The McIntosh System

The Autoformer is what makes this room possible. McIntosh's output transformer delivers an amplifier's full rated power into 2, 4 or 8 ohms alike, which means the loudspeaker can be swapped without the amplifier losing its footing — the usual obstacle to honest comparison.

Control comes from the C12000, McIntosh's two-chassis flagship preamplifier. Its controller and audio chassis are separated, left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated for true dual-mono operation, and it carries both solid-state and vacuum tube output stages — selectable per source. Twelve analog inputs, including adjustable-loading MC and MM phono.

On the tube side, the MC2301 delivers 300 watts through the patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer, with Sentry Monitor watching the output tubes. On the solid-state side, the MC611 delivers 600 watts and the MC901 runs two isolated 300-watt monoblocks in one chassis, each with its own power supply, signal path and Autoformer. The MC462 covers stereo at 450 watts a channel. The MA12000 sits between the two philosophies — vacuum tube preamplification into solid-state Autoformer output, 350 watts a channel in a single box.

The MCD12000 makes the same argument at the source: Hybrid Drive gives it both solid-state and vacuum tube analog outputs, switchable per source, with two 32-bit dual-mono DACs and seven digital inputs. The dCS Lina Network DAC sits alongside it as the outside voice.

Loudspeakers are Sonus faber — Il Cremonese from the Reference Collection, the Amati G5 Homage flagship, and the Serafino G2. Any amplifier, any loudspeaker, arranged while you wait.