MBL
N11 Preamplifier

This product is available for special order, please contact us here for further information


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The central component of every music system

- UNITY GAIN – improved transparency and resolution, lower noise floor, higher dynamic range
- In- and Outputs with XLR priority to maximize common mode rejection
- Single stage gain with high bandwidth and low noise and distortion
- 7 inputs (5 x RCA / 2 x XLR)
- 7 outputs (4 x RCA / 3 x XLR), 2 output groups
- Optional phono input or 3rd balanced XLR input

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Overview

The MBL Noble Line preamplifier N11 incorporate a new technology developed by MBL called “UNITY GAIN” which provides a clearly audible and measurable sound enhancement.

In a typical music system, the preamplifier has the task of receiving the music signal originating
from the source device, preparing it, and forwarding it to the power amplifiers. The power amplifiers expect the preamplifier to relay the signal to them with a maximum of 2 volts RMS. They are designed to deliver their full rated output at 2 volts input level (this value varies within limits, depending on line voltage and rated load, and applies to all output stages of MBL’s and most manufacturers’ amplifiers).

Analogue source devices, such as turntables, with the associated equalizer pre-amplifier, or tape
decks, provide a voltage of 0.5 volt maximum (tuners and turntables) to 0.75 volts (tape decks).
Nevertheless, in order to achieve a maximum voltage of 2 volts at the amplifier input, the signal
must be “pre-amplified” before being passed on to the output stage. This is the responsibility of
the preamplifier, hence its namesake.

Today’s preamplifiers typically amplify the input signal by 12 dB before delivering it to the
amplifier’s input. This corresponds to gain by a factor of 4, making it possible to achieve the
required 2 volts at the output even at input levels of only 0.5 volts.
In a source device with a voltage of 0.75 volts, for example, a voltage of 3 volts would already be
reached at the power amp input and the volume potentiometer would have to be reduced to
about 67% in order to not exceed the maximum level.

In the majority of cases, today’s source devices are digital sources and the music signal supplied to
the preamplifier comes from a D/A converter. These are standardized to the extent that they
deliver a maximum output voltage of 2 volts RMS (+/- 5%) and all D/A converters from MBL strictly
adhere to this requirement (although other manufacturers sometimes exceed this value to sound
“louder”).

Pre-amplification of this signal is not necessary, since the output voltage of the D/A converter
corresponds exactly to what the output stage expects from input voltage. Nevertheless,
manufacturers of preamplifiers have adhered to the system of amplifying a signal originating from
a D/A converter.

In this situation, with the volume turned up fully, a voltage of up to 8 volts (!) would appear at the
output stage’s input, and in order not to exceed the 2 volts, the potentiometer would need to be
turned down to a maximum of 25%.

- Offers a variety of inputs and outputs to ensure total flexibility and universality
- UNITY GAIN function for improved transparency and resolution of music through a lower
noise floor and greater dynamic range
- In- and Outputs with XLR priority to maximize common mode rejection
- Single stage gain with high bandwidth and extremely low noise and distortion
- Analogue volume control via stepping motor and potentiometer
- Unused inputs can be deactivated, eliminating interference with the input selection
- Simple selection of the music source by intelligently managed inputs from all connected
devices (eg CD-DAC)
- The maximum volume during power-on can be limited by a simple menu setting, to prevent dangerously high levels (eg protection of children's ears)
- Two separate line output groups
- 5’’ color TFT display, 6 smart keys
- MBL SmartLink version 2.0, employed to network MBL devices with the exchange of status information
- Intelligent remote control concept for easy operation
- SD-card slot for easy firmware and display content update
- “Made in Germany” development and production made in MBL’s own factory in Berlin
Inputs/Outputs:
- 7 analog inputs (2 x CD RCA, 2 x Aux RCA, 1 x Processor in RCA, 2 x Balanced In XLR)
- Optional phono input or additional balanced XLR input
- Ground terminal for connected phono devices
- 5 variable analogue outputs in two separate output groups:
- Group 1: 2 x Variable Out RCA & 1 x Balanced Out XLR
- Group 2: 1 x Variable Out RCA & 1 x Balanced Out XLR
- 2 fixed analogue outputs (1 x Out RCA, 1 x Balanced Out XLR)
- 2 MBL SmartLink connectors (RJ45)

Device:
Width: 45,0 cm / 17.7 in
Depth: (w/o cables): 45,0 cm / 17.7 in
Height: 15,0 cm / 5.9 in

Packaging:
Width: 58cm / 22.8 in
Depth: 52cm / 20.5 in
Height: 33cm / 13.0 in

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.

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