Magnum Dynalab MD108t vs: McIntosh MR88
 

by J. Dan Daniell


It must be my age because when I thought of premium FM tuners the first ones that used to come to mind were the Marantz 10B and the DaySequerra FM Reference tuners. These two tuners were the envy of every serious audiophile worth his salt back in the 60’s and 70’s. Of course the McIntosh MR78, especially the final CG version, also comes to mind. As time past, McIntosh continued to build separate tuners of premium caliber while Marantz and DaySequerra tuners took their place in the vintage archives. There are some audiophile DX’ers that still seek and treasure the Marantz 10B and the DaySequerra tuners but getting either one in excellent condition is near impossible, and having one repaired is even more difficult.

As McIntosh continued to design and build separate tuners with little serious competition, Magnum Dynalab opened its doors in 1984 with the goal of manufacturing the world’s finest high-end FM tuners. Since their founding Magnum Dynalab has steadily raised the bar on analog FM tuner design and performance through continuous research and development. Today they have established themselves as the preeminent FM tuner manufacturer. Their tuners, manufactured in Ontario, Canada, are highly respected and sought after worldwide.

I have been a Magnum Dynalab enthusiast for years and have longed to own one of their premium FM tuners. My current excitement for an FM tuner centers on the Magnum Dynalab MD108 Triode. It is an analog tuner with a triode tube output stage. It sits one rung under the MD109, Magnum Dynalab’s top model. I personally like the MD108t for its more traditional look over that of the MD109.


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The Magnum Dynalab MD108t features their proprietary TRACC (Triode Reference Audio Control Center) audio control board, as well as dual toroidal transformers on the power supply boards which provide separate power for the RF section and the audio stage. The audio stage is a true differential balanced circuit utilizing the full influence of the triode tube design. This insures that the balanced signals are perfectly matched, enabling the full benefit when used in a balanced system. The six stage RF front end with three ultra-sensitive bandwidth settings and enhanced selectivity delivers the best possible signal from either of the two analog antenna inputs. The MD108t is the culmination of years of research and development. It is a world class reference FM tuner in every respect.

The Magnum Dynalab MD108t tuner can be ordered with the optional RC2 Precision Remote System which then allows an owner the ability to store and scan up to 20 preset stations. Without the remote option the tuner requires manual tuning of the large and pleasantly weighted tuning knob. With a tuner like this I prefer the hands on approach. I love turning the tuning knob, centering the channel just right, and enjoying the analog experience. The two Sifan signal strength and multipath meters, plus the magic eye tube for center channel tuning are delightful and useful tuning aids. The large left hand knob selects between the two antenna inputs, and if equipped with the DAC option, also selects between two DAC inputs. There are eight spring loaded snap switches across the face. From left to right they control Power, Mute, Stereo/Mono, BW1, BW2, BW3, Blend, and Dim. BW1, BW2, and BW3 provide selectable bandwidths.


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The Magnum Dynalab MD108t tuner presently in my possession is on loan from Audio Aficionado member doguniverse. He was aware of several comments I posted stating that the MD108t was on my wish list and was kind enough to ship the MD108t to me for this review. It has the 19” gold face plate and knobs. I have been enjoying this wonderful tuner for a week now, making direct comparisons of it against my McIntosh MR88 tuner. It has been interesting.

The McIntosh MR88 tuner is a digital tuner and employs DSP (digital sound processing) circuitry that helps improve the sound quality, particularly with weaker signals where background noise can be an issue. It also is capable of receiving AM/FM, FM-HD, and XM digital satellite broadcasts when equipped with an optional XM antenna/mini-tuner and XM subscription. The MR88 includes both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, plus coaxial and Toslink digital outputs that can feed an external DAC. Its display is unique because the typical tuner log scale has been enhanced with a digital display indicator that moves across the dial replicating the older tuner pointer. The MR88’s right hand knob is a traditional tuning knob for manually dialing in stations. In addition there is also a digital display window below the log scale that shows station frequency, call letters and other RDS radio text when available. Dial brightness and digital display brightness are independently adjustable. The MR88 is remote controlled and can be linked to other McIntosh components for power and control. The tuner allows for 20 preset stations that can be recalled with the left hand knob or the remote control.


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The overall design of the MR88 is traditional McIntosh with its signature black glass face, anodized metal end caps, a stainless steel chassis, linear power supply with a custom wound R-core transformer, and a clean sounding analog output stage. The rear panel includes the traditional 75 ohm F type connector for a coaxial antenna, a proprietary AM connection for the MR88’s separate RAA2 remote mounted AM antenna, and a mini XM antenna/mini-tuner input.

Comparing the McIntosh MR88 and the MD108t was a simple matter of selecting the proper input on my preamplifier for the particular tuner. Actually, the MR88 had two inputs on the preamplifier because I was comparing both the analog output and the digital output through the Esoteric K-03 DAC to the MD108t’s strictly analog output. Using the McIntosh C1000 input Trim feature I was able to level match the MR88’s digital and analog inputs with the Magnum Dynalab MD108t’s analog input to the preamp. It should be noted that both tuners were fed from my Magnum Dynalab ST-2 half wave omni directional antenna mounted on the second story eave of the roof. I installed a high quality coaxial two way splitter on the incoming antenna coaxial cable and fed each tuner with a four foot coaxial cable from the splitter.

My first test of the two tuners was to see how many listenable FM stations each tuner could pull in. By listenable I mean without objectionable background noise or multipath distortion. Whether the station was received in stereo or mono did not impact my decision on the qualification for being listenable. Both the McIntosh MR88 and the Magnum Dynalab MD108t pulled in 18 listenable stations each. Four of those stations were received by both tuners in mono only. Five more stations were received in mono only on the MR88 while the MD108t received those same five stations in stereo. The nine remaining FM stations were received in stereo on both tuners. For total stations received in stereo the MD108t beat the MR88.

Next was my listening test, tuning the same station on both tuners while comparing the MR88’s digital and analog outputs and the MD108t output. This was quite revealing. The McIntosh MR88’s digital output through the Esoteric K-03 DAC was consistently better sounding than the MR88’s analog output. The coaxial digital output produced a fuller bass sound with more weight, a midrange that sounded more in harmony with the lower and upper frequency range, and a treble range that was clearer. The MR88 analog output seemed to produce less impactful bass, while the midrange seemed tilted forward slightly by comparison to the MR88 digital output. This was the case on all stations used for the comparison. This convinced me to compare only the digital output from the MR88 to the MD108t output.

The McIntosh MR88 digital output gave the Magnum Dynalab MD108t a run for its money. I used the three strongest signals in stereo and one strong signal received in mono on both tuners for the comparison. In each case on all four stations the Magnum Dynalab MD108t delivered a more enjoyable performance. The bass and midrange from the MD108t always sounded musical, delivering rich deep bass, tuneful midrange and sparkling top end. The sound of piano on the MD108t was full and believable with excellent dynamics, weight and authority. The McIntosh MR88’s digital output came mighty close in all cases but the bass was not quite as extended or harmonically rich, and the midrange detail sounded slightly analytical when directly compared to the MD108t. The essence of high fidelity music was stronger from the MD108t. All things considered, the Magnum Dynalab MD108t FM capabilities were a notch up from the McIntosh MR88, although I will state the MR88 digital output is very good, just not as musically fleshed out in a direct A/B comparison with the MD108t. I have little doubt the amazing IF front end coupled with Magnum Dynalab’s 100 hour cryogenic treatment process of the TRACC (Triode Reference Audio Control Center) audio control board and triode tubes plays into the lofty FM performance I have been enjoying. As much as I have enjoyed listening to FM broadcasts on my McIntosh MR88, the Magnum Dynalab MD108t delivers improved performance. Of special note, the Magnum Dynalab’s tough fiberglass and metal foam lined air-freight shipping container is a real plus. One nitpick of the MD108t, those blue LED’s are way too bright. They should be at least 75% dimmer. Being that bright makes the LED’s seem like blue lasers. They are an irritating distraction.

I must say this about the McIntosh MR88 tuner. It is a feature rich digital tuner that offers more radio reception options than the FM only MD108t. At its retail price of $4500, the MR88 offers an excellent value and very good performance. It delivers great sound that is superior to nearly all other tuners. When comparing the MR88’s price to the $7250 price for the black MD108t, one has to weigh their personal commitment to FM only reception by discounting the other great features offered by the MR88. I know this much, I am going to have a case of the blues when the Magnum Dynalab MD108t has to be returned to its owner.


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Dan, dan, dan - you're a man after my heart. Owning the 108T now for about 15 months, I agree with everything you've said. I absolutely love mine. I will be sending it back to MD in the next few months though to change the blue lights for amber, have them dimmed, and while I'm at it, upgrade to the SE edition. Shoot, then I'll have to upgrade the cables.

I swear though, I really swear, that's my only upgrade for 2017.

And, let me say, dan is right about the MR 88. It's a great piece and if you have the whole McIntosh look going on, hard to resist.

Nice writeup, a MD tuner has always been on my list as well.

Jim.......The Magnum Dynalab Signature Edition upgrade replaces many parts of the current MD108t. It is substantial. I will be very interested in reading what you have to say once this work is completed. The MD108t has certainly impressed me.

Steve.......Thank you. I may have to begin a slush fund because I really want a MD108t now that I've had my hands on one.

I have an academic interest in how the Magnum Dynalab 108t/109 stacks up against the Accuphase T1100 tuner.

I say an academic interest because the FM quality and available music programming quality in New York is in the toilet and I will probably never buy another tuner.

I know, I had to throw a wrench into the mix. :D :D

I'm sure the 1100 is a great tuner (see my signature), but I've never heard one. I think it's all dsp (not analog), and I do think there's something magical about the 108 analog sound. Not sure about that.

On the content, I'm down to four community and college stations that are worth listening to, but they're fabulous - well worth it.

The 108 is by far my favorite source sound wise.

Dan.....a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read, as always. I find this tuner very attractive and it's obviously a serious tuner. One look inside makes that very obvious. I've always had a love for tuners, as you know, and consider a system incomplete without one.

While I probably don't see one of these in my future (I too much of the "Mac look" going, not to mention the price on one of these) I'm intrigued by Magnum Dynalab products, and do see a M/D antenna and a signal sleuth in my not too distant future. Teamed up with my McIntosh MR78, it should be a winning lineup. While my MR78 is not of the final production run, it sounds fabulous even with a marginal antenna, and picks up a slew of stations. I've recently outfitted it with new glass, LED lighting and of course the usual cleaning. I wouldn't trade it for anything. What I have found myself considering over the years is a trip to Vestal for the Modafferi mod. I believe Richard still does these, though I haven't inquired as to the price in quite a while.

Thanks for a most enjoyable review. I expect I'll be revisiting it more than once...I just love a great tuner! :yes:

Dan, thanks for the comparo. You did a great job with this.

I wrestle with the idea of a new tuner. I've been using a Mac MR-80 since I bought it new decades ago ... back when I was using a biamped Infinity RS 2.5 speaker system. At that time, an excellent tuner was at the heart of virtually every serious hi-fi system. I bought the MR-80 after auditioning a bunch of other top tuners. At the time, it was arguably the best available.

The MR-80 has been serviced a few times over the years and still sounds great, but of course the quality of FM has declined steadily over time. It's not only the programming that has suffered, but SQ as well. The addition of an HD signal contaminates the analog FM signal, imo ... at least to a point, and most FM stations compress their audio much more than was common back in FM's heyday. So while it's always been true that an FM tuner is only as good as the signal it receives, high quality FM signals are more rare than ever.

Even though I still listen to FM, all this makes it very difficult for me to justify the cost of a new FM tuner. I love the look of the Magnum Dynalab tuners and they've sounded great when I heard them at audio shows and - were I to upgrade - I'd also consider another Mac. But to spend that kind of dough just for FM? It's difficult to rationalize here in the third millennium.

Of course, much in our little audio pursuit is difficult to justify, so perhaps it's not fair to single out FM for warranting spending restraint. Since buying the MR-80, I've gone through a few speaker systems, preamps, amps and sources. Every change has resulted in a worthy audible improvement. Would an upgrade from an MR-80 also result in improvement? Quite likely! Would it be worth the thousands of $$$$ necessary to get there? It's a thought I ponder.

This review gives me a little more to consider - so thanks for that, Dan. Perhaps it is fortunate that I have no local dealer or pal to loan me a new Magnum Dynalab. Without the benefit of a direct comparison, the MR-80 still sounds great.

Good read. Thanks!

Pete.......Thank you. Your stable of McIntosh tuners is impressive. It would probably be difficult to squeeze a Magnum Dynalab MD108t into any of your five or six systems, although I have little doubt you would enjoy the listening experience.

cleeds.......You are welcome, and thank you. I understand the general decline in quality FM broadcasting over the past two or three decades but fortunately it is not a universal fact. There are still some very good FM signals to be received and quality programming. When you have an FM station that broadcasts an uncompressed full bandwidth signal the reception quality is remarkable, presenting an excellent source of music for any high-end sound system. Many audio enthusiasts discount FM tuners, never thinking of one as a legitimate high-end source component. All I can say to those people is, "Too bad for them". Tuners like the Magnum Dynalab MD108t, the McIntosh MR88, the vintange MR78, and a few others deliver exceptional sound on par with other source components in a sound system.

I agree with you that the price of admission at the Magnum Dynalab MD108t level and up is steep. An Audio enthusiast only has to consider the price of other system components to determine whether the performance of a high-end FM tuner makes sense in their system. Thinking of an FM tuner as a high-end source component adds perspective to its value. I am one who has always had a quality FM tuner in every system I ever assembled. My tuners are enjoyed regularly and I don't see that changing.

Gary.......I knew I could count on your participation in a tuner discussion. :D


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Dan, I agree with you 100 percent. The potential fidelity of FM can surprise many listeners and audiophiles.

I see on the popular audio auction site that a dealer has a demo MD-109 up for sale. Coincidence?

I just logged on to post a comment of that very nature.

First, I think Ivan is a MD dealer. Second, Jim Richards of MD is always willing to have a conversation. I got my 108T slightly reconditioned, after another customer decided that they really wanted the SE after 1 month of ownership. So, I got a full warranty at a good discount. Plus, they often have plain old used units on the site. One of the things that I like about them is the continuing relationship and willingness to provide an upgrade path, etc. When I bought mine, I had purchased an older MD model and Jim also gave me a good trade on it (better than I think I could have gotten on the open market - of course, that's like the trade value on a car, which is ... shall we say ... malleable).

So, if you're interested, there may be all sorts of options.

cleeds.......Yes, I saw that MD109 on Agon last night. The big touch screen display in the middle of the face is a turn off for me. I prefer the tactile experience of touching real switches on an analog tuner and find it far more appealing than tapping on a touch screen, not to mention the touch screen looks ugly with fingerprints showing when it's turned off. The MD108t is it for me.

^^^^^^ Hmmmm, I'm not sure I should be hanging around with guys like you ... ; |

Ivan, is this rumor that you are a MD dealer true?

For me it would be a trade-off. I like the real switches, too. But the blue face of the MD-109 does have a rather warm Binghamton-type appeal, no?

Curtis.......I'll speak up for Ivan, yes he is a Magnum Dynalab dealer. This one fact keeps me in constant danger of picking up the phone and placing an order. . . :yes: . . :no: . . :yes: . . :no: . . :rolleyes: . . :dazed-7:

Curtis.......No, not for me. I much prefer this.........

MD108t
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to this........

MD109t
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We're talking hands on hot and sexy :naughty: versus flat and anorexic. :confused-18:

Hmmm, this is getting interestinger and interestinger ...

Thank you Dan for your insightful comparison and review. :thumbsup:

Forgot to say, I'm likely going to upgrade to a gold faceplate and knobs, while it's in the shop (to better fit with the accuphase aesthetic).

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I like the switches too.... :yes::yes:

Eric.......Appreciate your comment. I see you have the McIntosh MR80 in your main system. That tells me you understand the value of a tuner as a source component. To me, a sound system is not complete unless it includes a tuner.

Dan great read fantastic job. So are you going to sell the 88 and upgrade. I always kind of loved those 88s. :)

Dan, how do you feel they compared in terms of DXing w/noise. That is one area I feel my MR88 was much superior to my souped up MR74. It could pull in those further to reach stations with much less noise due to the DSP. I'm wondering how the 108 compared.

Dan...I could not agree more. :thumbsup:

The role that FM has played in expanding my musical enjoyments cannot be overstated and the tuner continues to be a staple for a good part of my listening.

On a side note, I had also owned a beautiful MR78 that had been gone through by Terry but the MR80 held the lead in dealing with more difficult reception problems.

I also want to thank Dan for the excellent review. I have owned many tuners in the past--Marantz 10b, Day Squerra FM Studio tuner, Mcintosh MR71, and a Magnum Dynalab 101a. I believe the best the MD 108t which be upgraded to the signature edition. I perfer the 108t look over the 109 mainly the tuner has a combination look of all the others.

As the owner of a working MR71 I think Mcintosh tuners are the best looking!

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue35/mr71.htm

Great review, thanks Dan!

It is really great to see a company specializing in FM with a great product and customer support to match. There are a lot of excellent tuners out there from the heyday of FM, but those are all aging and need updating. By updating I mean more than just service and restoration.

For example, a lot of the tube tuners, including the Marantz 10b and McIntosh tube tuners don't have sufficient post detection filtering to eliminate HD self noise. This significantly compromises their stereo audio performance on HD equipped stations.

Tom

Steve.......The McIntosh MR88 surprised me when I was able to tune all 18 listenable stations that the MD108t was able to tune. I originally thought the MD108t might be able to pull in more listenable stations than the MR88 but that turned out not to be the case. What was surprising though was the MR88 could only manage a clean mono signal on five of the stations that the MD108t received in stereo. Both tuners sounded clean on these five stations but the stereo signal from the MD108t was more enjoyable because the stereo presentation delivered a nice sound stage.

I agree with you that the digital sound processing capabilities of the MR88 allow it to deliver quiet broadcasts without background hash noise that sometimes bleeds through on other tuners. There is no doubt the MR88 is an exceptional tuner and the best one McIntosh has designed to date. When you add in the HD and XM capabilities to the AM and FM reception the MR88 is quiet a tuner.

As for how the noise levels from station to station compared between the MR88 and the MD108t, I did not find the Magnum Dynalab tuner to be noisier or quieter than the McIntosh tuner. They are both able to deliver high quality sound without objectionable noise. It should be noted that the quality of the antenna, the coax cable, plus its location and elevation will impact any tuner's ability to receive listenable high quality signals. If you are in a metropolitan area with lots of strong FM signals, a simple dipole wire antenna may be sufficient for the local broadcasts, but when you go DXing, searching for a distant station, there is no substitute for a high quality antenna installed outside.

Good stuff Dan! Thanks for review and insight.

Jim.......I agree that McIntosh tuners have been and still represent a performance level that very few FM tuners can best, particularly with the Richard Modaferri modification. The newer Magnum Dynalab MD108 Triode FM tuner is quite a different tuner than its predecessor the MD108. The continuous development that has gone into the MD108 to bring it to the MD108t level is remarkable. The TRAAC audio control board and triode output stage in the MD108t elevates its performance and sound quality to a higher level. I suspect if Robert H. Levi had available the MD108t, his Positive Feedback review may have had a different outcome in his subjective Musical Quality column.

Magnum Dynalab's CEO just joined AA. :ok:

Ivan.......That's great to hear.

Great review Dan! :thumbsup:
Indeed a tuner belongs in a high end system.
I also listen a lot to FM (through my Burmester tuner).
Besides a little bit of hiss at high volumes, the sound is on par with my other sources.

Bart.......Thank you. Good to know you are enjoying music off the airwaves. I have never listened to a Burmester tuner but I can well imagine it is quite good. Besides the McIntosh MR85 and MR88 tuners, I also own and enjoy a Tandberg 3011A tuner in my vintage system. It is quite good sounding.


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Burmester tuner?? I didn't even know they existed.

Oh my god - I won't be able to sleep now.