McIntosh MR89
McIntosh AM/FM stereo tuner featuring an exclusive RF circuit and a signal quality monitor, supplied with the RAA2 remote AM antenna.
Description
The MR89 is an AM/FM stereo tuner from McIntosh, designed to make the most of terrestrial radio stations with carefully honed sound reproduction. It follows in the footsteps of McIntosh's tuner lineage, with the MR78 from the 1970s remaining a historic reference for the brand.
The MR89's exclusive radio frequency circuit allows it to receive powerful FM signals from nearby stations without distortion, while also picking up weaker, more distant signals with limited background noise. A quality monitor displays signal level, multipath and incoming RF noise, making it easier to optimise antenna positioning. In terms of measured performance, the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 70 dB in mono and 68 dB in stereo on the FM band, with total harmonic distortion of 0.1% in mono and stereo separation of 45 dB. The AM band, meanwhile, offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 55 dB and harmonic distortion of 0.1%. Frequency response is rated at ±1 dB from 20 Hz to 18 kHz on FM.
The MR89's connections include balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, along with two digital outputs, coaxial and optical, allowing it to be integrated with a conventional amplifier as well as a DAC or external recorder. The FM input uses a 75-ohm type F coaxial connector, while the AM input relies on a balanced RJ45 connector, dedicated exclusively to the McIntosh RAA2 remote AM antenna supplied with the unit.
This tuner is aimed at FM and AM radio enthusiasts seeking refined reception and coherent McIntosh integration within a hi-fi system already featuring the brand, or any setup where the quality of terrestrial station reception remains a priority.
Technical specifications
| Output impedance | 100 ohms unbalanced or balanced |
| Channel spacing (FM) | 50 kHz, 100 kHz or 200 kHz |
| Channel spacing (AM) | 9 kHz or 10 kHz |
| FM antenna input | 75 ohms, type F coaxial connector |
| AM antenna input | Balanced RJ45 connector (McIntosh RAA2 remote AM antenna supplied) |
| Usable sensitivity (FM) | 2 µV |
| Sensitivity (AM) | 350 µV/metre |
| Signal to noise ratio (FM Mono) | 70 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (FM Stereo) | 68 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (AM) | 55 dB |
| Frequency response (FM) | ±1 dB from 20 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Frequency response (AM) | ±1 dB from 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz, -6 dB at 3 kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion (FM Mono) | 0.1% |
| Total harmonic distortion (FM Stereo) | 0.3% |
| Total harmonic distortion (AM) | 0.1% |
| Channel selectivity (FM) | 70 dB adjacent channel, 75 dB alternate channel |
| Selectivity (AM) | 45 dB adjacent channel |
| Stereo separation | 45 dB |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 44.45 x 15.24 x 40.32 cm |
| Weight | 10.4 kg |
What to check before buying used
With this type of tuner, it is worth checking that the RJ45 AM antenna connector, specific to the supplied RAA2 antenna, functions correctly, as well as confirming the actual presence of this remote antenna with its 6-metre cable. The type F coaxial connector for the FM input also warrants a visual check, as do the analogue and digital outputs (coaxial, optical), to ensure there is no looseness or oxidation. A reception test on both the AM and FM bands will confirm that the RF circuit retains its original performance.
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