I, too, used to think -- McIntosh?? But since being exposed to a friend's Mac equipment, I changed my opinion. His MC2000 tube amp is quite good, although I still like my VT100 MkII better. My friend also had a MC 352, huge solid state amp, with the autotransformers. I liked the sound, rich and big, a little soft on the high end. But, hey, no amp's perfect.
I don't know about the transformer argument. Most tube amps have transformers, and they can sound more transparent and clear than solid state.
I don't know about the transformer argument. Most tube amps have transformers, and they can sound more transparent and clear than solid state.