McIntosh MR89 AM/FM Tuner for the HiFi System

The McIntosh MR89 brings high-quality radio to the HiFi system. The FM section processes strong local stations as reliably as weaker stations from greater distances.

With analog and digital outputs, the McIntosh MR89 fits into classic stereo systems as well as into modern systems with a preamplifier or AV processor.

The Features of the McIntosh MR89 at a Glance

• Dedicated RF circuit: Processes strong FM signals from local stations as well as weaker signals from more distant stations.
• Signal quality display: Signal strength, multipath reception, and noise are displayed, making it easier to align the antenna.
• Reception aids: For weaker or lower-quality FM stations, the MR89 offers several adjustable reception aids.
• Level meters: Two meters show the output level of the left and right channels.
• Flexible connections: Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs.
• Convenient operation: Station search, remote control, and up to 20 presets per band.

Clear Radio Reception with the McIntosh MR89

At the heart of the McIntosh MR89 is an exclusive McIntosh-designed radio frequency circuit. It prevents distortion from very strong local stations while simultaneously bringing in weaker stations with as little noise as possible.

Compared to earlier McIntosh tuners, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, distortion, separation, and channel separation have been revised. The result is a calm, clean sound even during extended listening.

Reception Aids and Antennas for the McIntosh MR89

For weaker stations, the McIntosh MR89 offers four reception aids that can be switched on as needed and adjusted in several stages:

• Stereo Blending: Partially mixes the two channels when the stereo signal is weak, thereby reducing noise.
• High Blend: Works similarly, but specifically in the high-frequency range, where noise is particularly noticeable.
• Softmute: Lowers the volume during very poor reception and dampens the noise between two stations.
• Highcut: Reduces disturbing high frequencies when a station is hissing.

With good reception, these functions are best kept at a low setting or turned off so that you can hear the full sound. The signal quality display additionally shows signal strength, multipath reception, and noise, and helps with aligning the antenna.

For AM, the RAA2 antenna is included, whose 6-meter cable allows for flexible placement. A suitable FM antenna is available separately and depends on the location relative to the desired stations.

Operation and Connections of the McIntosh MR89

Stations are tuned using the smooth-moving tuning knob, or alternatively via the search function on the unit or using the included remote control. The sensitivity of the search can be adjusted in the setup menu.

The two level meters of the McIntosh MR89 show the output signal of both channels. The volume is controlled by the connected preamplifier or power amplifier.

In addition to analog outputs, the McIntosh MR89 offers coaxial and optical digital outputs. Control inputs and outputs, as well as RS232, make it easy to integrate into existing McIntosh systems.

Design and Build Quality of the McIntosh MR89

The black glass front with displays, control knobs, and brushed aluminum end caps sits on a highly polished stainless steel chassis. This gives the McIntosh MR89 the typical McIntosh look.

Suitability and Important Notes for the McIntosh MR89

Who is the McIntosh MR89 suitable for?

• Anyone who wants to listen to FM and medium-wave radio in high quality
• Owners of McIntosh systems looking for a matching radio source
• HiFi systems with balanced or digital inputs

Important Notes for the McIntosh MR89

• The McIntosh MR89 receives AM and FM, but no DAB+ or internet radio.
• An FM antenna is not included in the delivery scope.
  
• The tuner has no built-in volume control and requires a preamplifier or power amplifier.

Conclusion on the McIntosh MR89

The McIntosh MR89 is a high-quality AM/FM tuner with clean reception, practical reception aids, and flexible connections. Anyone who takes radio seriously in their HiFi system will receive a stylish and well-thought-out source.

• MR89_Brochure_DE_MM_small.pdf