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
for high value very good performing solid state amps, a used ava synergy or odyssey amp is very hard to beat for performance and build quality for the money,

for a smoother more laid back sound with tremendous bass control, a w4s st series ice power unit would be excellent...

all under a grand - you have to spend 3-4x to beat them
Sub $3,000, a pair of PS Audio M700 monos

i evaluated the S300 and after burnin, found it too bright. When I called to setup the RMA, Joey said the M700s are much more tube-like and warmer. Can’t seem to paste the URL here. 


moofoo+1

AVA great sound and value for the $.
Surprising it was the last mention.