2. analog
  3. 161225-1660

FM tuner fans, somebody get this!

If I had a itch to give up my trusty Mac MR 71, I'd be all over this.
You would need to find a stereo multiplex unit, since it's mono. Or for ultimate mono cool, hook it up to a vintage mono amp and a horn speaker. Forget the Marantz 10B, this is it. 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa5cb0-rel-646c-1-fm-tuner-rel-646c-1-fm-tuner-precedent-all-ori...

For those who never seen one
https://pitchperfectaudio.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/setting-a-precedent/

Art Deco cool, and yes all the hype about the sound is true.
Worth just having one in the rack, even if you don't have reception in your area.
tablejockey
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I use a MX110z that works like a charm. I don't use it. Last time 3 years ago, wonderful, stereo FM reception, was easy to pick up with a Wall antenna in Sacramento, 60 miles away... No idea what it's modeled after in the Mac line up... Sure is a sweat heart of  a preamp and tuner though..
phono stage was really good to come to think about it...

I need to get back into that... FM use to be so nice on a Friday/Saturday night, few friends over..... I miss that.. Thanks OP, I'm gonna drag one of the 110s out... FM it for a bit...

Regards
tablejockey OP
3,914 posts
 
I was weaned on 70's Rock radio. We all now that's long gone.

Since my tastes have matured, there's still great public radio Classical/Jazz. Radio is the original "streaming" 

FM is still great, it's just quite limited. Especially outside of Classical/Jazz.

Never heard a Mac MX110, but I understand it still has the great tube FM magic. I'm guessing it still has the tubed Mac FM sound.

LONG LIVE FM! 
elliottbnewcombjr
5,461 posts
 
I love my McIntosh mx110z, Tube Tuner/Preamp, awesome FM and Phono sound.

If I was robbed, I would get another without hesitation.

Most people have never heard truly great FM.

Richard Modafferi, famous McIntosh Tuner designer

https://spectrum.ieee.org/consumer-electronics/gadgets/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-mcintos...

said there was NOTHING he could do to improve the FM in the mx110z.

"mx110 FM Tuner (and some Richard Moderaffi unofficial history).

When operating to spec, the mx110 tuner section is superb. McIntosh engineer (way back then) Richard Moderaffi (who originally designed the MR77 & MR78 tuners) (performs modifications on McIntosh tuners) said there is nothing he could do to improve upon the original design of the mx110 tuner section. It was (and still is) that good."



tablejockey OP
3,914 posts
 
I would love to get the Modafferi MR71 upgrade, but it’s $1K+! It’s the Marantz 10B killer. Equivalent to a turbo/blower for the big block Chevy.

Last night, the local PBS Classical played "Halloween-scary"themed pieces, and the sound track for the infamous Hitchcock" Psycho" was played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQwzJ6VvUD0

It’s close enough to CD quality-amazing! You could see the scene play out in you head.
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