That is exactly the purpose of the output transformer. To drop the output impedance normally of high impedance tubes to an impedance low enough to drive loudspeakers. SS outputs have low impedance to begin with and do not normally need a transformer. Mac uses the transformer to isolate it's output section from the load which I believe they feel enhances stability which enhances sound. They certainly do have a signature sound and it is not bad it is just not the most detailed, dynamic sound out there.
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
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
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- 37 posts total
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Well, you should see the monster transformer I have on my Acoustats and they for certain do not have that problem, at least when going in the opposite direction on ESLs. One also needs to keep in mind that a wire is a tube full of ping pong balls. You shove one in one end and another pops out the other end. This happens at the speed of light. By comparison music barely moves. |
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Weren’t the amps in the Acoustat X output transformerless?Yes but also deadly as they supplied the HT to the ESL’s stators via the speaker cables, instead of the esl voltage step up 1:50 audio transformer (attached). https://ibb.co/wcVZGSV Imagine if you have a normal ESL and the amp gives out 20v for music then the 1:50 stepup makes this 20v 50 x higher 1000v!!!!! and this is what travels on the speaker wire in direct drive ESL's like the Acoustat X Cheers George |
- 37 posts total