MC352 into varying-load speaker?

I may be able answer at least one of those questions, Sean... I believe Ron here is Ron Cornelius, present Product Manager of McIntosh Labs and de facto spokesman for the company.

Sean, confused. Your first post in this thread seemed to imply that autoformers could work. But the blasphemy comment is pretty strong in the opposite direction.

Not knowing where to begin picking your brain, perhaps you could summarize the idea, if it's not asking too much. Essentially, the question would be: "Do autoformers hurt, help or are neutral to sonic quality under most/average circumstances, and in what circumstances do they veer from this stated path"?

Sean, thank you for the excellent analysis and background info. I will try to talk with someone at Usher Monday. I do not have the Mac but am contemplating purchasing it used, but at its weight and cost it is something I would like some more knowledge on before committing to.
Did you imply that even with a rating of 4 ohm the Ushers just may sound better on the 8 ohm or 2 ohm taps and the only way to know is to try it?
Also, without getting too much into the search function again (I am really tired of doing that) do I recall correctly that at times you might have been a little critical of the Mac design philosophy? Forgive me if mistaken, but if not I would like to understand why, with a view to gaining knowledge prior to purchase.

Appreciate all your inputs and thanks to Ron for joining in. I have a related question, that of Damping Factor for this amp, which seems fairly low at 40... what is your take on this? My present amp, 200 w into 8 and 400 into 4, boasts a DF of 400 and demonstrates that by exceptional basss control.

If I am on the wrong track please correct me... as stated above, I am interested in this amp but do not have the tech knowhow, hence the questions.

A great discussion that is a little over my head, but I am getting the gist. Hope Ron can respond. Anyone else want to have a go then?