The McIntosh autoformer is still the best sounding solid state around and,believe me,I've been a music lover for many years and have owned several top American power amps over the years.I've heard most of the rest at one time or another.75% of the "tube sound" that many seem to gush over is simply the quality that expensive,hand crafted output transformers impart to sound.For this reason and also the very fine build quality,McIntosh will always be a winner!