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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
kennyc
1,452 posts
 
+1 Odyssey
Alon Wolf of Magico speakers likes and has used Odyssey amps.  Magico uses cutting edge technology and are among the best of the very best speakers available today.  
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Unison Research Unico may fit the bill....I know where you can still get one NOS new in box, $2k...dynamic class A at first then 80 watts total. Two 12au7’s in preamp section, Italian made...a gorgeous integrated amp. 6 moon wrote up a great review on it, and it was chosen product of the year....its now 20 years old, but I’d take a chance with it with a good warranty....it preceded the Unico Primo....
waldenpond
17 posts
 
Hi, Justin (OP) and all, 

Subject to... your system, ears, preferences, etc. 

I have had great results with Odyssey (Kismet mono's in the Khartago cases). 

I don't have Martin-logans but have run the Kismets through my various systems that include B&W, KEF. Gallo and Quad ESL speakers, variously and comparatively driven by Levinson monos, Peachtree and Pathos integrateds, Kenwood LO-5 MII monoblocks (total sleepers, still good to this day, also very fast, well damped, etc.). 

The Odysseys are perfectly stable into low impedance loads, very fast (slew rate?), good control (damping without overcontrol), etc., = reliably great sound.

Another benefit of working with Klaus & Co. at Odyssey is that you can pick & choose / customize many aspects as well as upgrade later. 

A good example of which is setting the bias (Class A vs A/B). From the website: 
"All amplifiers: Custom bias for your system prior to purchase. The customer has to provide system information to check feasibility. Free of charge." Nice. Might make sense for your Martin logans. 

It is a smaller family owned business and the ability to speak with the CEO/designer, customize your amps, etc. means that it can take a bit longer than walking into a dealer (support your local dealer, too!) and taking it home that day. Well worth the extra time, "patience is a virtue", at least sometimes.

Lots of great gear out there. Enjoy the hunt... 

Ken
lwal22's avatar
lwal22
76 posts
 
If you can find a better value than an odyssey kismet... I’d be shocked and would love to hear it. Extraordinary sounds at a ordinary price.  And customer service to match any in the industry. 
mglik
907 posts
 
If you can wait a couple of months and flex your budget to $5100, get the new Atma-Sphere Class D mono blocks.
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