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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.   
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1,252 posts
 
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speakermaster
738 posts
 
I would try a parasound amplifier in that price range as well, the a21+ would be a good choice for a martin logan, but you may want an all solid state pre amp with it because they do not mesh with tube pres at all.
mazian's avatar
mazian
420 posts
 
If you want tubes you can't go wrong with either Rogue or QS. Biamping MLs with tubes for the panels and SS for the bass will greatly improve SQ, especially the bottom end.
justinrphillips's avatar
justinrphillips OP
48 posts
 
My particular model of MLs can’t be biamped I think I need to go up a model or two before that is an option.
forestg
31 posts
 
I think Odyssey is a great choice. What Klaus would build for you is for your system, your needs, and your preferences. It is not a “one size fits all” operation. He takes great care to understand your needs and builds the amps for you. Stratos monoblocks are about $2700, so are within your budget, but he can also do a stereo amp. The beauty is how they can grow and change with you. Upgrades are abound with hundreds of different combinations as your tastes or system changes. Odyssey also likes tubes, so your Freya should fit right in. Plenty of power for Martin Logans. I paired my Stratos’ with Magnepan 1.6’s until I got his Odyssey Kismet Reference monitors.
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