FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To play sound, there are a number of audio components that need to work together. These components can either be separate pieces of equipment (as is the case in a multi-component HiFi sound system) or can be integrated into one device (e.g.: a wireless speaker). Multi-component systems give the user more control over their sound and generally result in higher-fidelity sound compared to a single device. At a basic level, a component audio system is comprised of a source, amplification, and speakers.

Preamplifiers, also called Control Centers, are the brains of an audio system that switch between source units, turn volume up and down, and in some cases allow tone shaping or turning bass and treble sounds up or down. Amplifiers are the muscle of the audio system and amplify the small audio signal from the preamplifier to a large one that can be heard through the speakers. Integrated amplifiers are single chassis models that combine the function of the preamplifier and power amplifier in one unit.

Performance between vacuum tube and solid state (or transistor) equipment is almost identical in technical specifications. Many users request vacuum tube units that offer a slightly classical "tube" or "warm" sound to the audio presentation. Tube and solid state models may be mixed and will all work together in a McIntosh component stereo system. (See also: McIntosh video guide to troubleshooting common vacuum tube issues.) Many now use downloaded music as their main media source. Sound quality will always depend on the quality of the download files and the music system interface. McIntosh offers the most advanced computer USB interface in most of our preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers which will maximize audio performance.

Source units are devices that play music which is amplified into a space by the audio system. Examples include: turntables, AM/FM tuners, CD players, computers playing digital music files, and media streamers.

Precision McIntosh power meters allow the monitoring of sound level balance and output level between the two stereo, or many multi-channel speaker channels. Meters protect valuable speaker systems from damage as long as more watts than the speakers are designed to handle are not exceeded.

The McIntosh Output Autoformer™ is a special transformer that is designed and manufactured in-house by McIntosh. This allows any speaker type to be used with a McIntosh amplifier and have all of the power that the amp is designed to deliver. All other amplifier designs will not have even power with differing speaker designs. McIntosh amplifiers with the output Autoformer will deliver ‘All the Power You Pay For’ regardless of speaker type chosen.

Power Assurance is a group of patented McIntosh circuit designs that protect the stereo from damage and allow maximum performance and long, trouble free life.

Quad Differential is the most sophisticated McIntosh amplifier design that allows the impossible combination of the most powerful amplifiers with the very lowest distortion and background noise. Many would say this is the impossible combination: highest power with lowest noise but Quad Balanced make the impossible possible.

Electromagnetic switching is used in McIntosh preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers to switch the variety of source components connected. Rather than the common mechanical switches that will deteriorate with wear, electromagnetic switches are high tech switching nodes that allow very long, trouble free operation.

Yes, we offer surround sound systems. A surround sound system is synonymous with home theater. A high-quality home theater set-up with surround sound will elevate any home viewing experience. Surround sound is not only for large custom-installed home theaters; excellent sound quality can also be achieved by adding the right surround sound components to a living room or den. Also see our How to set up a surround sound system article.

Yes, we offer solutions to listen to streaming music on our audio systems. We offer a variety of Media Streamers that can be added to a component audio system or that can be used as a stand-alone device to play streaming music. Our streaming audio products are compatible with Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Roon, Spotify, and Tidal among others.

McIntosh Entertainment Systems are available in select new Grand Wagoneers, Wagoneers, and Jeep Grand Cherokees. We did offer aftermarket car stereo systems in the 1990s and 2000s, but those products are no longer offered (though units may be found on the used car audio markets).

McIntosh dealers are the first line resource to solve technical issues and provide any needed service. Dealers and installers are rigorously trained and supported by McIntosh factory technical support personnel. We also have an extensive Service Network of trained servicers who can assist with any service that may be needed. The consumer can always contact us directly or through the McIntosh website at [email protected].