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

Showing 7 responses by justinrphillips

LOL there was this big puff of pink smoke that came out too.  I am pretty sure I didn't imagine that but....I cant say with 100% certainty.
Will look at the Pass Labs stuff.  The 250.8 is WAY out of my budget.  Have to find a good source of used sales for them.
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.
not to hijack my own post, but I really like the AVA amps from what I see of them.  But I notice none have balanced inputs.  How big of a difference does balanced vs RCA make on an amp?
Don your gear is beautiful!   It is a tiny bit out of my price range right now but I do enjoy looking at your gear.
Think I have decided on they Odyssey Kinsmet monos.  @eagleeye7 I will reach out to you on what you have for sale shortly.  Too much positive Odyssey feedback to not try it out.