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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.   
justinrphillips
mglik
913 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.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I just hit my 50th with Mcintosh this month. The newest piece I have is a C2500. I blew it up. Cable drop!! High pitched noise and knocked out a MC275 doing highs a VTL MB doing mids.  A month later the C2500 lost the same channel as the cable drop. 15k if you just replace gear.

BTW the Nords doing bass duty Class Ds is where the single right cable DROPED and lay while pounding away.. The class d NEVER stopped playing.. Active XO was the reason for the total blunder. THAT will never happen again. I shrink tube AFTER I torque speaker terminals. NOW!!

The VTLs cost more to fix than buy on a fair used market. Bummer

The MC275, with a NEW transformer and PS check/rebuild, two caps and 3 resistors. 1200.00. GG  CE, it has logic boards.  I went ahead and replaced ALL the caps with Mundof whites. 35.00 more. Works perfect!

The C2500 300.00 for a bias repair. Works perfect!

It's reasonable to KEEP Mcintosh.. VERY cost effective to repair and maintain..

ALL the repairs were done at a authorized dealer in Citrus Heights CA.. 6 weeks..

The other 35 pieces of Mac gear.  :-) What can I say, jealousy ALWAYS brings unkind words..

BUT I am reading a few out of the box failures that I just never heard about before. Last 5 year more so..

I'd stick with Mac, but for 3K, I'm not sure there is a 3K Mac SS amp.
Good Class Ds yea... No problem for 3k.. Nord for one.. I'm using a pair right now with small planars.. Wonderfully COOL.. and good SQ..

All Mac, Decware, Thoren, frontend and source with Nord/Mac/Cary for power amps .. GR OB servo subs and Behringer, bass and Mid-bass management.. 

Regards
soix
10,134 posts
 
What sound characteristics are most important to you?
cdc2
122 posts
 
I'm using PrimaLuna amps with my Ethos MLs  and they sound great
invalid
1,269 posts
 
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