Classe 600 or Mac 601 for my 800 Diamonds?
 

Hi, at the moment I'm driving my 800 Diamonds with a top range Electrocompaniet set up including NEMO mono blocks. I'm thinking about moving either to Classe (which is a in house sound and a perfect technological match) or back to McIntosh (I was a Mac guy for many years and kinda miss the Mac sound - who doesn't?). Which one of those amps would you prefer for 800 Diamonds? Sure Classe sounds like a perfect match but due to the rather horrible electric line in my apartment the high current amps don't seem to perform anywhere close to their potential in my apartment so Macs could be a better choice since they are not so current hungry. I'm sure the dedicated lines will help but there is a reason why people keep using the big Macs with top of the line 800 series speakers despite B&W clearly stating that they need a doubling down amp. I'm sure that Classe would have a perfect control over 800's but Mac may throw a bigger soundstage and sound more musical. What do you guys think?:scratch2:

I don't think you are going to hear large differences between any of the three amps you mentioned. Depending on where you live you should be able to borrow the amps (McIntosh or Classe) from local dealers to try them out versus your very nice Electrocompaniet's .

The reason B&W or its dealers "might" be suggesting doubling down amps is that Classe is under the same Umbrella as B&W. No, that couldn't be the reason. :dunno:

Jim

My vote is for the Mac, but I've very biased as I've got Mac 501's on my 803D and love them. Can't say I've heard the NEMO's. I have heard the Classe amps in the past and was never won over, no matter the arrangement.

Wowza, I was going to say that I've never liked any Mac, Classe, or Bryston amp driving any B&W loudspeaker & recommend something like Electrocompaniet, but... well... you're already there.

What about the sound are you looking to change by switching amps?

Curious, what is it about those 3 in particular you didn't like? So many people seem to swear by Mac or Classe pairings with B&W. I personally went the other choice, Bryston :D so it will be cool to see what it is about those amps that doesn't give a nice listening experience for you. I can't speak for the Classe or Mac gear but the words I always use for describing my Bryston is accurate, transparent or no coloration whereas some amps can add a feeling of smoothness, harshness, warmth or fullness.

Accuphase also pairs nicely with B&W.

That is a very fair & important question that may reveal some of my personal biases. Given that I haven't heard the entire range of possible combinations of each amp manufacturer (much less every model amp) with every B&W loudspeaker, here are my observations. PLEASE skip the grain of salt & substitute a great big salt lick.

McIntosh - Seemed reasonably musical, but at the same time, a bit dull & plodding. A touch on the dark side.

Classe - Mechanical and irritating. Wanted to like it, but simply couldn't.

Bryston - Last version I heard was the ST (not SST) - not bad, but seemed slightly mechanical & "plinky" versus organic sounding.

Last B&W system I personally owned?

805 Nautilus driven by Electrocompaniet ECI-4 & supported by a Von Schweikert "Tower of Power" sub - Found this system to do almost everything VERY right & only wanted for sheer volume and perhaps that dynamic jump that only horns can get just right.

I love McIntosh... but whats wrong with the Electrocompaniet???

Just keep the Electrocompaniet.

I would stick with your current amps or go with something completely different like a pair of Mcintosh 2301's. With 90db on your 800D's you should be fine. If you're not into that....and still have an itch that needs scratching, then look at the Classe' CA-M600's. But for a sweet sound with power, look no further than the 2301's. PM me if you have an specific questions about the 2301's. I've got a pair and love them. They likely will be the last amps I ever buy.