2. amps-preamps
  3. 149606-111688

McIntosh autoformers vs direct-coupled output

Hi Out there!  I'm just getting back into audio after a 40 year hiatus.  An old "Tube" guy (McIntosh, Marantz, etc)
who didn't much care for the perceived change in sound with the intro of S.S. about 1970.

I happen to like certain features of McIntosh stuff. I'm also of the opinion that older, high grade items, brought
back to specs with judicious restoration, are more than adequate sonically, and a bargain against new.

All that said: I'd greatly appreciate feedback on the issue of McIntosh's Autoformer Amps vs direct-coupled.
Seems there's a serious division of opinion, and I'd like to hear yours!
Thanks for any/all input!
Bo
128x128broockies

Showing 3 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,248 posts
 
@audioman581...………….

I owned a Parasound Halo prior to purchasing a McIntosh.  The Parasound sounded thin and lifeless compared to the McIntosh.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,248 posts
 
Actually, The Triton Ones aren't tipped up in the treble.  If they were, I wouldn't be listening to them and I wouldn't have bought the Triton Refs for my main rig.  The Parasound just wasn't for me.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,248 posts
 
@jetter...…………………..

So, because I found the Parasound Halo to be thin and lifeless I shouldn’t say anything? I had the Parasound Halo Integrated paired with Golden Ear Triton Ones, Sony HAPZ1ES Music Server, Cambridge Audio CXC Transport, Magnum Dynalab MD102 Tuner and found the sound to be thin, lifeless and very uninvolving. That is how I heard it and that is how I called it. I switched to a McIntosh MA6600 Integrated, MCD301 SACD player and MR85 tuner with the same speakers, same Sony music server and the same cables.  It was a night and day difference for the better. I switched to the Mac equipment in September 2017 and listen to this system every day and still love it as much now as I did then, actually more now.  It was the Mac MA6600 that made the BIG difference, I bought the other 2 Mac pieces to match the amp.

Don’t anyone here ever tell me not to describe the sound of equipment I have owned weather you agree or not!
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