McIntosh MR89 AM/FM Tuner – First Look

All Image Credit: McIntosh

Despite the huge growth in digital streaming, free over the air radio stations still play an important role in many peoples lives keeping them connected to music, news and general programming. Clearly McIntosh have acknowledged the continued need for a high end quality receiver for all those modern music lovers out there by upgrading their stellar MR87 to the new MR89.

The exclusive McIntosh radio frequency (RF) circuitry can handle both high and low level RF signals without overload or excessive noise. For those listeners amongst you that want the perfect FM and AM antenna placement for optimal reception, the MR89’s advanced signal quality monitor can display signal level, multi-path, and noise levels of the incoming RF signals.

In order to improve your listening pleasure, this new model has a raft of upgrades and advancements including; Sensitivity, Signal to Noise Ratio, Harmonic Distortion, Channel Selectivity, and Stereo Separation. Plus several new features have been added:

• Stereo Blending has been upgraded plus the addition of a new High Blend option which blends the high frequency portion of the audio frequency range more aggressively helping with lower quality FM stereo broadcasts.
• Softmute reduces audio output when receiving low quality stations or between-station static and noise.
• Highcut reduces noise and enhances your listening experience by reducing high frequency audio content.

Each of the above new features have a range of settings to suit the station and your taste.

Fully supporting the FM Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS – US only), the MR89 can display, if required; station name, music genre, artist name, and song title if transmitted by the station. A station Seek function is available through either the front panel controls or the included remote control, its sensitivity being adjustable through setup menus. Speeding up radio channel selection the MR89 can also store up to 20 preset stations in both the AM and FM bands.

Connectivity

The rear panel contains all connectivity including:

• Analog balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) stereo outputs
• Digital optical and coaxial outputs
• AM (RJ45) and FM (F-type) RF antenna connectors. (The MR89 includes a 20foot RAA2 AM antenna.)
• USB service port
• Control connections for:
  • Data
  • RS232C
  • Power
  • IR
• IEC power

Rounding of the McIntosh is its classic black glass front panel with its two large 60dB analog output meters and brushed aluminum caps. All housed in a polished stainless-steel chassis imparting that timeless McIntosh look.

Basic Specifications:

FM:

• Useable Sensitivity: 2uV
• Tuning Range:
  • 88.1MHz – 107.9MHz (USA)
  • 87.5MHz – 108.0MHz (Europe)
  • 76.0MHz – 108.0MHz (Japan)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Mono: 0.1%, Stereo: 0.3%
• Signal To Noise Ratio: Mono: 70dB, Stereo: 68dB
• Frequency Response: ±1dB 20Hz to 18kHz

AM:

• Sensitivity: 350uV/m
• Tuning Range:
  • 530kHz – 1700kHz (USA)
  • 531kHz – 1701kHz (Europe)
  • 531kHz – 1629kHz (Japan)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%
• Signal To Noise Ratio: 55dB
• Frequency Response: ±1dB 20Hz – 1.5kHz, -6dB 3kHz

Availability: June 2022

MSRP:

• US: $5,500.00
• UK: £6,800.00

For more information go to McIntosh.com. 

Want to know more about the Highlander takeover? See this post.