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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
ggc
178 posts
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwhSVatAMSE

I would agree with going with Rogue. If you are able, I suggest that you invest in The
M 180/150 Mono Blocks, perhaps source them in the used market to keep closer to your Budget.

I Invested in a pair of M150s in 2008, then Upgraded them to M180s in 2012. I still have them today and plan on having them. If I were to make an upgrade in an Amp it would be to the Apollos, but I can not quite seem to reasonably justify that move.

The M180 are extremely versatile. I have tube rolled to maximize the sound I am looking for. They accommodate El/34, KT66,77,88,90,120, and the signal tube combinations(NOS) are substantial. Additionally the more power you feed them the more exceptional they get. With the overall money I saved on the Rogue brand, I was able to invest in a Notable Power delivery system.   

I have put these Rogue Amps up against brands that are 100-500% more expensive, and they have always come out on top.  Consider it a long term investment in the foundation of your listening enjoyment. The Juice is worth the squeeze .

Good Luck
eagleeye7
23 posts
 
justinrphillips,

I have a solution for you, as I have a Pair of Oddysey Kismet, 200 Watt Mono Blocks in Kartango cases, fully built out List $5,950, will ship to you for $2,100.  They are about 3 1/2 Years old SN's in the 52xx level.

The Kismet's are the TOP of the Odyssey Line & provide truly exceptional imaging, depth, and natural soundstage.  I only replaced them with PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono Blocks, with slight improvement in Bass, but unfortunately, IMHO, not worth the additional cost.

Will demo them for you, if you are in my area (Near Ann Arrbor, MI).  

Review here:  https://6moons.com/audioreviews/odyssey2/1.html

My e-mail, if interested ~ convertxx@outlook.com

eagleeye7 

bdfar
22 posts
 
Sunfire
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,361 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
97 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)
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