MR89 AM/FM Tuner
MR89: £6800
Includes many advancements and new features to make radio listening more pleasurable
60dB output meters show the signal level that's being delivered from the analogue outputs
Exclusive radio-frequency circuitry
Advanced low-distortion performance
Digital and analogue outputs
While there is no doubting the popularity and permanence of paid music streaming services, plenty of free music is still being broadcasted over the air from thousands of traditional radio stations. McIntosh has a long and distinguished history with radio and tuners. The McIntosh MR78 from the 1970s is considered by many to be one of the best – if not the best – tuners ever made. The MR89 AM/FM Tuner carries on with this tradition of tuner excellence by letting you enjoy the abundance of free music streaming over invisible airwaves.
The MR89 features exclusive McIntosh radio frequency (RF) circuitry capable of receiving both strong FM signals from nearby stations – something that can overload and cause distortion in lesser tuners – while also being able to tune in weaker FM signals located further away with little to no noise.
The MR89's advanced signal quality monitor can display detailed signal, multipath, and noise levels of the incoming RF signals to help fine-tune the optimal AM or FM antenna placement. It comes with our RAA2 AM antenna that features a 20-foot (6m) long cable that provides flexibility in placing the antenna for the best possible radio signal reception; your McIntosh dealer will be able to assist you in choosing the correct FM antenna based on your home's location relative to your favourite FM stations. A pair of balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, one each of digital coax and optical outputs, are included to connect the MR89 to your home audio system.
Many advancements have been made in the MR89 to make your radio listening more pleasurable. Sensitivity, Signal to Noise Ratio, Harmonic Distortion, Channel Selectivity, and Stereo Separation were thoroughly analyzed and thoughtfully updated, resulting in substantial performance improvements for each. A variety of new features have also been added. To help with lower-quality FM stereo broadcasts, Stereo Blending has been upgraded by introducing a new high-blend option, which blends the high-frequency portion of the audio frequency range more aggressively.
The new Softmute feature reduces audio output when receiving low-quality stations or when there is static noise between stations. Another added method to reduce noise and enhance your listening experience is the new Highcut function that reduces high-frequency audio content. Several aggressiveness settings are available for Stereo Blending, High Blend, Softmute, and Highcut to suit station quality and your listening preferences.
AM and FM radio stations are tuned using the smooth-acting tuning knob. The MR89 supports the FM Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS)1, allowing the display to show information such as station name, music genre, artist name, and song title (provided such data is transmitted by the station).
The RBDS data display can be adjusted or turned off entirely according to your liking. A Seek function is available through the front panel controls, or the included remote control. The sensitivity of the Seek function is adjustable through setup menus. The MR89 can store up to 20 preset stations in both the AM and FM bands.
A pair of 60dB output meters show the signal level being delivered from each channel's analogue outputs. While the volume is controlled by your preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or other control device, the meters on the MR89 accurately portray the Left and Right channel audio output generated from the received station. Depending on the program received, the meters indicate the MR89’s excellent stereo separation.
The MR89 can receive the following FM frequencies that are used in the listed regions as well as in many other parts of the world: 87.5MHz – 108.0MHz (Europe); 88.1MHz – 107.9MHz (USA); and 76.0MHz – 108.0MHz (Japan). For AM reception, it can receive 531kHz – 1701kHz (Europe); 530kHz – 1700kHz (USA); and 531kHz – 1629kHz (Japan).
The black glass front panel, meters, knobs, and brushed aluminium end caps are all housed in a stainless-steel chassis polished to a luxurious mirror finish that imparts the timeless McIntosh look.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Bands:
AM/FM
Standby Power Requirement:
<0.5 watt
Rated Output:
1Vrms Unbalanced
2Vrms Balanced
Output Impedance:
100 ohms Unbalanced or Balanced
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
FM SPECIFICATIONS
Tuning Range:
87.5MHz - 108.0MHz (Europe)
88.1MHz - 107.9MHz (USA)
76.0MHz - 108.0MHz (Japan)
Useable Sensitivity:
2uV
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Mono: 0.1%
Stereo: 0.3%
Channel Spacing:
50kHz, 100kHz or 200kHz
Signal To Noise Ratio:
Mono: 70dB
Stereo: 68dB
Channel Selectivity:
70dB Adjacent Channel
75dB Alternate Channel
Antenna Input:
75 ohms, Type “F” Coax connector
Frequency Response:
±1dB 20Hz to 18kHz
Stereo Separation:
45dB
AM SPECIFICATIONS
Tuning Range:
531kHz - 1701kHz (Europe)
530kHz - 1700kHz (USA)
531kHz - 1629kHz (Japan)
Sensitivity:
350uV/m
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.1%
Channel Spacing:
9kHz or 10kHz
Signal To Noise Ratio:
55dB
Selectivity:
45dB Adjacent Channel
Antenna Input:
Balanced, RJ45 connector (for use only with supplied McIntosh RAA2 Remote AM Antenna)
Frequency Response:
±1dB 20Hz - 1.5kHz
-6dB 3kHz
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Fixed Output:
1
Digital Optical Output:
1
Service Port:
1
Unbalanced Fixed Output:
1
AM Antenna Input:
1
Digital Coaxial Output:
1
FM Antenna Input:
1
DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Digital Coaxial Output:
0.5V p-p/75 ohm
Digital Optical Output:
-15dbm to -21dbm
Sampling Frequency:
48kHz
CONTROL
Rear Panel Data Input:
1
Power Control Output:
1
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input:
1
RS232 Control Input:
1
Power Control Input:
1
Weights & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 15-7/8" (40.32cm)
Unit Weight:
23 lbs (10.4 kg)
SHIPPING Weight:
37.5 lbs (17 kg)