2. amps-preamps
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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 4 responses by mglik

mglik
889 posts
 
AGD Audion mono blocks. Unlike any amp I have heard. 170 watts into 4 ohms 85 into 8. They are so transparent, distortion free, detailed and liquid they punch way high. Maybe best there is regardless of price. Comes with a long trial period. I did not hear of anyone sending them back. They are the sweet spot in the line but I may return mine for the top line Gran Vivaces. Worth a call to Mike Powell Audio.
mglik
889 posts
 
tvad

It was a transition process for me moving away from decades of 300B and 45 SETs. First I had to focus on why so many love their SS. Ultimately, my understanding of SS sounding like or better than SET concluded that there was, at that time, only one SS amp that satisfies me-Bakoon. I bought a Bakoon headphone amp. It is not “warm” and “delicious” like my SET but, as you said, has qualities well beyond tubes and SETs. Mostly, the lack of distortion and way more detail made me not miss my SET. Granted, this came with the mentioned transition away from SET and toward SS. It took time to accept and appreciate the “open window” quality of the Bakoon and not miss the beautiful but distorted SET. If you love SETs it is called warm if you appreciate SS it is distortion. 
Well after Bakoon, I discovered AGD. The AGDs are as much or more “open window” as Bakoon with much more power, mono blocks and balanced. And the AGDs reveal the most subtle and profound beyond Bakoon and SET… musician’s phrasing. When hearing the beginning, ending and nuanced presentation, the whole thing leaps toward realism. Bakoons are mentioned in 2 reviews of AGD. They are wonderful but AGD is another story.
mglik
889 posts
 
tvad
Thanks for your thoughtful response.
Moving away from a beloved SET is, perhaps in your case running all AN, a move too far.
Certainly, your excellent amp and perfect speaker match must produce a joyful sound.
My speakers need and love more power.
My 300Bs pushed them well but I discovered a new world with the AGDs. I see that your world is very full of the strengths of SET.
mglik
889 posts
 
If you can wait a couple of months and flex your budget to $5100, get the new Atma-Sphere Class D mono blocks.
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