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
M.L. #3 -
There is no such Martin Logan speaker that I know, but seeing your saying it has it own active bass, the amp you are to use will just see the ESL panel loading only of 40ohms-0.9ohms, if an ML.
I would go with the direct coupled Mac IF it is stable into these wild capacitive loads, and doesn’t act like a tone control (stays flat throughout the FR) I can think of far better amps for your needs.

Cheers George
@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!
1: Full range CLS/CLX, 
2: Two ways with passive bass driver. 
3: Or two way with active bass diver? 

George, I think he was referring to option 3 from your original post.
No stereo5, always provide your opinions as I will. I have read those with ears I trust, here on A’gon, state that the GE’s tweeters are somewhat tipped up, like some home theater speakers. This could explain why the Parasound, which is neutral in its presentation, sounded thin with the GE’s, while the laid back and less resolving Macs tamed the tweeter and brought you the sound you wanted?

There is no arguing that at least some of the Mac’s have fantastic resale value.

George, I think he was referring to option 3 from your original post.
Ah yes, same reply.

Cheers George