Solid State Power Amp Reviews

MBL Reference 9011 monoblock amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Sources: Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn turntable, Cobra tonearm, Castellon stand; Graham Phantom II tonearm; Ortofon A90, Soundsmith Sussurro cartridges.
Digital Sources: Playback Designs MPS-5 SACD/CD player–DAC, Simaudio Moon Evolution 650D CD transport–DAC, BPT-modified Alesis Masterlink hard-disk recorder, Sooloos music server, Pure Music software.
Preamplifiers: Ypsilon PST-100 Mk.II with Ypsilon BC1 balancing transformers, MBL Reference 6010D, darTZeel NHB-18NS.
Power Amplifiers: Music Reference RM-200 Mk.II, Soulution 710, VTL MB-450 Series III Signature, Musical Fidelity Titan.
Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Specialties MAXX 3, MBL Radialstrahler 101E Mk.II.
Cables: Phono: Hovland/Graham MG2 Music Groove. Interconnect: Stealth Sakra, TARA Labs Zero, Wireworld Platinum, ZenSati #1. Speaker: TARA Labs Omega Gold, Wireworld Platinum, ZenSati #1. AC: Shunyata Research King Cobra Helix CX & Anaconda CX, TARA Labs.
Accessories: Shunyata Research Triton power conditioner; Oyaide AC wall box & receptacles; Finite Elemente Pagode, HRS SXR stands; Symposium Rollerblocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG BAD & Abffusor panels; Audiodharma Cable Cooker; Furutech DeMag & deStat LP treatments; VPI HW-17F, Loricraft PRC4 Deluxe record-cleaning machines.—Michael Fremer

COMMENTS

Effortless and Dynamic

Submitted by K.Reid on March 20, 2012 - 3:52pm

The size and build quality of this amplifier must be seen to be appreciated. The meticulous attention to detail will give one insight into the time and effort that goes into building world class amplification.

I heard (or more appropriately experienced) this amplifier at CES when it was driving the MBL 101 Extreme. This amplifier is one of the most transparent-to-the-source and dynamically potent components that I have heard.

Used with the appropriate sources, speaker cables and interconnects - one should prepare for a great amount of listening enjoyment from the effortless quality of the MBL 9011.