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
With much respect for the technical discussion, I'd like to get back to the focused point of my inquiry:  Mac Autoformer amps vs Mac Direct Coupled.
I'm contemplating acquiring a pair of Martin Logans, and I'm hearing
 that these bi-polars prefer Direct-Coupled, that the Autoformers
have some difficulty in the mid-base region - just about the low end
of the M.L.'s panel's low end. 
Is this just another of those opinions masking subjective bias, or is there techical substance here?
Any help on this issue will be greatly appreciated!
Bo
stereo5,
I had a similar experience. I put an ancient Mac 2105 up against a Pass 250.5, (I owned both) in my system using 4 different speakers that I own, and the Pass 250.5 sounded thin and electronic (not natural) compared to the Mac. My buddy thought that it was obvious as well. 
Is this just another of those opinions masking subjective bias, or is there technical substance here?
First you need to say the model ML you have, what type of music, if you have ML’s
1: Full range CLS/CLX,
2: Two ways with passive bass driver.
3: Or two way with active bass diver?

There are far better amps than Macs, for the same money to drive ML’s models in general with. As ML's impedance can be as high as 40ohms and drop to very low 0.9ohm, this is not Mac territory in my opinion. 

Cheers George
Post removed 
I have ML 11As and picked up a McIntosh MC452.  I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why I couldn’t get some instruments to sound natural, especially violins and pianos.  I found and bought an older MC7106 6 channel directly coupled amp for my center and future surrounds.  I tried bridging two channels and connected the 11As.  The MC7106 brought a more crisper sound to the instruments, it wasn’t perfect since the sound felt a bit thinner probably due to not having enough current.  Nevertheless the instruments were less muddled than the MC452.

Let’s just say I spent a lot of money working around the MC452 not realizing that it was the primary reason I wasn’t happy with the sound.  It’s a great amp, just didn’t fit my preference paired with the 11As.  

What I learned through demoing a bunch of amps is that ML panels naturally roll off highs and are a tad warm.  Match it with a Mcintosh ss amp with autoformers which is also warm, just doesn’t makes good match, for me at least.  It’s all a matter of personal preference, it may work for some.

I liked Luxman the most, especially the 900 series separates, but budget constraint ended with with the 509X.  Others amps work great as well.  Constellation amps, even their entry level line, seem to resonate as well with ML owners, though I never got a chance to demo then myself.