What To Replace A Pair Of Lamm Ml2 Monoblocks With? Need More Power


Due to a move to a new house, and a far, far larger listening area, I've had to change speakers to get something that will optimally perform in the large space, which also features very high ceilings. I currently own the wonderful Lamm ML2 18wpc SET amps, and they are simply the finest amps I have ever owned, and perhaps ever heard. Sadly, they cannot begin to drive the speakers I purchased to meet the rooms demands. 

I am currently debating what would make sense to replace them with, which would still make me happy after experiencing the sound of the Lamm's for the past few years. I need something with at least 100wpc and I don't think anything solid state would satisfy my ears. Any recommendations or thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
nightfall

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

Vandersteens are awesome but they need some power to be at their best. The fact those 5as have a powered bass module, means the absolute power required is no where near as high as it could be. 
You have a few options.  The room is large but not crazy and those aren’t difficult to drive.  
You could look at something like a BAT Rex 3.  Two issue with BAT is everything needs to be BAT or it loses a lot in terms of sound quality so you would probably want a BAT pre as well.  They use the same tube but it is also a parallel SET design which could be problematic.  SETs don’t like being driven hard.  One upside is you can get this on a 60 day demo from Music Direct.  My hunch is a 45w push pull will outperform this when driven hard but I mention because of the tube type.  
Another really interesting option is Jadis.  It is a KT120 based solution but is going to have oodles of power.  They have a 150w class A/B amp that is $16,500.  They have some high powered Class A Monos that are in the $30k to $40k range.  Gorgeous equipment and a sound that is somewhat legendary.  

Angstrom is an Italian brand and the Stella line of products is incredible.  The SSA 100 or the SMA 150 would be A+ choice.  $17k and $32K respectively.  It is Class A, zero feedback and uses EL34s so it has a very appealing sound.

The final (and IMO best) option would be the KR Kronzilla DXL Monos.  They are 140w push pulls using the Kronzilla tube and are also Class A with zero feedback.  These will be closest in terms of sound to your Lamms I think other than the BAT, but the BAT seriously might struggle.  
I am a KR dealer and am getting ready to sign up for Jadis and Angstrom as they are awesome lines.  I have no relationship with BAT.