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MBL 101E Mk1 Radialstrahler Speakers - Consignment
Condition: Used. Fair, some chips and scratches (See photos)
Includes: Mesh Grilles, No Boxes or Accessories
SN: 131023 /130923
Local Sydney Metro Delivery Only
Made In Germany
Must be Bi-Amped
Includes 7 day warranty
Overview
To say the MBL's 101E is 'power hungry' is an understatement. We found ourselves throwing every power amplifier in our stable at them, with the focus on providing more drive, the speaker sounded larger and more authoritative with every amplifier change.
Once we settled on a combination that would launch some other more efficient speakers into the ceiling, the depth of soundstage, full bodied timbre and detailed but unabrasive treble, was exceptional - even among it's peers at this price point.
MBL's 101E is an omni-directional speaker (which does explain some of the soundstage depth), the 'sweet spot' is wide enough to enjoy with a friend or significant other, and the appearance is reasonably compact even with grilles, making them a great solution for those looking to incorporate them into a living space as opposed to a dedicated hifi room. The speakers may be confused for a modern sculpture in the right setting, with the driver assembly really looking like something out of a sci-fi movie.
In fact, the science behind the assembly is absolutely cutting edge, having being designed by Wolfgang Meletzky in cooperation with professors of the Institute for Aeronautics and Aerospace at the Technical University of Berlin.
Despite the groundbreaking technology behind them, MBL's 101E is one of those speakers that appears to produce sound effortless, in a way that draws you into the music rather than focusing in on limitations. When that happens, it's hard to keep a critical ear and not just sit back and enjoy the music!
Specification
System: 4-way
Frequency range: 24 Hz to 40,000 Hz
Impedance: 4 Ω
SPL 2.83V/ 2π: 82 dB/W/m
Linear max: 106 dB
Crossover frequencies: 105/ 600/ 3500 Hz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order)
Acoustic center: 114 cm
Power handling continuous: 320 W / 500 W
Peak power: 2200 W
Sub-Woofer: 300mm, 12” cone (mbl)
Woofer: Radial TT100 (mbl)
Midrange: Radial MT50/E, CFK (mbl)
Tweeter: Radial HT37/E, CFK (mbl)
Finish: Piano black
Dimensions (W x D x H): 450 x500 x1700 mm
Weight: 80 kg
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️ Seven day warranty on Consignment*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
Generating expert take…
MBL stands as a German high-end audio manufacturer founded in 1979 by three engineers—Meletzky, Beinecke, and Lehnhardt—whose initials form the company name. The brand emerged from Berlin with a singular vision: to create loudspeakers that distribute sound omnidirectionally in a 360-degree pattern, a radical departure from conventional speaker design. This breakthrough technology, called the Radialstrahler (radial emitter), debuted at the 1979 IFA Berlin trade fair and immediately captured the audio world's attention with its distinctive "rocket" shape and room-filling acoustic performance.
MBL's product portfolio centers on high-end loudspeakers and premium audio electronics, with the company maintaining complete in-house manufacturing of all components and speakers near Berlin. The brand has built its reputation on precision engineering combined with handcrafted assembly, ensuring meticulous quality control across its lineup. While loudspeakers remain the cornerstone of MBL's identity, the company has expanded into complementary electronics to serve discerning audiophiles seeking integrated solutions.
Positioned firmly in the luxury high-end segment, MBL commands respect among serious collectors and enthusiasts willing to invest substantially in audio excellence. The brand's nearly five-decade heritage, German manufacturing credentials, and pioneering omnidirectional speaker technology have established MBL as a globally recognized leader in high-fidelity audio. The company's commitment to in-house production and its role in shaping the modern high-end audio industry underscore its status as a premium, innovation-driven manufacturer rather than a mass-market player.
See all MBL listings on RADAR.
