thoughts on MBL amps: 8011 vs 9007's

Dear Vx:

I enjoy the detail and accuracy of the 8011's; but don't feel that I'm getting all the base umph that my speakers are claimed to deliver. I'm thinking I need another dedicated power plug; I may be crimping on the power getting into the amps; no; I don't have any room treatments.. My 8011's do deliver very high power peaks in bursts; when needed. I have them powered on 24/7 for one and half years now; and have had no problems...I enjoy an ecelctic blend of music; female vocals; jazz; oldies; classical; my speakers do sound a bit better when played louder than soft.
I do recommend the 8011's; just not sure they are delivering all the power I need for the 111's; hence my post; was hoping some other MBL or high power solid state amp people might offer an opinion...
How do you like your amps, why are you considering a change; maybe we should trade?

Hi Mribob,

You certainly have great speakers. You need to supply those bad boys with lots of current to make them shine. I have the MBL 9008A, and I thought it was definitely a worth while upgrade from the 8011 and even the 9007. I think you would be making a major improvement to your overall setup, especially in such a large room. I think you should stick with MBL so you get that Synergistic effect between your speakers and Amp. I would also look towards your meridian preamp as a possible upgrade area as well. I love Meridian for surround sound, but not so much for 2 channel. For what it's worth, here is a link about that topic:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=993995

Rich

Dear Rich;
Thanks for your comments and observations; I found the avsforum thread very helpful...I do however use my Meridian 861 for both HT and two/three channel music; I have a Sony 5000es blue ray player; and use the BD to decode the new HD format with internal processing; and run analog out into Meridian; the Meridian is very musical with my Qsonix music server; a big step up from the G-98.
What speakers are you using for your MBL9008a's; and how do you have your wall power/conditioners and power cords set up? Any thoughts on my biwire speaker cables from my amp? How do you think the new Bryston 28b mono blocks would compare to the 9007's?
I'm thinking I first need to run another dedicated 20amp power line into the wall just to power the amps; I am at time running all my gear from 1 20amp plug; with just a few componenents on a non dedicated 15amp line...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts; I find the Gon members very useful source of info to help me make appropriate decisions for my upgrade bugs...

Hey Mribob,

I'm using a pair of Kharma Mini Exquisites, MBL 9008A Amp, MBL 6010D Preamp, MBL 1611F DAC with Kubala-Sosna Emotion Speaker Cables and Interconnects throughout. I don't have power conditioning yet, as I will be redoing my place shortly and I plan on getting dedicated lines first and then getting power condioning later. I'm getting some decent results with Zu Audio Bok power cables at the present time.

I haven't listened to those big Brystons that you're talking about, however I never heard a Bryston that I didn't like. If I were you, I would seriously listen to the MBL 9007 with your speakers. I just don't think that the Bryston, will be able to match the synergy that you will get with your MBL speakers. Let's face it they were both designed by MBL to go together.

I wouldn't spend money upgrading your cables just yet, until you select an AMP, this way you could gear your choices towards system matching. Your MIT cables are fine for now, as well as being fairly neutral. I would rather see you put your money into your AMP, future Preamp perhaps, then into Cables, and then power conditioning. I would do the dedicated outlets though, since this will benefit whichever amp that you select.

I could only compare the MBL 9007 to the MBL 8011. The 9007's are going to sound quieter, more relaxed, and effortless, with a deeper, taller, and wider soundstage. The 9007's is a very "fast and dynamic" Amp, the bass will be tighter and deeper than the 8011's, and the midrange will be more organic and real. The treble will be smoother and not etched in any way. The harmonics are great for solid state gear. The overall presentation from top to bottom, is smooth, liquid, and whole, as has been stated many times before.

Where do you live?

Rich

Hi Mribob, another 20 amp outlet never hurts, but if you add one see if it can be installed as a dedicated with its own external ground. I have (3) dedicated 20 amp outlets. But I have never blown a fuse.

When we are enjoying all the glory of a Blu-Ray and True DD-HD sound we run the pair of MC1.2KW and a pair JL Audio F-113 subs into 2 of the dedicated circuits with no loss of power, clipping or fuses being blown.

For two channel I send each MC1.2KW to its own outlets and my C220 and SACD player to the other. Your 8011 extreme high peak pulse power up to 1.100 W (MONO) were as the 9007 draws 1.900- much higher.

I would agree Richlane above about both statements, 1st being preamp, you should check out the MBL 5011 it also has HT pass through and would be a major improvement over all check out this review:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue25/mbl_5011.htm

there is a demoed one on A-gon for 5K. The 2nd review is from the same guy on your amps the 8011, he raves about how great it is but for the ultimate performance he recommends the 9007. Those are here on A-gon for 17K

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue30/mbl8011.htm

I think before you even rush out and buy new amps you'd be surprised at what room treatments can do for your whole system, room and ears. They where a must for me once I started with them, I played around for months reading about room treatments, sound roofing, live rooms etc.
One you get the room dialed in then move on to your next quest- unless you feel that your ears are pleased with the acoustics.
Good luck,