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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
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,403 posts
 
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. 
deecee's avatar
deecee
100 posts
 
I also say go with Odyssey. I've had mine for just under a year and find it has a HUGE bang per buck.

Good luck on your audio "odyssey"! (Sorry, couldn't resist)
lckyluciano's avatar
lckyluciano
6 posts
 
Get you a Parasound A21+!
gakerty's avatar
gakerty
175 posts
 
+1 to those who suggested Rogue. I have a Stereo 100 driven by a Rogue RP7. Amperex 7316 + Amperex Bugle Boys in the RP7, Amperex long plate 12AX7 + Mazda long plates 12AU7 in the Stereo 100. Speakers are Legacy Signature SE (4 ohm). There are times I can’t believe how good this sounds. Rich, detailed, spot on treble decay, bass for days if called for. I literally have no desire to change anything anytime soon. Of course most in this thread will suggest what they own or have had lots of experience with... guilty! I had a Parasound Hint with Tannoys before this. That was no slouch either, but holds no candle to my setup now.  I know one can get MUCH higher end amps, but I'm good for now, and indefinitely. Famous last words?

kennyc
1,472 posts
 
+1 Odyssey
Alon Wolf of Magico speakers likes and has used Odyssey amps.  Magico uses cutting edge technology and are among the best of the very best speakers available today.  
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