McIntosh MR89 AM/FM Radio Tuner

While there's no doubting the popularity and persistence of paid music streaming services, thousands of traditional radio stations still broadcast plenty of free music. McIntosh has a long and distinguished history with radio tuners. Made in the 1970s, the McIntosh MR78 is considered by many to be one of the best - if not the best - tuner ever made. The MR89 AM/FM tuner continues this tradition of excellence by letting you enjoy the abundance of free music streaming over the airwaves.

The MR89 features McIntosh's exclusive radio frequency circuitry that can both receive strong FM signals from nearby stations - which can overload and cause distortion in weaker tuners - and tune in weaker FM signals further away with near noiselessness. The MR89's advanced signal quality monitoring system can display the detailed signal, dispersion and noise levels of incoming RF signals, helping to fine-tune the optimal placement of an AM or FM antenna. The device comes with an RAA2 AM antenna with a 6 meter long cable, which provides flexibility in positioning the antenna to achieve the best possible radio signal reception. The device has an analog balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output as well as a digital coaxial and optical output, with which the MR89 can be connected to a home audio system.

Numerous improvements have been made in the MR89, which make listening to the radio even more pleasant. Sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, harmonic distortion, channel lock and stereo separation were thoroughly analyzed and thoughtfully updated, resulting in significant performance improvements. In addition, several new features were added to the device. For lower quality FM stereo broadcasts, the Stereo Blending feature has been improved by introducing a new High Blend option, which mixes the high frequencies of the frequency band more aggressively. The new Softmute function reduces the sound output when receiving poor quality stations or interference and noise between stations. Another added method to reduce noise and improve the listening experience is the new Highcut function, which reduces high-frequency audio content. Various settings are available for the Stereo Blending, High Blend, Softmute and Highcut functions, depending on the quality of the stations and listening habits.

AM and FM radio stations are tuned using a smooth tuning knob. The MR89 supports the FM Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS)1, which allows various information such as station name, music genre, artist name and track name to be displayed on the screen (provided the station broadcasts such information). The display of RBDS information can be adjusted or turned off completely according to your preference. The Seek function is available either with the front panel controls or with the supplied remote control. The sensitivity of the Seek function can be adjusted through the settings menus. The MR89 can store up to 20 preset stations in both the AM and FM frequency ranges.

Two 60dB output meters show the level of the signal being fed from each channel's analog outputs. Even if the volume is controlled by a preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or other control device, the MR89's meters accurately describe the audio output of the left and right channels produced by the received station. Depending on the program being received, the meters serve as an indication of the MR89's excellent stereo separation.

The MR89 can receive the following FM frequencies, which are used in the listed regions and many other parts of the world: 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz (Europe), 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz (USA), and 76.0 MHz to 108 .0 MHz (Japan). In AM reception, it can receive frequencies from 531 kHz to 1701 kHz (Europe), 530 kHz to 1700 kHz (USA) and 531 kHz to 1629 kHz (Japan).

The black glass front panel along with high-quality gauges, controls and brushed aluminum end caps are housed in a stainless steel frame that is polished to a luxurious mirror finish at the bottom - all great details ensure a timeless McIntosh look.

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.5 x 15.24 x 40.32 cm
• Weight: 10.4 kg