Classic McIntosh sound?

Yes to all the above, except I have the 6500, no autoformers, and it is still: warm, detailed, musical, etc. I would add: engaging without drawing attention to itself, impartial to the frequency curve, and has that "can't live without it" je ne sais qoi (hope I did that right). BTW, I just sent mine to the factory for some work and am missing it sorely already, and it's been about 5 hours.
More if you want it: high WAF, both visual and sonic (she has better ears than I do). High envy factor among your friends. High resale value.

Sent to the factory for work? I am on my third McIntosh and none of them ever needed anything. I agree that even the direct-coupled versions sound similar to the autoformer ones. A little laid back, warm, emotional, coherent, and very full are the ways I hear McIntosh sound. It turns out to be my favorite type too. Lucky me! Arthur

Hello,

I owned the same Mac gear since 1976. (C28 pre amp and 2205 amp) and have just upgraded to Herron equipment. The Mac is built like a tank (only one trip in 25 yrs. to service for current upgrades from service bulletins). The sound is warm, less three demensional than the newer gear and the bass is less defined and doesn't go as low as my current system. What other product can you get so much trouble free enjoyment out of and sell it for the same price as you paid for it? I have great respect for Mac gear.

Goose, how does it compare to Herron?

I've owned/used an MC7200, MC2100, and the MC250 over the years, and all these SS amps have the classic tube-like warmth and neutrality of a great vacuum tube amplifier. The only amps that can sound warmer (ie: more tube-like) than any SS Mac is an actual McIntosh tube amp!

To me, the classic McIntosh sound is accuracy; being faithful to the recording without drawing any attention onto itself. What you hear is the music in all its original, uncolored glory. Whether it's solid-state or driven by vacuum tubes, direct coupled or uses autoformers, all McIntosh amplifiers possess this ability to make the best recordings you own a truely "live" experience! They're that good!