Magnum Dynalab MD108t vs: McIntosh MR88

[jdandy]

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.





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.





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.





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.