2. amps-preamps
  3. 1186760692

New monoblocs for Maxx II, which ones

The purchase of Wilson audio's Maxx II has me thinking about getting some new monoblocks. I already own ML 33s and ML 33h will sell the later. The ASR will stay as well.
I want to try some new designs and am having a tuff time deciding upon which one. The reason is strictly for change, eat the same food everyday you get my drift.
The list of amps are:
Ayre, Linn, Pass, Lamm.......
and also some tubed units:
Lamm, Air Tight, Audio Research, VTL, Covergent Audio...
Has anybody heard these paired together in a system, if so what impressions do you have.

Thanks for reading.
rugyboogie

Showing 2 responses by samuel

samuel
266 posts
 

I've owned the Maxx 2's for two years. Based on my own experiences and comparisons I would seek audition of the Audio Research 210 or 610T mono's, Atmasphere MA2mk.2.3's and Lamm Hybrid models. I've also heard very positive feedback from freinds with the Maxx 2's who have tried the VTL Siegfrieds and S400.

I believe Wilson uses a pair of the Audio Research 610T's as references, as well as some of the Lamm amps.

I have owned Essence amps/preamps and _cannot recommend_ them for a variety of reasons based on my experiences. I'm surprised they were even mentioned. If you own the ML 33's, then you own exceptional solid state amps that will not sound "flat" dynamically. No need to go looking for headaches.
samuel
266 posts
 
rlawry,

My quibble was not with the performance of Essence gear. The electronics when completed, and eventually delivered, were decent enough--that is, if what you received for your (pre-paid) money wasn't a work-in-progress prototype that failed to function.

If I am the "first person you have ever heard that didn't rave" about their experience with Essence, you _clearly_ do not know many past owners, past dealers or past associates of that company. Your use of the term "cult following" is entirely accurate, and there it should stay.
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