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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
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@nightfall Lots of information on Vandersteen pairings out there.  I'd consider reaching out for suggestions from @tomic601 -- https://forum.audiogon.com/users/tomic601.  He's a helpful and very experienced Vandersteen user and can likely point you to some useful threads with amplifier suggestions.  
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Going from ML2s to a SS amp, would be quite the change. The Dartzeel mentioned or Pass Labs are the about the only ones I'd think might satisfy you. 
The more likely tube contenders come in many flavors. IMHO, the best high powered option for SET lovers would be OTLs, like the Atma-Sphere MA1 or MA2, the old Tenor 75s
Vandys are often paired with Audio Research; if headed that direction, the KT150 tube models are the best bet, a big improvement over KT120s or 6550 designs. 
BAT 6C33 amps would work, but guessing the combo would be run a bit on the dark side.
Manley & VTL are usually in the conversation when talking powerful tube amps, maybe someone with experience using them w/the 5As could chime in. Cheers.
Spencer
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
First, let’s be clear the Lamm amps are special. Vandersteen are designed to be an easy load. I have owned the 5a in big rooms, one 18’ x 40’ w 10’ ceilings using a 200 wpc Ayre VX-R. In smaller rooms have used something as small as 75 wpc ARC REF75se, I don’t listen super loud. In SS on a budget, I would lean to Ayre and the wonderful Aesthetix Atlas stereo, of course there are others. In Tubes ARC 150, VTL 185 and even the Quicksilver 120. The right Music Reference also would be fantastic. Jim
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
One aspect of the Quicksilver Mono 120 that’s intriguing is the very simpler/straightforward circuit (Only 2 output tubes per channel) which is I believe sonically advantageous (And simplicity is a strength of SET amplifiers). I could imagine this amplifier ’potentially’ mimicking some qualities of the Lamm ML2 relative to the transistor amplifier recommendations. @nightfall acknowledged, he trying to lose as little as possible the special  character  of the Lamm.
Charles
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,871 posts
 
Jadis JA80Mk2 or JA200Mk2 would be a good match to Vandy 5's. 
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