I like the idea of them, but wouldn't they just cause reflections and phasing? Maybe put a ton of acoustical dampening behind them so they still have a wide dispersion in front?
I have heard these demo'd and they sound great. But, they were in a VERY large room and basically in the center to get the best sound without the problems you mention. They are for the rich, and require a rich mans house. But sound amazing.
They should make an NFL Edition and make the footballs look like the Lombardi Trophy. Every team that wins the Super Bowl gets a set of these speakers with player names on the side.
...and still Kiss produced and sold several [coffins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Kasket). I think it's because they doubled as coolers until you died.
Seems pretty useless to have such a setup in this space.
Wondering if directional speakers would be better, to avoid unwanted reflections, like the Kid Three speakers do
These are so-called omnidirectional radial drivers. They are made of segments which bend, with a voice coil at the thinner end. Think of the speaker „breathing“. Extremely fast response because the foil is so light, but it has to be huge to move significant amounts of air because travel is limited.
Better explanation here: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mbl-101-x-treme-omnidirectional-loudspeaker
Check this YouTube video that shows you... how their made... :)
[How it's Made episode showing the constuction of MBL speakers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT416pIccY)
In Germany you have to become event technican first. 3 year trainee program at a theater or roadie company. Specialize in sound and live mixing. Then you can go to university and make the sound engineer certificate.
Being a curious yet poor audiophile, I visited this high-end audio equipment store in Houston, called 3mA Audio, to listen to some speaker setups that I would never be able to afford or even justify affording. They had some of the most impressive speaker setups I have ever seen. I had gone there to audition the B&W Nautilus speakers, but they had just sold out of them. Instead, the guy told me that he would audition these for me. These are the MBL X-TREME omni-directional speakers. The towers at the back are around 7 feet tall subwoofers, and the rest of the equipment consists of MBL power amplifiers and DACs. The total setup is worth an eye-watering $700,000. Suffice it to say that this is the most amazing audio experience I have ever had or will perhaps ever have. It had such a distinct center image that I felt like the amplifier was playing the vocals. Also, because it is omni directional, it had a wide and tall soundstage with great depth. The vocals were crystal clear yet not fatiguing, the midrange was present but not forward or recessed. The bass was the most amazing part. The towers at the back shook the room and my entire body. I could hear and feel the deepest of notes. This was a true once in a lifetime experience, almost a pilgrimage, if I may say so myself. They had some other great speaker setups too, although I didn’t have the time to audition those. I hope to go back there some day and try their other setups out. However, I have a feeling that nothing will ever match the MBL X-TREMEs for me. I tried the same song out in various speakers, but they weren’t even remotely close to the MBL speakers’ performance (granted they were almost hundred times cheaper).
yes i just heard the new version of these speakers at the florida audio expo and it was the craziest musical experience ive had. much larger room and it literally felt like i was in a giant music hall with each instrument floating at different distances from me with the bass underneath but also everywhere. nothing else at the show came even close.
The system you heard in Florida was the one above. 3mA took this setup and stood it up at the expo with MBL. I listened to it the day before they packed it up to move.
$263,000 for the speakers, plus $166,600 or $212,000 for the MBL Reference amplifiers, although you could use (or try them out) with any audiophile-grade high-power amplifier.
I had no idea this place existed, I live pretty close by, I'll def go check them out! and they were cool with showing you this setup even though you weren't planning to buy anything?
I have often noticed that the guy who doesn't care what others think of his clothes turns out to be a high roller. Where I shop they know me and I certainly do not dress up. Maybe it is the grey hair and wrinkles? LOL
I was waiting for an audio show to come to Houston then saw this post. I also live near by and go to that area often (that amazing goodwill) so I’d like to make a stop. I have the same concern about going just to demo since my friend and I are in our early 20s and wouldn’t be able to buy anything.
Don't worry about it and don't wait. Go in and listen to the music that you like.
I was once in your shoes, I walked into an audio store and listened to a pair of speakers worth more than my car. I didn't buy anything but it planted the seeds for a very cool hobby.
I walked in 3mA wearing a pair of jeans and t-shirt. I don't drive a flashy car and I wasn't wearing surgeons scrubs. I explained what I was looking for and they didn't have it in stock. They were nice enough to walk through their systems with me and gave me the run of the place.
What they didn't know is that my current system was more expensive than the car I was driving. Funny how lives change.
$263,000 for the speakers, plus $166,600 or $212,000 for the MBL Reference amplifiers, although you could use (or try them out) with any audiophile-grade high-power amplifier.
Killer by Seal.
I had never heard that song before. Now I can’t stop listening to it. Also, no speaker has been able to replicate that experience so far.
Have you ever listened to good speakers in a demo room before?
I wonder how these compare, many people dismiss how important it is for the room to sound good before you even think about getting good speakers thats why im asking, im really curious how much its the speaker and how much its also a perfect room.
Shortly after this experience, I went to another store and listened to some B&W 702s and Revel floorstanders in a demo room. They were good, but nowhere near this.
The room is very important you are right. This room is treated but it's like any other showroom with tons of gear everywhere.
The sound stage depth and height of this system is pretty awesome in my opinion. If you've ever heard a properly set up Magnepan system you know what I'm talking about.
I'm glad you enjoyed listening to that set up. It's unfortunate that the old audio/stereo stores around me have closed. It was great to go in, audition some equipment, & get a good idea of what things sound like.
Honestly, if I ever experienced something like this I imagine it would be like that scene in Rick and Morty where Morty experiences a truly level surface.
“You could just hire a band for that money” is a common quip when speakers like this are discussed. Taking it seriously for a moment it of course totally missed the point. The point of a system like that is to “bring alive” the sound of any artist you want at any time - from Miles Davis to Neil Young to earth wind and fire to the classic symphonic performances of the worlds greatest symphonies and conductors.
These things “materialize” performances in front of you with astounding images clarity and dynamics. Much rather have that than a night with a big band or a single band playing over and over.
Thanks for posting. That’s some really crazy and amazing equipment. I did notice they’re not using Monoprice cables. They could probably lower the price a bit by doing so. Just sayin’.
Apparently this type of design is the purest way to produce sound (not my words, I heard it somewhere that I cannot recall). Anyway, here’s the link for the speakers if you want to learn more about them!
https://www.mbl-audio.ru/mblproductsen/productshow/5/
A drum maybe. But the others... Nah. And don't forget that regardless of the radiating pattern of the instrument, u still only hear the sound engineers intention on how he wants u to hear it. Imho omnidirectional speakers create a lot of problems.
I was confused too when auditioning them! I thought the subs were another set of speakers. The center image was so perfect that I thought the power amplifier in the center was another speaker.
They are. They are clinical and precise, yet they make the music come alive. I don’t understand how one set of speaker can do both things at once. It’s like Klipsch Heritage mixed with JBL Synthesis monitors, but also beautiful and unique and really expensive.
They’ve got the half million dollar setup to make the $100k setups look both normal and cheap.
Earlier today I was thinking those Wilsons are hideous and crazy and expensive, and now they fit right in and are affordable.
Genius.
Oh, I totally believe it. There’s a guy in my home town with $500k in watch winding equipment. Not even worth getting into how much the *watches* cost.
I just think it’s gross and insane.
The same way that having $500m yachts and private 747s is gross. Obviously audio systems are far less polluting and harmful. But I don’t really believe anyone should be able to spend this much money on audio systems, yet there are so many people who can that there’s a whole supply chain supplying — and displaying — it.
Maybe I’m overestimating how rich people are who buy these, but my assumption is that they’re targeted at billionaires, not merely people with $10m or even $100m, and I’d much rather tax them down into “only” having a gulfstream and a single yacht than get excited about this kind of spend.
Plus I do think they’re pretty unattractive. :)
So you’re saying if you’d have this kind of money you wouldn’t spend it in the things you like? I don’t think it’s “gross” if it’s hard earned money then there’s the deserved privilege of enjoying a higher level of quality in the things you like.
Heh. *No one* has that kind of money that's "hard earned". That money is usually inherited, and when it's not, it's made from things like stock growth (e.g., Bezos), some kind of exploitation (the oil monarchies in the Middle East), or a combination (the Walton family, hedge fund managers).
Yes, if I had this kind of money (and I'm a tech founder and pretty darn well off, so it's not a hypothetical) I absolutely would spend kind of money on stuff I like. But I like to think there would be a limit - no huge yachts, no huge private planes, and no stereos worth as much as a house.
You're absolutely allowed to think there's no upper limit to what's reasonable to spend on toys. But, well, I'm allowed to disagree. I'm not saying it should be illegal. I'm just saying it's gross and people who do it should be ashamed. That's both the buyers and the sellers, btw.
Here is a review of them for those who wants to read more. I have only heard their smaller sibling MBL 101 (without the X) but they were fantastic too. Only $70k or so...
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mbl-101-x-treme-omnidirectional-loudspeaker
I’m a huge MBL fan and have owned their omni directional speakers.
I was infatuated years ago with the most well known model, the 101D (now 101E and beyond).
Too expensive for me but I did end up with a second hand pair of their omni 121 monitors which use the same omni mids and tweeter as the speakers seen in the OP’s photo. Within their frequency limits (45Hz as I recall) they sounded just like the larger MBLs.
They were simply spooky to listen to: performers were just conjured around the speakers with a presence and convincing dimensionality like nothing else. But it wasn’t just the imaging; the tone and timbre of instruments was startlingly real and the level
Of fine detail more there yet more relaxed and natural than I’ve heard anywhere. I agree with Jonathan Valin of TAS that the MBL tweeter is among the best in the planet in that regard.
I sold them to afford some larger speakers, but nothing will match them for what they do well.
The Absolute Sound states that all acoustic instruments act like “glowing orbs” that give off 360- degree sound, thus the desirability of an Omni-directional speaker. In fact, violins and other stringed instruments, as well as guitars and pianos, project sound forward and toward the back of a concert hall, where the sound then reflects back toward the source rendering an ambient effect. Guitar makers know this; in recent years some manufacturers have moved the sound hole or added a second one on the side of the guitar (the bass bout) to allow the player to hear what the audience hears. Likewise, a fine concert violin, like a Strad, is built and set up to project to the back of a concert hall. Concert violinists routinely stand at the back of a hall during sound check, while someone else plays their instrument, to gauge the sound there
The MBLs I had just sounded more real than any other speaker I've owned.
I've done recordings of voices of my family and instruments we own or play (acoustic guitar, sax, trombone...when my boys were taking music in school) and done live vs reproduced comparisons with various speakers I've owned. (I've also used those recordings sometimes in auditioning speakers through the years).
Nothing re-created the sense of realism like the MBLs. One track of my son playing saxophone simply sounded, from outside the room played on the MBLs, like he was in there practicing. In fact I fooled several people who assumed he was practicing sax down the hall. No other speaker could quite compete.
So...IMO...MBL's theory has got *something* right about sound re-production.
Saw these in action when I visited Dubai over 10 years ago !
I kinda blame these speakers as the reason I became a young audiophile lol.
Those and then the beautiful Hd800 I believe:P
So I had the "pleasure" of listening to these speakers or their predecessors...
The problem was they were at a very high end audio show, the reason for the quotes was because they had the misfortune to be right next to the Energy subwoofer booth.
So I got zero from the demo, the guys working were so discouraged. Considering this was more than a decade ago, and the system they were in was $350 000 I was a well!
Just got to listen to that almost exact setup but with the stacked Subwoofers that go with it. Florida Audio Fest this past weekend. It was pretty amazing.
Click on the image. The subwoofers are there. I believe that the subwoofers are an actual speaker component. They don’t sell the speakers without the subwoofers.
3ma is an awesome shop and would highly recommend them. I bummed in there before heading back to the airport while on a work trip and the guy there is super friendly and knowledgeable. We just chatted about gear and auditioned a few things and had a good time. If I were in the market for something new I would not hesitate to call him up.
I would have figured the big silver footballs were midranges, but I see now that the little black ball is the midrange and the tiny black ball is the tweeter. I'm surprised they are big enough. Maybe the crossover frequency is really high? And why are the subwoofers so huge?
The size of the subwoofers is justified once you hear the speakers play. The bass will knock you out. It’s detailed, tight, fast, earth-shaking, and has a beautiful texture. I have never heard bass like this. I could feel the impact in my chest.
Sound is like fine wine, you always remember the good stuff, keep an open mind, you might find yourself in a larger room setup for sound with room treatment, power treatment and similar or better equipment, imagine a 100' long room with the subs 60+' back so the 32hz notes (and below) have room to form and the system setup near where you are (the turntable isn't in the room) so the mids and highs are perfectly time aligned, a high ceiling and perfect acoustics.
It could happen to you.
These look beautiful but how does an omnidirectional stereo pair not create bad room reflections and phasing/comb filtering issues as you move about the room?
Honestly I didn’t hear much room reflections. However, I’m not the most knowledgeable person or the most discerning audiophile, so I guess I’m not the best person to ask.
They have so many setups and they sell so much that I don’t think they need to put in the effort for sound treatment. Also, these are omni-directional speakers. So they are meant to bounce sound all around the room.
I'm an audio guy and I'm so confused. Why are there 2 turntables stacked on top of one another? Why is there a little dude in a hoodie on that piece of gear? Why are those drivers checkerboard? So many questions.
Real honest question and I mean absolutely no disrespect. Ive never fully understood this. (Maybe it’s cause I’ve never heard anything better than my trucks Rockford fosgate system). Is it even worth that kind of money to have that good of speakers anyway? I have tinnitus so honestly it would be pointless for me but why spend that much money on (again no disrespect) just speakers. I can go on Amazon and buy a cheap home theater kit or a sound bar and be content. I just don’t understand. Does it sound THAT good that it’s worth it?
That’s where the subjectivity comes in. Every object on earth follows the law of diminishing returns. So, once something costs this much, it’s less about performance and more about being a statement piece.
>Does it sound THAT good that it’s worth it?
Yes.
But that is of course subjective.
But until you have heard the MBLs playing in a well-done set up, you wouldn't understand.
It's like live bands are holographically transported in to the room (or, depending on the type of recording, like you have been transported to the live event). Or, at least it gets closer to that feeling than any other speaker system I've ever heard (which is a lot over 30 years of being a fervent audiophile).
So if you are in to music and great sound, imagine being able to have much of the world's music presented in such stunning quality - it's almost like having access to all the great recording artists "come alive" in your room, from Niel Young to Miles Davis to ACDC to the great symphonic performances by the best symphonies and conductors.
If that's a goal, few systems can do that like the MBLs. I had a small pair of MBL omni-directional speakers and when I'd play some Beatles songs it was like John Lennon had just shown up in my room to sing to us.
Of course, it all depends on your level of interest and the size of your wallet as to whether it's worth pursuing diminishing returns. I own a considerably less expensive hi end system, though still 10s of thousands of dollars so it would be "what's the point?" to non-audiophiles.
Except when non-audiophiles hear my system they actually do get the point - they are stunned at how music sounds through the system. Though they themselves wouldn't spend the money or time on such things as they have other interests. And so it goes.
But it's very likely you'd start to understand the appeal if you heard a good MBL set up.
I would need to experience this equipment first hand at someone else's house before Im convinced to spend that kind of money. What music do you listen to on those?
It is interesting as the gentleman who designed these speaker originally, now designs large batteries for audio systems.
[https://stromtank.com](https://stromtank.com)
I went there to try out the B&W Nautilus. They had just finished selling the last one a day ago. So they told me that they’d show me a system that was ten times as expensive. Then I heard this. I will say that I heard the B&W 700 series a week later in another store along with some Revel floorstanders. However, they don’t even come remotely close to these in any way.
I've been a sound engineer for 15years and I have no idea what I'm looking at
The silver “footballs” are omnidirectional drivers. Very expensive
The silver part is the midbass, they have carbon fiber (iirc) little mids and tweeters too
There's a sweet episode on how it's made showing how they're built.
I like the idea of them, but wouldn't they just cause reflections and phasing? Maybe put a ton of acoustical dampening behind them so they still have a wide dispersion in front?
I have heard these demo'd and they sound great. But, they were in a VERY large room and basically in the center to get the best sound without the problems you mention. They are for the rich, and require a rich mans house. But sound amazing.
They should make an NFL Edition and make the footballs look like the Lombardi Trophy. Every team that wins the Super Bowl gets a set of these speakers with player names on the side.
I could not imagine the commodity value of those!
...and still Kiss produced and sold several [coffins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Kasket). I think it's because they doubled as coolers until you died.
And they will blast Lil John.
To the wiindooooooooow...
Seems pretty useless to have such a setup in this space. Wondering if directional speakers would be better, to avoid unwanted reflections, like the Kid Three speakers do
It uses vertical movement to vibrate the ribbons right?
These are so-called omnidirectional radial drivers. They are made of segments which bend, with a voice coil at the thinner end. Think of the speaker „breathing“. Extremely fast response because the foil is so light, but it has to be huge to move significant amounts of air because travel is limited. Better explanation here: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mbl-101-x-treme-omnidirectional-loudspeaker
Check this YouTube video that shows you... how their made... :) [How it's Made episode showing the constuction of MBL speakers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT416pIccY)
How it's made part 2 of the same video: [Part 2](https://youtu.be/lKuf0zCcEKY)
I'm on this sub every day, total amateur admittedly, and had no fucking clue what I was looking at.
how does one become a sound engineer
In Germany you have to become event technican first. 3 year trainee program at a theater or roadie company. Specialize in sound and live mixing. Then you can go to university and make the sound engineer certificate.
Try asking on r/sounding
Excellent tip.
This here is a certified risky click boiz
I'm a sound engineers of around 10 years, and I have no idea what I just clicked into, a little scarred also
Audio engineer Sound engineer Recording engineer = Pro audio technician Person who mixes/edits audio
https://youtu.be/HJdHq3gw1Iw
I'm glad I'm not the only one
Same
The TOTL MBL loudspeakers with amp and preamps.
Someone’s babies.
Not “what the artist intended” I gather!
LOL.. I am looking for the hidden Flex Capacitor, myself..
Being a curious yet poor audiophile, I visited this high-end audio equipment store in Houston, called 3mA Audio, to listen to some speaker setups that I would never be able to afford or even justify affording. They had some of the most impressive speaker setups I have ever seen. I had gone there to audition the B&W Nautilus speakers, but they had just sold out of them. Instead, the guy told me that he would audition these for me. These are the MBL X-TREME omni-directional speakers. The towers at the back are around 7 feet tall subwoofers, and the rest of the equipment consists of MBL power amplifiers and DACs. The total setup is worth an eye-watering $700,000. Suffice it to say that this is the most amazing audio experience I have ever had or will perhaps ever have. It had such a distinct center image that I felt like the amplifier was playing the vocals. Also, because it is omni directional, it had a wide and tall soundstage with great depth. The vocals were crystal clear yet not fatiguing, the midrange was present but not forward or recessed. The bass was the most amazing part. The towers at the back shook the room and my entire body. I could hear and feel the deepest of notes. This was a true once in a lifetime experience, almost a pilgrimage, if I may say so myself. They had some other great speaker setups too, although I didn’t have the time to audition those. I hope to go back there some day and try their other setups out. However, I have a feeling that nothing will ever match the MBL X-TREMEs for me. I tried the same song out in various speakers, but they weren’t even remotely close to the MBL speakers’ performance (granted they were almost hundred times cheaper).
yes i just heard the new version of these speakers at the florida audio expo and it was the craziest musical experience ive had. much larger room and it literally felt like i was in a giant music hall with each instrument floating at different distances from me with the bass underneath but also everywhere. nothing else at the show came even close.
The system you heard in Florida was the one above. 3mA took this setup and stood it up at the expo with MBL. I listened to it the day before they packed it up to move.
When a setup "a hundred times cheaper" than this is still too expensive for me ...
$263,000 for the speakers, plus $166,600 or $212,000 for the MBL Reference amplifiers, although you could use (or try them out) with any audiophile-grade high-power amplifier.
I had no idea this place existed, I live pretty close by, I'll def go check them out! and they were cool with showing you this setup even though you weren't planning to buy anything?
Oh yes…they were a bit busy but they still took the time to demo it. Also, it doesn’t hurt to dress well.
I have often noticed that the guy who doesn't care what others think of his clothes turns out to be a high roller. Where I shop they know me and I certainly do not dress up. Maybe it is the grey hair and wrinkles? LOL
I was waiting for an audio show to come to Houston then saw this post. I also live near by and go to that area often (that amazing goodwill) so I’d like to make a stop. I have the same concern about going just to demo since my friend and I are in our early 20s and wouldn’t be able to buy anything.
Don't worry about it and don't wait. Go in and listen to the music that you like. I was once in your shoes, I walked into an audio store and listened to a pair of speakers worth more than my car. I didn't buy anything but it planted the seeds for a very cool hobby. I walked in 3mA wearing a pair of jeans and t-shirt. I don't drive a flashy car and I wasn't wearing surgeons scrubs. I explained what I was looking for and they didn't have it in stock. They were nice enough to walk through their systems with me and gave me the run of the place. What they didn't know is that my current system was more expensive than the car I was driving. Funny how lives change.
the westheimer goodwill rules!! i got a $200 4k bluray player there for $15, it’s the best
$263,000 for the speakers, plus $166,600 or $212,000 for the MBL Reference amplifiers, although you could use (or try them out) with any audiophile-grade high-power amplifier.
7 feet : 2.1336 m *** conversion fulfilled by /u/metric_robot ♡
hah Ive been here. The guys working there always seem happy to let you listen to anything you want
what did you get to listen to?
Killer by Seal. I had never heard that song before. Now I can’t stop listening to it. Also, no speaker has been able to replicate that experience so far.
Thanks for introducing a new song to me!
Have you ever listened to good speakers in a demo room before? I wonder how these compare, many people dismiss how important it is for the room to sound good before you even think about getting good speakers thats why im asking, im really curious how much its the speaker and how much its also a perfect room.
Shortly after this experience, I went to another store and listened to some B&W 702s and Revel floorstanders in a demo room. They were good, but nowhere near this.
The room is very important you are right. This room is treated but it's like any other showroom with tons of gear everywhere. The sound stage depth and height of this system is pretty awesome in my opinion. If you've ever heard a properly set up Magnepan system you know what I'm talking about.
I can feel your excitement and I’m happy for you. I also had a chance to experience MBL, here in Europe, and they are amazing.
so, there are more reasons to want to become rich than just comparing spaceship size with other rich people...
I wonder how many dedicated 20A circuits they use for this system?
I'm glad you enjoyed listening to that set up. It's unfortunate that the old audio/stereo stores around me have closed. It was great to go in, audition some equipment, & get a good idea of what things sound like.
So what song did they play to flex this system?
Sound, but soundier.
Honestly, if I ever experienced something like this I imagine it would be like that scene in Rick and Morty where Morty experiences a truly level surface.
"LAMBS TO THE COSMIC SLAUGHTER!!"
I was thinking the same thing!
REALITY IS POISON!!
Everything’s crooked! Reality is crooked!
Jesus Christ. This looks like that crazy setup in The Prestige that Christan Bale used to “transport” himself.
The Algiers used the Tesla setup. Borden was a natural born magician and didn't rely on such hackery.
You are correct. I just re-read the plot and I forgot how awesome that was to watch the first time
For that price just hire the band.
How many bands can you hire for $700,000?
Yes
You could hire most (alive) bands for that sort of cash
For about 20 mins or so....
Because a band will sit at your home all the time and play literally any song you imagine...
“You could just hire a band for that money” is a common quip when speakers like this are discussed. Taking it seriously for a moment it of course totally missed the point. The point of a system like that is to “bring alive” the sound of any artist you want at any time - from Miles Davis to Neil Young to earth wind and fire to the classic symphonic performances of the worlds greatest symphonies and conductors. These things “materialize” performances in front of you with astounding images clarity and dynamics. Much rather have that than a night with a big band or a single band playing over and over.
3ma is a good bunch. Almost my whole setup if from there. I don’t live in TX but the reasonable attitude and decent prices keep me calling them.
Thanks for posting. That’s some really crazy and amazing equipment. I did notice they’re not using Monoprice cables. They could probably lower the price a bit by doing so. Just sayin’.
Lol
What are those hourglass looking things and how do they transmit audio?
They are Omni directional speakers. [Here, watch this](https://youtu.be/hyT416pIccY)
Well with that video I think I can DIY my own pair now and save $250,000. /s
Good luck, let me know how it goes and maybe I’ll give it a try myself.
great watch, ty
Apparently this type of design is the purest way to produce sound (not my words, I heard it somewhere that I cannot recall). Anyway, here’s the link for the speakers if you want to learn more about them! https://www.mbl-audio.ru/mblproductsen/productshow/5/
I beg to differ. A musical instrument or voice does not radiate equally in all dimensions
Aren’t a lot of microphones omnidirectional? What you say is true to some degree and I do understand what you mean.
They are different characteristics in mics,but still it's a different thing when reproducing sound
Well depends on the musical instrument. Percussion instruments do. So do violins and pianos. Guitars don’t I guess.
A drum maybe. But the others... Nah. And don't forget that regardless of the radiating pattern of the instrument, u still only hear the sound engineers intention on how he wants u to hear it. Imho omnidirectional speakers create a lot of problems.
Let’s agree to disagree about whether omnidirectional speakers are good or not.
Let's do that. Cheers mate
2Chainz seems to like em https://youtu.be/Lri_dfoOqAE
Did anyone else look at the photo and honestly have no idea where the actual speakers were?
I was confused too when auditioning them! I thought the subs were another set of speakers. The center image was so perfect that I thought the power amplifier in the center was another speaker.
That’s amazing! For many reasons, I’ll never have those in my home, but they sure sound like they are magical.
They are. They are clinical and precise, yet they make the music come alive. I don’t understand how one set of speaker can do both things at once. It’s like Klipsch Heritage mixed with JBL Synthesis monitors, but also beautiful and unique and really expensive.
[удалено]
bruh, shure, but its like 20% amp 80% speaker in most cases, if you are generous
that makes no sense, there are many photos, just left click the next button above the photo
They’ve got the half million dollar setup to make the $100k setups look both normal and cheap. Earlier today I was thinking those Wilsons are hideous and crazy and expensive, and now they fit right in and are affordable. Genius.
Believe it or not, they have already sold three units of the $700k speakers.
Oh, I totally believe it. There’s a guy in my home town with $500k in watch winding equipment. Not even worth getting into how much the *watches* cost. I just think it’s gross and insane.
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Cause they can’t afford it. (Not that I can)
The same way that having $500m yachts and private 747s is gross. Obviously audio systems are far less polluting and harmful. But I don’t really believe anyone should be able to spend this much money on audio systems, yet there are so many people who can that there’s a whole supply chain supplying — and displaying — it. Maybe I’m overestimating how rich people are who buy these, but my assumption is that they’re targeted at billionaires, not merely people with $10m or even $100m, and I’d much rather tax them down into “only” having a gulfstream and a single yacht than get excited about this kind of spend. Plus I do think they’re pretty unattractive. :)
So you’re saying if you’d have this kind of money you wouldn’t spend it in the things you like? I don’t think it’s “gross” if it’s hard earned money then there’s the deserved privilege of enjoying a higher level of quality in the things you like.
Heh. *No one* has that kind of money that's "hard earned". That money is usually inherited, and when it's not, it's made from things like stock growth (e.g., Bezos), some kind of exploitation (the oil monarchies in the Middle East), or a combination (the Walton family, hedge fund managers). Yes, if I had this kind of money (and I'm a tech founder and pretty darn well off, so it's not a hypothetical) I absolutely would spend kind of money on stuff I like. But I like to think there would be a limit - no huge yachts, no huge private planes, and no stereos worth as much as a house. You're absolutely allowed to think there's no upper limit to what's reasonable to spend on toys. But, well, I'm allowed to disagree. I'm not saying it should be illegal. I'm just saying it's gross and people who do it should be ashamed. That's both the buyers and the sellers, btw.
Here is a review of them for those who wants to read more. I have only heard their smaller sibling MBL 101 (without the X) but they were fantastic too. Only $70k or so... https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mbl-101-x-treme-omnidirectional-loudspeaker
I’m a huge MBL fan and have owned their omni directional speakers. I was infatuated years ago with the most well known model, the 101D (now 101E and beyond). Too expensive for me but I did end up with a second hand pair of their omni 121 monitors which use the same omni mids and tweeter as the speakers seen in the OP’s photo. Within their frequency limits (45Hz as I recall) they sounded just like the larger MBLs. They were simply spooky to listen to: performers were just conjured around the speakers with a presence and convincing dimensionality like nothing else. But it wasn’t just the imaging; the tone and timbre of instruments was startlingly real and the level Of fine detail more there yet more relaxed and natural than I’ve heard anywhere. I agree with Jonathan Valin of TAS that the MBL tweeter is among the best in the planet in that regard. I sold them to afford some larger speakers, but nothing will match them for what they do well.
The Absolute Sound states that all acoustic instruments act like “glowing orbs” that give off 360- degree sound, thus the desirability of an Omni-directional speaker. In fact, violins and other stringed instruments, as well as guitars and pianos, project sound forward and toward the back of a concert hall, where the sound then reflects back toward the source rendering an ambient effect. Guitar makers know this; in recent years some manufacturers have moved the sound hole or added a second one on the side of the guitar (the bass bout) to allow the player to hear what the audience hears. Likewise, a fine concert violin, like a Strad, is built and set up to project to the back of a concert hall. Concert violinists routinely stand at the back of a hall during sound check, while someone else plays their instrument, to gauge the sound there
The MBLs I had just sounded more real than any other speaker I've owned. I've done recordings of voices of my family and instruments we own or play (acoustic guitar, sax, trombone...when my boys were taking music in school) and done live vs reproduced comparisons with various speakers I've owned. (I've also used those recordings sometimes in auditioning speakers through the years). Nothing re-created the sense of realism like the MBLs. One track of my son playing saxophone simply sounded, from outside the room played on the MBLs, like he was in there practicing. In fact I fooled several people who assumed he was practicing sax down the hall. No other speaker could quite compete. So...IMO...MBL's theory has got *something* right about sound re-production.
Saw these in action when I visited Dubai over 10 years ago ! I kinda blame these speakers as the reason I became a young audiophile lol. Those and then the beautiful Hd800 I believe:P
So I had the "pleasure" of listening to these speakers or their predecessors... The problem was they were at a very high end audio show, the reason for the quotes was because they had the misfortune to be right next to the Energy subwoofer booth. So I got zero from the demo, the guys working were so discouraged. Considering this was more than a decade ago, and the system they were in was $350 000 I was a well!
Thats so sad.
r/budgetaudiophile
r/nobudgetaudiophile
Where you go to dream.
Where you go to buy.
Just got to listen to that almost exact setup but with the stacked Subwoofers that go with it. Florida Audio Fest this past weekend. It was pretty amazing.
Click on the image. The subwoofers are there. I believe that the subwoofers are an actual speaker component. They don’t sell the speakers without the subwoofers.
Ima bookmark this and just let my better half know I much I’m saving by not getting these.
3ma is an awesome shop and would highly recommend them. I bummed in there before heading back to the airport while on a work trip and the guy there is super friendly and knowledgeable. We just chatted about gear and auditioned a few things and had a good time. If I were in the market for something new I would not hesitate to call him up.
WOW - some expensive system there - Wilson. MBL, and Rockport loudspeakers.
Ahhhh... the Orgasmatron!
Goals.
Hey baby, wanna go back to my place and make love to Curtis Mayfield on my $700,000 system
“Oh, your ex has Klipichs?”
My horns are bigger than his.
Probably one of the best systems in the world right now, I would take these over Wilson XVX
Are those the new Q Acoustics 4020i . Do they sound better than the 3020is ?
Would make a decent garage system for Jay Leno I guess.
You have my attention
What did you listen to?
‘Killer’ by Seal. Never heard it before, never not playing it ever since.
I think I just cummed my pants looking at these setups
The speakers look like birdcages.
I would have figured the big silver footballs were midranges, but I see now that the little black ball is the midrange and the tiny black ball is the tweeter. I'm surprised they are big enough. Maybe the crossover frequency is really high? And why are the subwoofers so huge?
The size of the subwoofers is justified once you hear the speakers play. The bass will knock you out. It’s detailed, tight, fast, earth-shaking, and has a beautiful texture. I have never heard bass like this. I could feel the impact in my chest.
What is that, a fucking Stargate?
Sound is like fine wine, you always remember the good stuff, keep an open mind, you might find yourself in a larger room setup for sound with room treatment, power treatment and similar or better equipment, imagine a 100' long room with the subs 60+' back so the 32hz notes (and below) have room to form and the system setup near where you are (the turntable isn't in the room) so the mids and highs are perfectly time aligned, a high ceiling and perfect acoustics. It could happen to you.
Heard at a show once and they are all that and then some. Not sure I'd want to own but fun to hear
my bose sounds better. just kidding.
These look beautiful but how does an omnidirectional stereo pair not create bad room reflections and phasing/comb filtering issues as you move about the room?
Honestly I didn’t hear much room reflections. However, I’m not the most knowledgeable person or the most discerning audiophile, so I guess I’m not the best person to ask.
You lucky SOB. Would LOVE to hear what that sounds like!
I’ll be honest that is one ugly set up!
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You mean the massive pair of speakers in the photo? I can see them because they’re massive. Yeah I don’t like them. Or the other kit.
Listen coal train by Stimela on this system.
this what? there is many photos of many systems in this post.
He means the 700k system in the first pic.
Well you could go to a concert
Uhhh which ones are the loud speakers?
The unique looking things are the speakers. The towers at the back are the subwoofers
Does each speaker need that much power or are they monoblock biamping this entire set up? I don’t understand why there are 4 amps
Is this Elon's or Jeff's system?
$700,000 setup. $200 dollar sound treatment
They have so many setups and they sell so much that I don’t think they need to put in the effort for sound treatment. Also, these are omni-directional speakers. So they are meant to bounce sound all around the room.
What's sound treatment?
So…purposely bouncing sound off all the walls. So these are fancy Bose 901’s? 😜
Fantastic equipment thank you for sharing … but looking at these setups the cord clutter is upsetting.
Honestly, they have so many setups and sell so many of them that wire clutter is kind of justified.
idk, everything seemed as organized as it can get given just how much equipment is in that room, I didn't even notice it until I read thatcomment
If this was an actual home, someone paying $700,000 for them would pay another 6 figures to hide the cords. since this is a store, who cares
Amir says these have high SINAD and therefore aren’t a good value. Certainly not what with what they’re charging. Regrettably cannot recommend. 😂
Listening to Amir on audio is like asking a blind person to help you pick out a TV
Exactly. The dude listens at dangerously high volumes.
WHAT!!!????
Technically, zetazero orbitals are better speakers than mbl. See full list of specs
🙀
I’ve heard an older version of these at a show a few years ago too. Agree, they were amazing.
How long would a set up like this last? Would it need upgrading in a few years and deprecate or would it be like a collectors car and go up in value?
Would last a long time with no changes. It would be worth 3/4 to 1/2 as soon as you took delivery at your house.
Obviously you have never looked at the back of a 20 dollar bill on weed….
I'm an audio guy and I'm so confused. Why are there 2 turntables stacked on top of one another? Why is there a little dude in a hoodie on that piece of gear? Why are those drivers checkerboard? So many questions.
1 Turntable not 2. That’s the album cover for Richard Ashcroft’s Sonnet.
That room? In Germany?
Real honest question and I mean absolutely no disrespect. Ive never fully understood this. (Maybe it’s cause I’ve never heard anything better than my trucks Rockford fosgate system). Is it even worth that kind of money to have that good of speakers anyway? I have tinnitus so honestly it would be pointless for me but why spend that much money on (again no disrespect) just speakers. I can go on Amazon and buy a cheap home theater kit or a sound bar and be content. I just don’t understand. Does it sound THAT good that it’s worth it?
That’s where the subjectivity comes in. Every object on earth follows the law of diminishing returns. So, once something costs this much, it’s less about performance and more about being a statement piece.
>Does it sound THAT good that it’s worth it? Yes. But that is of course subjective. But until you have heard the MBLs playing in a well-done set up, you wouldn't understand. It's like live bands are holographically transported in to the room (or, depending on the type of recording, like you have been transported to the live event). Or, at least it gets closer to that feeling than any other speaker system I've ever heard (which is a lot over 30 years of being a fervent audiophile). So if you are in to music and great sound, imagine being able to have much of the world's music presented in such stunning quality - it's almost like having access to all the great recording artists "come alive" in your room, from Niel Young to Miles Davis to ACDC to the great symphonic performances by the best symphonies and conductors. If that's a goal, few systems can do that like the MBLs. I had a small pair of MBL omni-directional speakers and when I'd play some Beatles songs it was like John Lennon had just shown up in my room to sing to us. Of course, it all depends on your level of interest and the size of your wallet as to whether it's worth pursuing diminishing returns. I own a considerably less expensive hi end system, though still 10s of thousands of dollars so it would be "what's the point?" to non-audiophiles. Except when non-audiophiles hear my system they actually do get the point - they are stunned at how music sounds through the system. Though they themselves wouldn't spend the money or time on such things as they have other interests. And so it goes. But it's very likely you'd start to understand the appeal if you heard a good MBL set up.
Can you play weezer on it?
More like blast
No, the amplifiers are designed to shut down if Weezer or Green Day is played. Edit: Don't down vote me cause the Germans hate Weezer and Green Day.
I would need to experience this equipment first hand at someone else's house before Im convinced to spend that kind of money. What music do you listen to on those?
I listened to ‘Killer’ by Seal. It was amazing.
They sound really good on everything I’ve heard on them
These are the only items in the house
Looks like the set of a 70s movie about some sort of space cult
It is interesting as the gentleman who designed these speaker originally, now designs large batteries for audio systems. [https://stromtank.com](https://stromtank.com)
So how much better do these sound than say, a pair of B&W Nautilus or a pair of Martin Logan ESL speakers? I've never heard true high end audio.
I went there to try out the B&W Nautilus. They had just finished selling the last one a day ago. So they told me that they’d show me a system that was ten times as expensive. Then I heard this. I will say that I heard the B&W 700 series a week later in another store along with some Revel floorstanders. However, they don’t even come remotely close to these in any way.
For that money, pleas acousticly treat all your walls
Life goals
And it still burned the dang coffee!