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REVIEW: MJ Acoustics Ref 150 mkII Speakers

67.189.178.1


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Model: Ref 150 mkII
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $1400
Description: Active subwoofer 150 watt mosfet downfiring, 10
Manufacturer URL: MJ Acoustics
Model Picture: View

Review by Bobsprit@aol.com on October 30, 2010 at 07:51:01
IP Address: 67.189.178.1
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for the Ref 150 mkII



While I had my Merlin TSM-MXr speakers on order I started to put together the rest of the system. I had bought the latest Manley Stingray II tube amp and the nice Skylan 4 post stands. But I also knew that my SVS 16-46 sub was more suited to home theater than music.

System Goals:
I'm working on building a dedicated music room, but my dedicated theater would be the listening environment for a while. So the sub was chosen for a smaller room, but I hoped it would still do well in the theater. I wanted something small and very adjustable that could match the quality of the Merlins speed and articulate nature.

The Sub
The 150 MKII is built by a bunch of people who left REL in a huff. That's all you need to know. So they clearly set out to build something a bit better and I think they did. On the surface of things we get a small cube with a 10" driver and 150 MOSFET amp. Hardly the stuff of legends! The sub is also shipped with spikes and snub feet along with a REMOTE CONTROL. The back of the sub allows the essential connections and a digital read-out that allows a wide range of variable setting for crossover, volume, phase and so on. Mine has the black finish, is well made but hardly special in it's appearance.

The Remote
EVERY SUB SHOULD HAVE A REMOTE! Hmmmmm. Let me say that again. EVERY SUB SHOULD HAVE A REMOTE. This is such an obvious benefit. The ability to fine tune each setting FROM THE LISTENING position makes it far easier to get this sub dialed in correctly. In fact I doubt I would have EVER done as well without the remote. Just as important you get 4 memory settings for the sub, so you can make quick setting comparisons. I have three settings stored for various types of recordings. A new recording that requires a tweak doesn't take a second thought. Most people just leave their settings, but the MJ allows you to always tailor (if that's what you like) to a recording. Fantastic!

The Sound
Well...all of that tunability is for naught if this sub doesn't perform. Luckily this sub is very much like the REL cousins. It's very fast and correct in it's presentation. It goes insanely low. MJ claims a somewhat nutty 13hz. But make no mistake; this sub does go quite low, though it's output is clearly limited by being such a small box/driver. On organ recordings the sub adds that fill without ever booming or creating a thudding kind of bass that has no detail. Even in the large theater room the sub did well when pushed hard.

The Mating of Sub and Speakers
First up were a inexpensive pair of SVS monitors. I tried them mainly to see what the sub would do with speakers that had very little bass output. Set at about 100hz the MJ blended ALMOST seamlessly. But I couldn't quite get it right no matter how much I fiddled with the sub's controls. Eventually I moved the sub closer to a corner and it all fell together, illustrating the importance of placement as the KEY factor in sub usage.
Next up were the Merlin TSM-MXr speakers. As I noted in my review I find the Merlins to be pretty much the last word in speakers for their size. I was thrilled to find that the Merlins and the MJ matched perfectly. The sub added that last inch of depth without any smearing of instruments/detail. The sense of coherency overall was maintained.

MJ vs. The World
I'm quite sure, after listening to REL subs for years, that the MJ is in the same league. My friend uses a pair of 150's for his Magnepans and his feeling is that they are quicker than both the REL and Vandersteen. I believe that the MJ's quality is all there and the sub is elevated much further by it's well thought out adjustment system and remote. For a price of about 1500-1700 we're looking at a very expensive sub for the size. Those seeking a sub to also do home theater duty might look at some bigger subs. But as a dedicated music sub I feel that the MJ 150 MK II is a great value.

Pictures of my system can be seen here...
http://GhostLight.zenfolio.com/p280561067/slideshow

Polite comments welcome!


Rob


Product Weakness: Expensive, low freq. claims are a bit over the top
Product Strengths: Highly adjustable design, remote and memory settings, world class musicality in a small sub


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Manley Stingray II
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Audio Aero CDP, Oppo
Speakers: Merlin TSM-MXr
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classic rock, jazz, classical
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: MJ Acoustics Ref 150 mkII Speakers - Bobsprit@aol.com 07:51:01 10/30/10 ( 12)