IME the front end is just as important as the back end. No amp/speaker combination can fix bad source material. I also agree with those that have mentioned room acoustics. For my tastes I have found that a system that lacks warmth is usually due to too much midrange in the room in the freq. range of 1k to 3k.
To answer the OP's question directly I prefer the combination of Atma-Sphere or ARC amps with Wilson Audio speakers. (I am also currently auditioning a pair of SVS SB4000 subs)
McIntosh amps, to me, have a hollow sound in the lower vocal range, kind of what you get if you were to cup your hands around your mouth when you speak. Actually when I was auditioning amps McIntosh was my least favorite between Atma-Sphere, ARC, Bel Canto, Coda and Ayre.
Also for comparison other speakers that I auditioned before the Wilson Audio's were B&W, Focal, Paradigm, Spendor and Vandersteen
To answer the OP's question directly I prefer the combination of Atma-Sphere or ARC amps with Wilson Audio speakers. (I am also currently auditioning a pair of SVS SB4000 subs)
McIntosh amps, to me, have a hollow sound in the lower vocal range, kind of what you get if you were to cup your hands around your mouth when you speak. Actually when I was auditioning amps McIntosh was my least favorite between Atma-Sphere, ARC, Bel Canto, Coda and Ayre.
Also for comparison other speakers that I auditioned before the Wilson Audio's were B&W, Focal, Paradigm, Spendor and Vandersteen