

McIntosh Autoformer Technology
McIntosh’s Autoformer Technology: Consistency in Excellence
McIntosh’s Autoformer technology is a cornerstone of what makes their amplifiers legendary, ensuring consistent power delivery across various speaker impedances. This innovation eliminates the power fluctuations often found in solid-state amplifiers, allowing McIntosh products to deliver their full rated power to speakers with 2, 4, or 8-ohm impedances. The result is the stress-free, outstanding sound performance McIntosh is celebrated for.
Beyond delivering pristine sound, the Autoformer also provides robust protection for amplifiers and speakers. In rare instances of an electrical fault—whether due to external factors or user-related issues—the introduction of direct current (DC) to the output is safely redirected, shielding the speaker’s voice coil and amplifier from damage.
While its inclusion adds to the amplifiers' cost, size, and weight, the Autoformer remains a defining feature of McIntosh’s flagship models. Combining stable performance, exceptional audio quality, and robust protection, it reinforces McIntosh's reputation for engineering excellence and unparalleled listening experiences.
RELIABLE POWER DELIVERY
With the Autoformer, McIntosh amplifiers maintain stable power output, allowing them to deliver their full rated power regardless of whether the connected speaker is 2, 4, or 8 ohms. This ensures that audio performance remains uncompromised, providing listeners a seamless experience across any setup.
ENHANCED EQUIPMENT PROTECTION
The Autoformer also acts as a safeguard for both the amplifier and the speakers. In the rare malfunction that introduces direct current (DC) to the output, the Autoformer’s low DC resistance redirects the current away from the speaker’s voice coil. This protective mechanism prevents potential damage to the speakers, ensuring long-term reliability.
A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
While incorporating Autoformers increases the amplifiers' cost, weight, and size, McIntosh continues to integrate this technology into its flagship models. The benefits—consistent performance and robust equipment protection—far outweigh the added complexity, solidifying McIntosh’s reputation for engineering excellence and unparalleled listening experiences.