Milbert BaM-235 Car Amplifier
Many of today’s mobile audio magazines feature rock stars and athletes who have invested the equivalent of a
sizable down payment for a second home in their automotive playback systems.
Most of these offer multiple large amplifiers and gigantic woofers, capable of
achieving earsplitting sound pressure levels. Unfortunately, when compared to
even basic home hi-fi systems, they often fall woefully short in fidelity.
However, there is an alternative approach. Maryland-based Milbert Amplifiers
handbuilds vacuum tube–powered car audio amplifiers that are similar in approach
to the best audio amplifiers designed for home use. Rumor has it that Eric
Clapton has a pair of Milberts in one of his favorite cars.
Milbert’s recent
amplifier, the BaM-235, is an evolutionary design that steadily improved over 19
years. The stereo power amplifier, which is built to military specifications,
generates 35 watts per channel and can be bridged to be a single-channel
monaural amplifier capable of 60 watts. Just remove the cover to reveal the same
high- quality components you would find inside an amplifier from Audio
Research or Krell. Thanks to a new auto-biasing circuit, the output tubes will
never need adjustment during their 10-year lifespan.
Skeptics might be wary
of the durability of vacuum tubes when used in an automotive environment, but
Michael Milbert assures that I could dropkick the BaM-235 while in operation
without affecting performance. While I did not take this extreme, a drive on the
most tortuous roads in my BMW equipped with aftermarket (i.e., stiff) sport
suspension did not affect the system’s performance in any way. Anyone installing
a Milbert in a luxury car should have no worries at all.
Because an amplifier
designed with vacuum tubes has a much gentler distortion characteristic than a
solid-state amplifier, such amps tend to sound louder—per watt—than transistor
amplifiers. Don’t be fooled by the modest power output figure of the BaM-235.
With a pair of very accurate two-way speakers and a modest subwoofer, a system
built around the Milbert will outperform one of those big multiamplifier
systems. If musical accuracy is what you are seeking, the Milbert is most
certainly the Holy Grail of auto sound.
At $2,495, the Milbert BaM-235
carries a very high price per watt, but considering its sublime performance, it
is one of the best buys in car audio today.
Milbert Amplifiers, 301.963.9355, www.milbert.com