MR 85-a good tuner?

[Ron-C]

MR85 is a very nice tuner that has both fine FM and an outstanding AM section. It uses the TM1 style module where a second one can be added for two zone operation. The design assumes you will have a proper antenna for your location as is true of all other McIntosh tuners.
TIC has nothing good or bad to say about this model on their website.

Thanks,

[thughes]

I have the TM1 module in my C45. I have been happy with it.

[bradleyc]

I own two MR-85 tuners, they both sound and look great and reception in my area is fine using a regular indoor el cheapo dipole antenna. $1500 is maybe $100 over tops to pay for 9/10 pristine condition on Agon, but is not unreasonable for mint low hours. A quick phone call to McIntosh with the serial number will tell you when the unit was built. Make sure you have room in your rack, these radios are big and deeeep...

[Rilands]

If you live near any hills, be prepared to spend some cash on a good outdoor antenna. I live in the San Francisco bay area. It is very hilly here and reception was VERY poor with several different types of indoor antenna's connected to my MR85. My Bose wave alarm clock radio does receive almost all fm stations excellent using no antenna except what is built into the clock radio. You go figure.
I did not go to the trouble of having an antenna installed my roof. This was suggested by several professionals in my area. I guess with XM, Sirius, and direct tv music stations I decided it wasn't worth my trouble. I sold it for 1200.00. it was in excellent condition.
I hope you live in a flat area. Good luck.

[vernneal]

The MR85 looks cool if you don't want XM get a MR78 modified for FM

[jdandy]

Volks.......I agree with several of the others, $1500 is probably $100 to $150 to high, but the bottom line is whether it is worth that to you. Trying to save $100 may cause you to lose a mint tuner.

[Mighty Favog]

The only bad thing I had happen to my MR-85 is that the display would go haywire by scrolling odd characters. Eventually I put in an LED kit from AC and it hasn't done it since. Then again it only happened 2 or 3 times a year.

It could be that the ribbon cable(s) that control the display just needed to be reseated.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by vernneal

The MR85 looks cool if you don't want XM get a MR78 modified for FM

? The MR78 is only FM.

[KingRT]

Originally Posted by Rilands

Funny, my Bose wave radio picks everything up beautiful with no antenna.

I never thought about it but you are right. My Bose wave radio picks up everything out side of Alfa Centauri signals, with just a built in antenna.

[Mighty Favog]

Originally Posted by KingRT

I never thought about it but you are right. My Bose wave radio picks up everything out side of Alfa Centauri signals, with just a built in antenna.

Believe it or not, Amar Bose is actually a very smart man. Years ago I once spoke to a former employee of Bose and he was telling me how they operate, etc. It's just that they choose NOT to put their R&D into their products and would rather put most of their budget into advertising (i.e.- brainwashing).

According to this same ex-employee, in regards to home audio "systems" in 2004 Bose spent $80,000,000 in print advertisement. Klipsch sepnt only $1,000,000. Guess what, during that same time Klpisch outsold Bose.