In 2020, German brand high-end audio MBL began to establish a select network of specialist retailers to bring its innovative systems to UK customers, including the unique MBL Radialstrahler loudspeaker range.
Now, in 2021, London audio retailer KJ West One will host a UK exclusive: the opportunity to experience MBL’s range-topping 101 X-Treme omnidirectional loudspeaker.
Priced at £225,000 per pair, these are no ordinary loudspeakers, in fact they are unique in the world – which is why KJ West One have reserved a dedicated demonstration room for this iconic system.
The system will be on permanent demonstration throughout December 2021 and January 2022. “Connoisseurs of sound” are encouraged to book their place as soon as possible.
The full system will also showcase the following MBL components: 6010 D preamplifier; 9008 A power amplifiers (x 4); 1611 F DAC with Roon; 1621 A CD transport. Also available to audition at KJ West One are two further models from the MBL Radialstrahler range: the 101 E MKII (second from top-of-range, £58,500), and the 126 (entry level, £12,030).
Unique in the world: the famous MBL Radialstrahler
MBL is justifiably famous for its extraordinarily pioneering ‘Radialstrahler’ omnidirectional loudspeaker design. Originally conceived and created by the company’s founders, Meletzky, Bieneke and Lehnart (hence ‘MBL’) in 1979, the Radialstrahler design has subsequently been honed, perfected and advanced by current chief engineer Juergen Reis. Its spherical, 360°, pulsating sound wave design is now offered as a collection of six models, from the ‘126’ bookshelf to the radical one-tonne, four-tower flagship ‘101 X-Treme’.
An ‘omnidirectional’ approach
The MBL range has since grown to encompass all of the essential electronics needed to create a stunningly crafted, masterfully performing system. Amplifiers, DACs and CD players come in three series: the top-of-range Reference Line, the innovative Noble Line and the elegantly compact Cadenza Line.
Over the years, all three lines have earned an impressive array of awards, and continue to do so: 60% of MBL’s entire product range was singled out in US magazine The Absolute Sound’s Editors’ Choice Awards 2020.
You might say that the company’s design approach, which permeates all of its product lines, is ‘omnidirectional’ by nature, in that it focuses on creating a superior quality of experience in every aspect of audio pleasure. An MBL system is not only engineered with leading edge technology, it is also 100% hand-crafted in the company’s own production facilities near Berlin. Its acute attention to design detail means that it is both stunning to look at, and truly smooth and elegant in its seamless usability.