Mbl 120

[Still-One]

Here is the suggested method my MBL for the 111F's

4.2 General set-up tips
For best performance the speakers should be set up in front of a hard part of the room (e.g. solid wall or in front on non-vibrating windows)
If possible set the speakers on the longer wall.
Shelves of hi-fi racks locate between the speakers ( also the wall) should not be higher than the midrange driver of the speaker, approx 1 meter (40")
4.3 Speaker Positioning
Transfer your room dimensions (longer and sorter side of room) on a handmade drawing (I will try and scan the document to add to his post)
Set the speaker in the drawing. To find the optimal position proceed as follows
Stereo base (a) At first define the stereo base, that is the distance between the speakers (a). The stereo base should be at least 2 meters (80") up to 3.5 meters (140")
Back wall distance 9b)
The distance between the back wall and the speakers 9b) should be at least 0.8m (32")
Side Wall distance (c)
Now evaluate the distance between each speaker and the respective side wall (d)
If you set the speakers on the longer side of the room (recommended), use the following formula.
d= side wall distance
b=back wall distance

d=b x 1.32 **
If you are setting them on the shorter side of the room:
b/d = 1.32 **

** Note 1.32 variable to 1.63

4.4 Listener position
The distance between the listener position and the speakers (e) should be a least 1m (40"). The distance from the rear wall to the listeners position (c) should be at least 0.8m (32")
If the calculated data does not fit your room, change position (b)

[m.tonetti]

Originally Posted by Still-One

massimo
The MBL owners manual actually provides guidelines with suggested ratios for positioning the speakers. I will pull that out and post it later today.

Jim

Jim, many thanks for this information.

Meanwhile I have found online the Owner's Manual of MBL 116 in PDF format:
MBL 116 Owner's Manual

Perhaps the rules are valid for all omnidirectional MBL speakers!

Speaker positioning
See the figures Fig. 1 and Fig.2 using the instructions below:

Stereo base (a)
At first define the stereo base, that is the distance between the speakers (a).
The stereo base should be at least 2 meter (80 in) up to 3.5 meter (140 in).

Back wall distance (b)
The distance between the back wall and the speakers (b) should be at least 0,8 meter (32 in).

Side wall distance (d)
Now evaluate the distance between each speaker and the respective side wall (d).
If you set up the speakers on the longer side of the room (recommended), use the following formula:
d = b x 1,32
If you prefer to set up the speakers on the shorter side of the room:
d = b / 1,32
(Note: 1,32 variable up to 1,63)

Listener´s position
The distance between the listener´s position and the speakers (e) should be at least 1meter (40 in).
The distance from the rear wall to the listener´s position (c) should be at least 0,8 meter (32 in).
If the resulted data do not fit to your room, change the distance (b).

[Still-One]

massimo
We posted at the same time.

Jim

[m.tonetti]

Originally Posted by Still-One

massimo
We posted at the same time.

Jim

Ops, sorry!

At this point I understand that the suggested method are the same for all MBL speakers (at least for 116 and 111F).

Jim, have you followed these instructions to the letter?

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by m.tonetti

Ops, sorry!

At this point I understand that the suggested method are the same for all MBL speakers (at least for 116 and 111F).

Jim, have you followed these instructions to the letter?

Yes, except that my listening position is often closer to the rear wall than 32" but I do have a sound panel behind my head which you can see in this photo.

Jim

[m.tonetti]

Another important tip for the MBL speakers:
"Run in the speakers for at least 100 hours and do another fine-tuning, if necessary."

[m.tonetti]

On the owner's manual of the 116 I have not found any trace of the fact that the speakers must be oriented to the listening point, this for improved bass output as a dynamic speaker.

Many owners of MBL speakers argue that this positioning improves bass output and tonal coherence, as a dynamic speaker.

For example, the positioning shown below is correct?


and


Jim, your speakers are parallel to the back wall?
Sorry, but from the photos I don't understand!

[m.tonetti]

Jim,

have you read this interesting review of your MBL 111F on "hifi & records" magazine?

MBL-111F, hifi & records

[Still-One]

Massino
Thanks for posting the review, I had not seen that before.

I have never seen MBL's toed in to the extent show in those photos. I have tried mine angled in a bit more than you see in my photo but prefer the sound the way they are. I have heard some dealers suggest that you should make sure that at least one of the "petals" is aimed at the seating position.

Jim

[m.tonetti]

My Nagra VPA (50 watts) will be able to drive the MBL 120 speakers (82 dB sensitivity) in an environment of 16 square meters?

These are the specifications of the Nagra VPA: VPA (pdf)

MBL for 120 speakers recommends an amp of 300 Watt!