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.   
justinrphillips

Showing 2 responses by jbuhl

After owning some Mcintosh products, talking to support and having a short conversation with a rep at a store demo. I'm not sure if I will ever purchase any of their gear again.
+1 for Rogue. I only have experience with their RP-1 pre But I like it. It does not have XLR but it performs as well when I used my DAC/pre with XLR. Good outfit to work with, but you will have to determine if you want to try their amplification.

You can also do a buy and try with PS Audio products. They are also a good company to deal with. I had their S300 amplifier for years and it ran flawlessly and support was good. I have toured their facility and it’s a first rate operation.

The Bryston cubed series is another suggestion. I have never experienced their amplification but have other products from them and their warranty on new products is like 20 years and they are another good outfit to work with.