Bi amping my ML SL3 speakers

 I bi amp my Kappa 8's with a Parasound A 23 (235 watts 4 ohm) for bottom end and a Para HCA 750A (110 watts 4 ohm) for the high end. The SQ isn't any better bi amped but they play much louder. I would bi wire with your set up.

I don't see your amp as the problem, those speakers are rated to 400 watts rms. Is it both woofers that distort or just one? Does it do it will all sources? I have refoamed my wooofers a few times but they are still the orignals from 1990. So unless you are pushing your amp too far I don't know why your woofers would distort.

I looked up that Rotel amp. It’s ok. Should be fine but what I suggested about moving to a newer model MLs (if you like the sound) has several benefits-

1. Newer design Montis (I had those), Summit, etc. have powered woofer. I drove the Montis with Rogue ST100 and later with Pass XA-30.8 So they’re easier to drive

2. Better, more seamless woofer/panel integration.

3. Newer/fresher panels - these things age. They also accumulate dust. Both the age and accumulation of dust impact the way they sound. You can vacuum the panels or even wash them in the shower (panels only).

After owning Aries I and Montis, I eventually moved on. But the MLs are great speakers without a doubt. 

'Any idea why these speakersxare rated either 80-200 or 80-400WPC on various ML documentation. That is a significant difference !'

Being concerned about the speaker power ratings is probably the least of your concerns, since your preferred listening levels never reach it's claimed output specs.

You have an older model ML as others have mentioned. Maybe time for a tune up, or upgrade to newer model/brand, or something completely different.

The amp suggestion was a reminder that what amp is driving your speakers also makes up for what the fuss is all about with panels.

lehelke3

Any idea why these speakersxare rated either 80-200 or 80-400WPC on various ML documentation. That is a significant difference !

Not really. The difference between 200 watts and 400 watts in 3 dB.

That’s one way to look at it. It’s another one if you need to buy an amp that’s 200WPC or 400 :) You wallet will suddenly feel the weight 3db carries:)