New monoblocs for Maxx II, which ones

I do not have the Maxx II's but have heard them at a local dealer being driven by VTL S-400 tube amps and the sound was terrific. I have Watt Puppy 7's and previously owned a pair of Sophias. Since there is what I would term a Wilson "house sound", I believe my experiences would apply to some degree to the Maxx II's. It is my understanding that Wilson uses Audio Research tube equipment to voice their speakers and I had great results using an ARC VT-100 Mark III tube amp on my Sophias. I also liked a Conrad-Johnson Premier 140 on these speakers. I did not think using a 15 wpc SET tube amp drove the speakers well enough and they were dynamically compressed. The WP7's are a more difficult load for amplifiers, but tube amps gave a big soundstage with a liquid, detailed midrange and good bass. That being said, if you really want to hear what the Wilsons can do dynamically and basswise, which IMO is what they do best, nothing beats a solid-state amp. The trick is to find a SS amp that doesn't sound flat dimensionally. I tried BAT and Classe SS amps that just didn't do it for me as the soundstage depth was curtailed. Finally I tried Essence SS amps and they are hands-down the best amps I have ever heard with the Wilsons. The Wilsons will definitely let you know what electronics are upstream, so it is worthwhile trying different products.

What are Essence? I never heard of them.

i would vote for the Lamm 2.1 SET since you already have the MLs.

i've heard the new VTLs on Wilsons several times and they really don't do it for me.

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.

Essence amps were built from about the mid-90's until several years ago. The owner, Dale Pitcher, sold the company and is now with Intuitive Design. I believe only about 300 amps and preamps were built and they are the best equipment I have ever heard, something shared by others who share in a "cult" following. Samuel, you are the first person who I have ever heard who didn't rave about Essence gear, but there is no arguing in matters of taste, especially when synergy with other components are involved. They come up on Audiogon from time to time.