MBL 120 MKII: These €23,900 Speakers Send Sound in Every Direction
Most high-end loudspeakers are designed to direct sound toward the listening position. Germany’s MBL International takes a different approach, using its distinctive Radialstrahler technology to distribute sound throughout the room. Now, the company has updated its MBL 120 omnidirectional loudspeakers with the new 120 MKII, bringing revised crossover components, upgraded speaker terminals and additional finish options to its compact high-end design.
Priced at €23,900 per pair, the MBL 120 MKII targets listeners who want an ambitious loudspeaker system without filling their living space with oversized cabinets. MBL positions the speakers for rooms up to 35 square metres, combining its signature omnidirectional design with a three-way configuration and a push-push bass section.
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MBL 120 MKII Brings Updated Components to the Radialstrahler Design
The defining feature of the MBL 120 MKII is its proprietary Radialstrahler technology. Rather than relying on conventional forward-facing drivers alone, MBL uses specially designed radial transducers to radiate sound through 360 degrees horizontally.
The idea is to create a more spacious, room-filling presentation instead of concentrating the sound around a single listening position. This approach may appeal to households where several people regularly listen together, although the experience will depend on room acoustics, speaker placement, and the listening environment.
Omnidirectional loudspeakers also interact with their surroundings differently from conventional designs. Reflections from walls and other surfaces become an important part of the overall presentation, making room layout and placement particularly relevant when building a system around speakers such as the MBL 120 MKII.
For the new version, MBL has updated the crossover filters with components from Intertechnik and fitted new WBT speaker terminals. These are component-level changes rather than a complete redesign of the loudspeaker’s fundamental concept.
The company has also expanded the available colour options, giving buyers more flexibility when matching the speakers to their interiors. That is a relevant consideration for a product intended to occupy a prominent position in a listening room or living space.
Push-Push Bass Drivers and Three-Way Architecture
The MBL 120 MKII uses two 165mm aluminium drivers in a push-push configuration for low-frequency reproduction. The three-way loudspeaker has crossover frequencies of 650Hz and 3,500Hz, with a stated lower frequency limit of 61Hz.
That specification places the emphasis on the speaker’s overall presentation rather than deep, sub-bass extension. Listeners seeking stronger output at the very lowest frequencies may want to consider how a separate subwoofer could fit into their system, depending on their room and listening preferences.
The nominal impedance is 4 ohms, an important consideration when choosing a compatible amplifier. Buyers should consult the manufacturer’s full electrical specifications and amplifier recommendations before pairing these speakers with their existing electronics.
How Much Do the MBL 120 MKII Speakers Cost?
MBL International has set the recommended retail price of the MBL 120 MKII at €23,900 per pair. Buyers who want the complete package with stands will pay €25,720.
The €1,820 difference makes the stand-inclusive package worth considering for anyone planning a new installation. With a combined weight of 28kg per speaker with its stand, the system is designed to make a substantial visual impression without the footprint of some much larger high-end loudspeakers.
At this price, the MBL 120 MKII is firmly positioned in the luxury hi-fi market. Its appeal rests on a combination of distinctive industrial design, omnidirectional sound radiation and carefully specified components rather than simply competing on driver size or conventional cabinet design.
Is the MBL 120 MKII Worth Watching?
The MBL 120 MKII brings targeted updates to an already distinctive loudspeaker concept. Revised crossover components, new WBT terminals and additional finishes refresh the model while preserving the Radialstrahler technology that sets MBL apart from conventional speaker manufacturers.
Its ability to distribute sound throughout a room makes it an interesting option for listeners who value a spacious presentation and want their system to work in a shared living environment. However, its €23,900 price means it will remain a specialist choice for buyers with substantial hi-fi budgets.
The key question is how the updated model performs in real listening rooms. The new components and finishes are notable changes, but listening tests will ultimately determine whether the MBL 120 MKII delivers the experience buyers expect at this level.
For now, it is another reminder that the high-end loudspeaker market still offers alternatives to the traditional forward-firing design.
MBL 120 MKII Specifications:
| Specification | MBL 120 MKII |
|---|---|
| Speaker type | Three-way omnidirectional loudspeaker |
| Sound distribution | 360-degree horizontal radiation |
| Low-frequency drivers | Two 165mm aluminium drivers |
| Bass configuration | Push-push |
| Crossover frequencies | 650Hz and 3,500Hz |
| Stated lower frequency limit | 61Hz |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 1,213 × 300 × 386mm |
| Weight without stand | 17.5kg |
| Weight with stand | 28kg |
| Recommended room size | Up to 35m² |
| Price per pair | €23,900 |
| Price with stands | €25,720 |
