Looking for an amp that punches way about its weight and I can grow with


So recently I purchase a McIntosh MC300 from a reputable dealer and got it and plugged it in and turned it and a nice arc/small flame came out the top and then the amp no longer worked.  So I am sending it back, and sending back a McIntosh is no funny it is too heavy and there are too may boxes!!!  Anyway this have given me time to think and do a lot more reading and I find this forum has some very open views on their thoughts which I love.  So that being said I am looking for an amp that punches way above its weight.  They will be driving Martin Logan Electromotion ESL's.  I know that electrostatic speakers require amps over watts (I think that is what I have be reading but I am still learning)

So a couple of the important details; my budget is around $3000 with a little wiggle room.  The rest of my system is as follows: SOTA Sapphire VI turntable, McIntosh MP100 Phono pre, Schiit Feya+ tube rolled pre.  90% of the music I listen to is Rock the other 10% is Jazz.  I am looking for something that will last me awhile and be great for a Martin Logan upgrade at some point.  I have been looking at some stuff by Rogue and Odyssey but dont know the brands well.  I also live out on the middle of nowhere and all I really have available to listen to is McIntosh.  So any feedback would be greatly appreciated.   
128x128justinrphillips

Showing 1 response by jbhiller

I like my Carver Crimson 275 so much so that I sold off my Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated.  The Carver Crimson even bested the PL after I upgraded the caps to VCAP and Audyn. The sound is delicious.  They are just shy of $3k, but sometimes out of stock as they are made for Carver at the Wyred4Sound factory in California.  The Carver's midrange is sublime and it can really boogie.  The top end has a good heaping dose of air and is really big sounding in my room with my system.  

The unit puts out very little heat, whereas the PL warmed the room.  You can really dial in the sound to your liking by adjusting the bias.