@Knghifi the mac has been a surprisingly good performer with regards to dynamic drive, as I indicated above the bass is less clean tight and punchy than a solid state amp i recently auditioned but overall I feel that adds to the authenticity.
I remember back when I had my Dynaudio 3.4 and a Krell 2250 amplifier @ 250/8, 500/4oOhms, I replaced the Krell with the Mac and I really wasn't missing anything in the drive department while gaining so much in the midrange and realism.
I think the JJ Tesla tubes help as well, not as neutral as the stock tubes but surprisingly authoritative in the bass.
Pause, I too am impress the Mac MC 275 can drive your EW Andra IIs.
I have EW Andra IIs and from my experience, the speaker is very current hungry. My room is 25 x 33 with 15 feet tray ceiling so probably a big factor.
I was driving them with a Krell FPB 600 and it was a great match. Only complaint was a little darkness in the sound. With the SF Power 3SE+, it was superior to the Krell in every way except for the bass and dynamics ... awesome midrange, bloom, decay ... Also tried EAR 890 and it was lifeless but the sound signature was excellent. I bet if I run them in mono or bi-amp configuration, it would be excellent ... just under power.
Sold my SF Power 3SE+ and going back to SS for personal reasons. Investigating SS with the Krell and SF Power 3SE+ best attributes.
Pause: I've not had the good fortune to listen to Harbeth small or large speakers. I think there are many others on the forum who have; you may wish to pose a separate question on a thread about this...
@Pdreher Surprisingly satisfying are the macs and the Andras, I've heard better bass with more impact with a 250w/8ohm solid state amp but the Mcintosh gives the Andras a terrific midrange and the bass is full and authentic if not totally slamming. Of course I should point out that my room is not large but just mid-sized and listening levels rarely top 95db.
No special NOS tubes but i did swap out the original Mac tubes for JJ Teslas wc increase the bass and if I want a slightly leaner mote solid state sound I use Penta Labs.
@Eric P, thanks I'm really happy with the Andras, I can imagine what those Savoys must sound like.
@ Zephyr, I've never heard harbeth but I've always been curious about it, does it sound similar to Egglestonworks?
Congrats on your cool setup. A really sharp looking room and awesome speakers. I'm impressed that the Mac MC 275 is able to drive those massive Egglestons! Are you using any special NOS tubes with your MC 275 or going with the stock tubes?
Hey Rockadanny, thanks for the kind words, the first Egglestons I wanted were a pair of Fontaines Mk 2 but before I got around to acquiring them they were gone : ). It took a while and a kind dealer but I finally got my hands on the Andras, this is more than I was hoping for.
I was pleasantly surprised how the Andras took the just 75 watts of tube power, I guess my smallish room is more forgiving of that but i kinda think the Andras are not that difficult to drive to satisfying levels.
@Zephyr i'd like to post more pictures but let me set up properly first : )
The first EW speakers I ever heard were the Fontaines with a Musical Fidelity setup and Nottingham turntable back in CT in 2005-2006. I loved those speakers and what they could do....
I have the Andras' little brothers, the Fontaines (original version - with Italian granite sides) and have yet to hear a speaker I prefer more, except for the Andras, of course - love that eggy sound. I would LOVE to own them some day, but for now I will instead lust after yours and be satisfied with my Fontaines and dual external subs (selected specifically to mimic (loosely) the Andra woofers at 12" each).
Mine are driven with a pair of Audio Mirror 45 Watt SET monoblocks (parallel 6C33C tubes per) and the combination is wonderful - mid range to die for. Too bad you don't live near Atlanta. I'd love to compare the sound of our systems (Andras vs Fontaines + dual subs)- I think it would be interesting and fun.
I have been cable swapping like mad lately, looking for the (near) perfect combo. I will be interested in what you experience in your search. Depending on your musical taste I have a suggestion for you. You can e-mail me to discuss if curious.
