When i decided to replace my two Threshold T 200, I tried the flagships from Krell, Burmester and Rowland.Then I tried the ML 33.I was astonished.They were the closest thing to having no amplifiers on the system -- absolutly neutral.But be careful: you might be ending up, buying the whole ML Reference system, as I've done.Audiophile suffers...

The ML 33 is definately a top of any line of high end amplifiers. In listening to the ML 33 through Revel Salons using ML 30.5/31.5 with ML 32 Preamp using all Tara One interconnects and Speaker Cables it sounded extremely neutral. When paired with Linn Sondek CD12 it quantum leaped the sound to the next listening experience.
Absolute control of drivers at any level of listening volume is accurate description of these amplifier. In driving these Reval Salons at high levels (80 - 90) on the ML 32 demonstrated extreme control without ever hinting at fatigue. The only other aspect of power that the ML 33 requires is a dedicated 30amp (Minimum) to 50 amp (Ample) power connection. You have to remember that the dual toroids with this much of filter caps will degrade any other source pluged into the same wall outlet. So the purpose of have a dedicated line for these amps are not to isolate the amps from the rest of the components rather to isolate your source components from the amp.

The sound coming from these extremely large sized amplifiers was nothing short of phenomenal, full of finesse and power coexisting to create a sense of full live sound stage. The other draw back will be your electricity bill and heat generated from these amps.

The only amps that I heard side by side that beat this amp hands down were the newly released Linn Klimax amplifiers (500 watt mono blocks). Can read about my A/B in the Linn Section of this review. Besides the Linn Klimax, I know of no other amplifiers that will beat this amp. Remember that other amps such as the Krell's Ref, the YBA's Ref or Cello's ref lines sound no better then ML 33 just slightly bt different with its own signature due to the inherent design using the Class A Bi polar technology. The Linn Klimax again is the only amp that beats the ML 33 hands down in sonic characteristics such as speed, tightness of sound, imaging, finesse, etc, etc. The other aspect of this amp is the matching of components. Sound will vary significantly depending on the cabling, front ends, speakers, and preamps you use with this amp. As fas as the digital front end, I have found the Linn CD12 to absolutely bring the best sound from digital and stomps all over the ML 30.5/31.5. Also the Wadia 270/27ix and the Wadia 7/9 will also bring the sound of the ML 33 to its absolute peak performance. Anything less would not be doing justice for owning amplifier of this caliber. And please, don't drive speakers that have sensitivity ratings of 94db!!! unless you want to fry the amps or blow out the speaker drivers. I read that someone was driving Cerwin Vegas with these and was complaining about blowing these amps!!! I think the Cerwins belong in back of a low rider thumping the south side not on these amps. I would take them back to Circuit City or sell them in a swap meet. Sensitive equipment matching is absolutely crucial with the ML 33 and carefull auditioning should follow if you are spending this kind of money.

But for the price tag of $35000 I have to give these amps 4 rating seeing that now, there is an amp out there that weighs about 25lbs a piece that take up less power and does not raise your room temperature 10 degrees and costs $15000 less and delivers better sound. I still love the design and the look of the ML 33 and the statement it makes when it is standing in your sound room. Definately don't have to wory about someone walking out with it.

But then listen for your self and be your own judge when looking to purchase a referance amp of this caliber. With the fast changes coming down the technology pipe you can never be too sure of what will knock your sock off.

First of all, I'd like to clear of two reviews done here. To the gentlemen who put down American cars... do you realize that the Corvette is the best bang for buck and out performs 99% of European cars, and for the last 1% we have the Viper. Say no more. Now to the guy who compared these amps to a Vette, give your head a shake. If you could afford a Vette, you'd be singing a different tune about this amp. They're overpriced but they do set a standard and make a statement. They belong to an elite performance class. If you want a car comparison, well, it's like owning a Ferrari F50. Sure there is way cheaper that can perform as well or slighty better, but which do you prefer to drive/listen because you can?

In response to Michael Curtis rating: I cannot afford 33's either. I probably never will. But I am happy they exist. I listened to them and I heard what is possible in amplifiers. Products like this are there to set standards to pursue. Your negativism makes me almost sick. If you apply this thinking to the rest of your life, you might as well curl up and die. And now about the 33s: they control the speaker and make the speakers do what the music is about. They define space, time and colour of the music in such precision that it boggles your mind. So there: 5 speakers!

Near perfect sound

A real chore to move!

I've tried to stay away for "audio sites" as they only seem to stimulate my desire to more "stuff" I don't need. But I finally gave in to my curiosity and started looking around the net. Eventually I discovered this site and found these so called reviews. OK, I'll put my two pennies worth in... What a mixed bag of insight and crap! The ones who are critical of the 33s seem to be pissed off because they can't afford them. I suspect they are the same people who key a BMW because they don't own one.

Well, I can't really afford 33s either, so I searched around, found a slightly used pair, bought them, and have been happy every since! My system is all Levinson (33s, 360S, 380s, 37) with all Transparent cable and a pair of Magnapan MG20s and a Mirage sub. I know what you're thinking! Maggies with those amps? Hey, if you haven't heard it don't knock it. Personally I love the sound of Maggies (this is my fourth pair in over 20 years). But, they do have one draw back... they seem to lack dynamics and this is the problem I was having before the 33s came along. Fact is, all Maggies love raw power and plenty of it. I had been running them using a 120 pound monster made by a very well know manufacturer and rated at 350 watts into 8 ohms, but it just wasn't making it for me. The system sounded wimpy with no drive and snap. I suspected the problem was that the speakers wanted more juice than the amp could deliver and I was right. After buying the 33s, hooking them up and turning them on it took me about 2 seconds to realize what a great pair of amps they are. All of a sudden the entire room seemed to come alive. The system had all the dynamics of a fine "box" speaker with all the delicacy of the ribbons. What a sound! If you will forgive my towering immodesty, I think it is the best sound I've every heard and that includes a pair of 33s driving Wilson Grand Slams. They may play louder, but the Maggies are much more musical and its the 33s who allow them to really sing. I could go on and on but what's the point. If you want the ultimate in a power amp and want to be able to drive any speaker at live volumes reproducing the most perfect sound you have every heard then these are the amps to have. Now it's time to search of a sub woofer upgrade....

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Cello Amp

I see some guys with as high enough opinions of themselves as to take the Cerwin Vega stuff seriously miss the point that their cakey brains supported by thick wallets has turned hifi into a rat race where enjoying music the way it is meant to be has become trivial. State of the art electronics for $35000 more expensive than a state of the art handmade Steinway, which takes a year in the factory.
Five stars for the product, one star for the price and one star for the idiots who call themselves audiophiles....