McIntosh Tuner: MR7084

[Stahle]

I’ll admit, I live in the city so I don’t have the same experience as Dan does with a rural area. I can pick up more stations than are in my area and I’m only using the most basic fm dipole wire antenna which hangs in a bundled knot behind the tuner. Your decision might need to be made based upon where you live. It sounds like Dan enjoyed his when he lived in the city, according to his post it wasn’t until he moved to a rural area that it became an issue.

[62caddy]

Well yes an MR88 is a better tuner but it is also in a very different price league than the MR7084 under consideration. MR80 is just as worthy a unit (when operating to spec) and typically changes hands at prices not much more than MR7084. No tuner I have ever used came close in terms of overall performance and dealing with varying combinations of distance, selectivity and multipath issues- all three being readily abundant at my location.

For the best cost to performance in a McIntosh tuner, the MR80 is difficult to beat, IMHO.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

... For the best cost to performance in a McIntosh tuner, the MR80 is difficult to beat, IMHO.

I'd agree. I bought mine new back around 1980 and used it in my then fairly urban environment; for the last 30+ years I've used it in a rather rural location. I've done a lot of tuner comparisons over the years and have even been able to A/B the tuner output with an FM station's STL output. I think it's not only one of the best Mac tuners ever made - the MR78 is also outstanding, but different - but it's one of the best tuners ever made by anyone, IMHO.

[W9TR]

I'll add my vote for the MR 80. I've owned an MR 77 , MR 78, and MR 80. I still have the MR 80 and MR 77. The MR 80 is the clear winner.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

MR7084 seems to be trending around $500 on the auction site in good condition so he's not unrealistic. Manuals should be present at that figure.

Also, make an offer and see what happens. Who knows? May be a motivated seller.

The biggest advantage to the MR88 is that it includes HD radio, if you have access to same. The downside of the MR80 is that it requires periodic maintenance to hold stations. MR74 or MR77 are as nice sounding and are very stable after a recap and alignment. But, we all like what we like.

[62caddy]

So far, so good with my MR80 after about 5 1/2 years, however, once in a blue moon it'll abruptly jump to another preset station for no apparent reason. I attributed this to the touch sensitive station preset buttons which are known to behave erratically from time to time.

As I say, if blessed with a strong signal area where reception issues are minor, chances are the extra "muscle" of the MR80 may not be needed, or missed.

[stereo_5]

I use an MR85 in my office system and an MR88 in my main system. I love them both. For some reason I can't pick up a certain FM rock station in HD on the MR88, yet can pick it up on the cheap factory radio in my car. I am using a Magnum Dynalab ST2 antenna. Is that antenna suitable for HD radio? The manual is not clear on HD, seems like an after thought.

Previously, I was using a Magnum Dynalab MD90 tuner in my office and an MD100 in my main system. Both Mac tuners sound much better. If any of you know anything about getting HD on the MR88, I would appreciate your thoughts.

[Maks]

The HD signal is transmitted on the same frequency, no special antenna is required.

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by stereo_5

I am using a Magnum Dynalab ST2 antenna.

Where is the antenna installed?

[stereo_5]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Where is the antenna installed?

The ST2 is outside at the peak of my roof and the rod is way above the roofline.