don't really know if it measures this way, but it sounds to me as if the last octave, (of what is considered human hearing) 10K to 20K is a bit honey colored, and overly smoothed over. This is NOT a deal breaker for me, as I prefer that over the other side of the spectrum.
This kind of overall voicing of the amp/pre and even integrated, may reflect their speakers propensity for a bit of forwardness in it's presentation in that region. So, the process of interactive voicing may be the reason for this result.

If you can find MBL used, (built like a tank by the way) consider that.
Good listening.

Larry

This is confusing AND frustrating.
To say:

"The MBL amps are definitely no slouch, and if money doesn't matter, go for it, but we didnt think they were worth the extra expense. We ended up powering the mbls with (dont laugh) crown reference I amps."

This is tantamount to saying, 'While I liked the $180K Bentley, we decided on a $6K Yugo, not seeing the extra expense as worth it.'

IMHO, the difference between the MBL and the Crown, (not casting dispersions at Crown, as it's NOT A FAIR COMPARISON) is night and day, and if you can't hear and appreciate the difference, then I don't know where to begin.

Price WAS the factor, not performance, I'm thinking.

I am first to admit to subjectivity in Audio, hell, that's ALL we have in some instances, other than 'core measurements'...but the difference between products is generally so obvious that, if one can't hear and appreciate differences, especially like the difference between the Crown and MBL--I AM laughing.

Larry