New monoblocs for Maxx II, which ones

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.

I would keep the 33's. A real dream pair.

Two Spectron Musician III Signature in balanced monoblock configuration (you buy two stereo amps and with flip of one switch you are "there"). You will have double headroom, double slew rate, double bandwidth, 60 dB additional noise supression etc....

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.