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
+1 for Rogue. I only have experience with their RP-1 pre But I like it. It does not have XLR but it performs as well when I used my DAC/pre with XLR. Good outfit to work with, but you will have to determine if you want to try their amplification.

You can also do a buy and try with PS Audio products. They are also a good company to deal with. I had their S300 amplifier for years and it ran flawlessly and support was good. I have toured their facility and it’s a first rate operation.

The Bryston cubed series is another suggestion. I have never experienced their amplification but have other products from them and their warranty on new products is like 20 years and they are another good outfit to work with.
always have a fire extinguisher available and wear fire retardant underwear when listening to mcintosh gear...  
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.
After owning some Mcintosh products, talking to support and having a short conversation with a rep at a store demo. I'm not sure if I will ever purchase any of their gear again.
Unfortunately I have found that there is an invariable positive correlation between weight and high sound quality.