I'm driving my Electras 1028be, plus surrounds and center, with a Marantz MM8077 multi-ch amp. It puts out 150wpc RMS when driving two channels. My front Electras have a pwr recommendation up to 300wpc. Right now, I have to turn the volume up substantially to get to my normal listening volume. Also, I feel like I can't get quite the oomph I'm looking for from the bass, as in, it's pretty lean without the subwoofer.
On the other hand, I actually very much like the highs as it stands now. I love the detail they produce, and it is not fatiguing to me. The only reason I mentioned the potential brightness being a problem is that I've read some forum members describing them as bright. I'm thinking maybe they had amplification that was not such a great match, and that my Marantz, being on the warm side, is.
So, I'm hoping by upgrading the amp, I can get more overall power, especially in the bass while delivering a similar treble experience to my present situation. Hence my flirtation with the Macs. What I'm really wondering is whether there is much benefit to going with monos such as MC611 for my front three rather than a multi-ch like MC303. Does the answer to this vary between music and HT listening is another question.
As mentioned, I intend to ultimately upgrade the speakers to the Utopia Stellas whose sonic signature shouldn't deviate far from the Electras. I have also been curious about the Sonus Faber Amati. But I wonder if its treble might sound dry coming from the Focals?
Thanks again so much for your thoughts.