Well, I owned a pair of RS6s, one of my local hifi buddies has a pair of Antal ESWs, I have heard 802Ds a couple times with Mc gear, and I have had tons of McIntosh gear in my system, so I suppose can offer some insight.
First thing I have to say is that whoever thought to pair up McIntosh and Triangle knows what he is doing! That is a super good marriage - their synergy is without a doubt part of the magic you heard. They will play to each others' strengths and that always makes for a winning combination. Kudos to that dealer IMO.
I believe the reason the 802Ds sounded similar to the Antals is that they both have a similar sonic signature: remarkable transparency. They tend to make edge definitions very clear, although I admit the 802Ds are considerably smoother at doing so. But, they will both let the McIntosh sound come through loud and clear - that is what you heard IMO.
As for the RS6s being bright, my experience makes me want to disagree. They do however have a prominent top end that will not be friendly if the amps aren't good quality but I fail to see how they would be bright with a Prima Luna. Maybe your room? I thought my RS6s were too laid back with 6L6 tubes in my Mc240 but then I thought they were too forward with my Kora monoblocks. KT66 tubes ended up being the way to go.
If you are thinking of trying Antal ESws, I wouldn't hesitate particularly if you like your RS6s. The ESws will have a much larger soundstage and incredible bass impact but will retain that midrange definition the RS6s do so well. Mind you the Antals will take FOREVER to break in - particularly the midrange. Only after hundreds of hours will that latex paper cone clear its throat. In the end, I feel the Antals are definately in a class above the RS6s - but they do cost nearly double...
As a final note, you may really like having a McIntosh amp. Their latest designs really are special. You weren't making it up. And if you mate them with clean transparent speakers, that magic will come through at its best. Sounds like you have already had a taste of it.
Arthur
First thing I have to say is that whoever thought to pair up McIntosh and Triangle knows what he is doing! That is a super good marriage - their synergy is without a doubt part of the magic you heard. They will play to each others' strengths and that always makes for a winning combination. Kudos to that dealer IMO.
I believe the reason the 802Ds sounded similar to the Antals is that they both have a similar sonic signature: remarkable transparency. They tend to make edge definitions very clear, although I admit the 802Ds are considerably smoother at doing so. But, they will both let the McIntosh sound come through loud and clear - that is what you heard IMO.
As for the RS6s being bright, my experience makes me want to disagree. They do however have a prominent top end that will not be friendly if the amps aren't good quality but I fail to see how they would be bright with a Prima Luna. Maybe your room? I thought my RS6s were too laid back with 6L6 tubes in my Mc240 but then I thought they were too forward with my Kora monoblocks. KT66 tubes ended up being the way to go.
If you are thinking of trying Antal ESws, I wouldn't hesitate particularly if you like your RS6s. The ESws will have a much larger soundstage and incredible bass impact but will retain that midrange definition the RS6s do so well. Mind you the Antals will take FOREVER to break in - particularly the midrange. Only after hundreds of hours will that latex paper cone clear its throat. In the end, I feel the Antals are definately in a class above the RS6s - but they do cost nearly double...
As a final note, you may really like having a McIntosh amp. Their latest designs really are special. You weren't making it up. And if you mate them with clean transparent speakers, that magic will come through at its best. Sounds like you have already had a taste of it.
Arthur