Whoah, let's back up a bit in this thread with recommending everything under the sun.
n_brio's only experience here is bouncing between two brands. While the B&W CM10 speakers can definitely be upgraded, I do think that n_brio can approach what he is looking for with the right amp/preamp. I would say neither McIntosh nor Hegel is the right answer here. When I heard Hegel, it came across very solid state and very sterile sounding (not great at all). McIntosh definitely sounded good, but it was wayyy too laid back and just lacked the dynamics and excitement and resolution. Those are my own opinions and seem to match n_brio's experience as well.
There is definitely something in the middle that has the romantic/warm sound with enough dynamics for your taste. I probably would avoid Pass Lab because, while it is very nice and warm, it just does not have the dynamics and excitement. Maybe the closest thing I have heard for a romantic/warm/dynamic sound is the Parasound amps, but there's no guarantee that that's what you actually want. This is where things become more difficult because you now have a dozen different people all saying "you should buy xx because it's the best!".
My suggestion is take a step back and know that McIntosh / Hegel are not the right answers. Maybe take a trip around to listen to as much equipment as you can. This would be an excellent excuse for a show such as RMAF or XPONA.
n_brio's only experience here is bouncing between two brands. While the B&W CM10 speakers can definitely be upgraded, I do think that n_brio can approach what he is looking for with the right amp/preamp. I would say neither McIntosh nor Hegel is the right answer here. When I heard Hegel, it came across very solid state and very sterile sounding (not great at all). McIntosh definitely sounded good, but it was wayyy too laid back and just lacked the dynamics and excitement and resolution. Those are my own opinions and seem to match n_brio's experience as well.
There is definitely something in the middle that has the romantic/warm sound with enough dynamics for your taste. I probably would avoid Pass Lab because, while it is very nice and warm, it just does not have the dynamics and excitement. Maybe the closest thing I have heard for a romantic/warm/dynamic sound is the Parasound amps, but there's no guarantee that that's what you actually want. This is where things become more difficult because you now have a dozen different people all saying "you should buy xx because it's the best!".
My suggestion is take a step back and know that McIntosh / Hegel are not the right answers. Maybe take a trip around to listen to as much equipment as you can. This would be an excellent excuse for a show such as RMAF or XPONA.