2. amps-preamps
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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

Showing 3 responses by tvad

tvad's avatar
tvad
11,450 posts
 
@tvad how did the LTAs stack up against the others. You’ve tried some interesting amps.

They are both very extended and transparent. Deep resolving bass Smooth. Grain free highs. Exceptionally quiet. Large image. I thought the ZOTL40 with its EL34 tubes had a little more forward midrange “bloom”.

I thought they lacked some “flesh on the bones” if that makes sense. In contrast, the AtmaSphere M60 have more of that quality.

tvad's avatar
tvad
11,450 posts
 
If you love SETs it is called warm if you appreciate SS it is distortion.


I wouldn’t consider my parallel 300B SET amps warm, or fuzzy, or lacking detail. I have had a number of amps through my system over the past decade (same loudspeakers and SMc Audio VRE-1C preamplifier)...AGD Audion, First Watt SIT3, AtmaSphere M60, LTA Ultralinear, LTA Reference ZOLT40, SPL Performer S800.

None bettered my Audio Note Conquest Silver amps driving Audio Note AN-E SPe HE loudspeakers.

Yes, it’s preference. When I hear it, I know.

Again, this is no disrespect to AGD amplifiers. They are excellent. I have suggested auditioning them to several people. I just get weary of reading how no one ever sends them back, as if AGD amps are the ultimate solution for everyone. They’re not. There’s no ultimate amplifier solution for everyone.

I will say the use of a tube preamplifier with the AGD amplifiers likely makes a significant difference in their presentation. My preamp is intended to send a transparent, reference signal to the amplifiers, and to let the amplifiers do their part...and this is how I intentionally assembled my system. My impression of the AGD amplifiers may have been different had I used a tube preamp that added coloration.

The generous AGD audition policy is a definite plus for those curious to hear them. Alberto was a pleasure to deal with.

Finally, I will say I enjoy reading about your journey (it has been quite a path), and respect your choices.
tvad's avatar
tvad
11,450 posts
 
I did not hear of anyone sending them back.

Have written this many times, but to reiterate...I sent mine back. I appreciated their strengths, and their qualities match what has been written, but they did not sound as good on my speakers as the 300B parallel SET amplifiers I own.


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