We A/Bed the E550 and the MA7000 in the same system, the same day. There was no contest for us: the McIntosh had way more soundstaging, flow and rhythm. It made music. The E550 was dry and closed-in by comparison. It did seem more detailed but that came at a very steep cost in a variety of aspects. This was on Avalon Ascendants.
But it may well have been the E550 didn't have enough power for the Avalons, rather than it just being a lean-sounding amp. The dealer seemed to think it had plenty of power but it sure didn't sound at ease to us. Likewise, I think your speakers need more power than 30W. Amplifier headroom is key to good sound IMO and IME. Good luck.
Arthur
But it may well have been the E550 didn't have enough power for the Avalons, rather than it just being a lean-sounding amp. The dealer seemed to think it had plenty of power but it sure didn't sound at ease to us. Likewise, I think your speakers need more power than 30W. Amplifier headroom is key to good sound IMO and IME. Good luck.
Arthur