MBL

LoudspeakersAmplifiersPreamplifiers & phono stagesDigital sources

MBL is a German high-end company based in Berlin, founded in 1979 by Wolfgang Meletzky. It is best known for its Radialstrahler loudspeakers, whose drive units look like segmented, glowing "onions" or footballs of carbon-fibre or aluminium petals. These drivers flex and radiate sound in all directions, creating an omnidirectional speaker that produces a wide, room-filling soundstage unlike conventional box speakers. The 101 has been the classic model, and the enormous 101 X-treme sits at the top of the range. MBL also makes a full range of electronics, from its Noble Line to the Reference Line, including preamplifiers, power amplifiers such as the 9011 monoblocks, CD players and transports, all with a distinctive design in chrome, gold and white. MBL's products are built in Berlin and are a fixture at major hi-fi shows. The omnidirectional design means MBL speakers interact with the room differently from conventional speakers, and owners often report a soundstage that extends well beyond the speakers themselves.

Notable MBL products

• 101 Radialstrahler
• 101 X-treme
• 116
• 9011 monoblocks
• 6010 preamplifier
• 1621 CD transport