Looking for an Amp Replacement

The only powerful amp I owned was a McIntosh MC2250.

This is a very clean one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294692495680?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=f27c560e-0aa5-11ee-855a-313062313365

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Published Specs say 250 wpc, mine tested at one of Harvey’s ’McIntosh ’Lab Day’ at 305 wpc within specs. Lab tech told me that was typical for this model.

’Lab Day’.: You scheduled an appointment with a McIntosh tech at Harvey’s on 45th Street, they re-certified your used piece, gave you documentation ....

Lugging that 80 lb beast is an unforgettable experience. It was a gift from a friend in NYC. I pre-scheduled the appt, picked up the amp at 55th and Madison, straight to Harvey’s.

I had a compact rolling cart, like airline people use, amp in a protective bag, strapped to the cart. Couldn’t tell what it was, a big rock perhaps.

Got a cab, little Japanese driver, we got the beast in the trunk together. He looks at me, no words, but a WTF expression. Down 5th Ave, right on 45th Street. Big Sign ’McIntosh’ hanging across the width of the store.

Cab driver sees sign, points at the trunk, says ’McIntosh?'. I say YES, he smiles big time, opens trunk, refuses my help, pulls the monster out by himself, and bows like I was the Emperor.

Have to agree with some comments above. 
 

I have built, repaired and recapped a bunch of gear myself. 
 

firm believer that everything is repairable. And depending on where the cap sits in the signal path, it’s an opportunity to put a higher quality cap in its place. 
 

I would tend to trust your service person and ask what can be done to put a higher quality cap in its place - again depending on where it is in the signal path. 
 

Parts Connexion has a large inventory of higher end capacitors to choose from. 
 

From your description, this should be a simple fix. 
 

I just picked up a Krell KSA 200 that was DOA that I got for a good price. Have no idea what is wrong with it, but suspect it’s a minor thing. Again, I’m a firm believer in the idea that things can be fixed. Especially gear that was properly built to begin with. 
 

I would imagine this would not be a costly repair for you, and would be well worth the expenditure. 
 

And I’m curious how you would compare the ML with the 3150? A friend recently picked up a 3150 for a decent price ( it was in rough physical condition, but was working properly). It actually died on him and he freaked out, but after some trouble shooting, it was a simple replacement of one of the rail protection fuses. 
 

Somtimes, it’s just not a big deal to remedy. Fuse or capacitor, it’s just a simple part. 
 

Good luck!

In your budget, I would consider what I own and love.  Arion Audio makes the S-500 in your price range.  It is a switching amp, but I have yet to find any fault with it.  It is powerful, at 500 watts/channel, sounds clean, cool running, and has been trouble free since purchased in 2019.  It's compact and easy to lift, too!  Mike Kallelis, who designed and builds these amps, is a great guy, and very capable.

I have had several Onkyo pieces, loved them all, this is their Integra Line, 200 wpc

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155608189463?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=df7da38c-0ac3-11ee-8352-326531326636

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Returns:

60 days returns. Seller pays for return shipping. See details"

I never had a Rotel, other's here speak well of them

New In the Box

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145125285088?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=14d72d22-0ac5-11ee-87f9-313062313365

stereophile review

https://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/608/index.html