Classe 600 or Mac 601 for my 800 Diamonds?

[Rod#S]

Originally Posted by David S.

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.

Thanks. It's always informative to see how others hear gear differently.

[suburban]

Originally Posted by Cornholio

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?

I had a pair of 802 Diamonds, latest version, matched with a Mac MC402. Nice, but not as good as I wished. I moved on to a Classe Audio CA-2300 and felt it was a much better match for me. Gave me more air and detail, with the same great midrange and tighter bass. I love McIntosh, but it wasn't the right combo for me.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by suburban

I had a pair of 802 Diamonds, latest version, matched with a Mac MC402. Nice, but not as good as I wished. I moved on to a Classe Audio CA-2300 and felt it was a much better match for me. Gave me more air and detail, with the same great midrange and tighter bass. I love McIntosh, but it wasn't the right combo for me.

Suburban - I would appreciate any additional comments you have on the CA-2300. I'm assuming yours is the latest (looking) model? I'm considering this amp (with the CP-800) for some Sonus Faber Guarnari Momento's (once I find a pair for sale!)

Mike

[suburban]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Suburban - I would appreciate any additional comments you have on the CA-2300. I'm assuming yours is the latest (looking) model? I'm considering this amp (with the CP-800) for some Sonus Faber Guarnari Momento's (once I find a pair for sale!)

Mike

It's the latest. Pm your info and when it's best to contact you.

Bruce

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

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.

+1.

[hartmann-nbg]

It depends on your personal preferences in hearing music.
When I look around in the forum there are some which changed their equipment from Classe to McIntosh and there are some which go the other way.
I had Classe gear before I change to McIntosh. For me the Classe sound is more a cold and technic style and the McIntosh sound is more smoother, warmer, more "round", what I like very much more.
I think if you had the chance to choose before you buy one of both you should look for a dealer where you can hear both systems under same conditions.
Then I think it will be very easy for you to find out what you prefer

Peter

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by hartmann-nbg

It depends on your personal preferences in hearing music.
When I look around in the forum there are some which changed their equipment from Classe to McIntosh and there are some which go the other way.
I had Classe gear before I change to McIntosh. For me the Classe sound is more a cold and technic style and the McIntosh sound is more smoother, warmer, more "round", what I like very much more.
I think if you had the chance to choose before you buy one of both you should look for a dealer where you can hear both systems under same conditions.
Then I think it will be very easy for you to find out what you prefer

Peter

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

I have not read many posts of users switching classe to mac and vice versa. I will try searching again, because I may have missed what you are referencing when claim many switch.

600watts!! Whichever you choose these amps have performance! They both are well reviewed too. You must get both in your house and compare if you want an intelligent solution. Then you may prefer one for six months, change your mind and try something else.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[djwhog]

601 no comparison, new design has a faster attack and easy 800+ watts ov very clean power.

[Down Under]

Originally Posted by David S.

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 would not disagree with these observations as my own experience is similar.
Keep the EC amps and spend the money elsewhere.I heard the EC amps recently and thought they sounded great.

[davros]

Originally Posted by Down Under

I would not disagree with these observations as my own experience is similar.
Keep the EC amps and spend the money elsewhere.I heard the EC amps recently and thought they sounded great.

+2