McIntosh Integrated Amplifiers

Yes, a few good threads exist on this subject. On the question "why doesn't everyone use them?" As I recall, they are expensive to produce and McIntosh already has a production facility for these. Tooling up a factory for these would be an expensive proposition. Secondly they add a lot of weight and also cost - things that don't bother audiophiles - but for the larger market not where manufacturers want to go.

I've always wondered if autotransformers have any effect on the output waveform. Certainly a McIntosh with autotransformers has a unique sound smooth yet still able to produce detail without raising the hair on the back of your neck.

I haven't listened to the 7000 integrated but I could tell a noticeable difference between the integrateds and separates with the separates sounding much better IMO.

To answer your question, Worldwide, as to why I'm not fond of autoformers, all the amps I've had with them have had rather flabby bass. Kirkus is right, other than the autoformers, there isn't a difference in the amps design. The autoformerless units do have a high damping factor, compared to ones with them. There are also other amps in the lineup without them, being the MC7106 and 7108, which are multi-channel amps. If Mac dropped the autoformers, since they are costly to build, as was noted, and increase the weight tremendously, maybe more folks could afford them. Some of the prices on their newest models are hideous! But hey, Mac is still a great product, and the final choice is your ears. Happy listening!

Worldwide, Do your best to try and listen to both types. Most likely you will prefer one over the other. The speaker of choice could also affect your decision. I prefer the AF types.

Even if the poll said 90% preferred AFs, you might be in the other 10%.

I own a MC-126 which doesn't have autoformers. I find it a little more forward and quicker than my 7270, but I prefer the warmer sound of my 7270 with my current setup.