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Is the McIntosh MR67 Modded top notch?

I have a very high end system. Usually listen to vinyl only and the radio. I have a VPI HRX turtable with all the bells & whistles (super platter, rim-drive, 12.7 arm, SDS, ring) and a Lyra Titan Cartridge. A CAT amp and pre-amp (with phono). Hales Trancendence 8 speakers. Transparent Ultra XL technology cables and interconnects. And it sounds good. I use PS Audio interconnects for my tuner, I like the sonund of them and there more affordable then the Transparent. I had bought a Scott 350B. It sounded great but had a hum. So I got rid of it and bought a McIntosh MR67 completely modded by RICHARD MODAFFERI. Power Cord, Cardas Posts, capacitors, alignment, etc. I cost me $1,250. I see these tuners for less but not with the 'Mods'. The tuner is due to arrive this Monday. Any thoughts on if this was a good deal and the sonics of the tuner?
rothmanbrad
musicslug
430 posts
 
the Mcintosh MR-71 is generally considered their best tube tuner, with the MR-67 next best. with the mods, you should have a great tuner there.
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
I have the MODAFFERI mod MR-77which went for about $ 500 more. I have had several top tuners including an MR-71 modded by another tech. IMHO the tubes just sound better, period. As to which model is "best", opinions differ wildly with individual application. I don't like the way the MR-78 looks, so I am cheered when others say it was sound compromised to get better sensitivity- but I suspect all of these "fan club" reports are mere bias.
As for tube life, by the time you need new tubes, you will also need a new alignment, so just relax ad enjoy.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I own both the 71 and 77; have heard the 67 and 78 at length.

In stock form, the 71 is simply the best tuner Mac made. The 78 is more sensitive but the 71 is more pure, natural, and sweet sounding. I have no experience with modded Macs.

The 67/77 can be found at lower prices than 71/78 and IMO are the best values.

My 71, built in 1963, has the original tubes. All test strong on my Hickok so don't worry about tube life. I did replace the stereo indicator bulb which is readily available from Audio Classics (great folks by the way) for a couple bucks.
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