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McIntosh MR7083 vs. Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuner

I cannot decide between the McIntosh MR7083 and the Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuners. My system is McIntosh (MCD205 and MA6900) so the MR7083 makes sense but the MD-100 is current technology, looks great and sounds excellent. My local McIntosh retailer suggests I buy their pre-owned MR7083 for $900.

Someone told me that the "MR7083 has no real selectivity and he suggests I change all the IF filters so that it does, along with better fidelity". He also claims "the tuner tends to sound a little thin and distorted". Of course, this means more money is needed for MR7083 mods but I question if these mods are really needed. I am seriously considering the Magnum Dynalab MD-100 but I need some advise. What do you suggest? Thanks....
hgeifman
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
The MR80 is a respectable tuner, but in my very humble opinion, and it is just that, an opinion, one could meet and beat the MR80 for less than $800; that said, if this person wants to buy Mac to match his sytem, I concur, buy the MR80.
hgeifman OP
1,193 posts
 
Thanks for the above posts on my question on McIntosh MR7083 vs. Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuner. I am still undecided but I am believing the Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuner is the better tuner selection for me. I am in no hurry so my research continues. Additional comments are welcomed. Thanks again. cheers..
hgeifman OP
1,193 posts
 
I received an email from a Magnum Dynalab FT 101a owner who reports the unit "does not have good sensitivity". He says "he is sorely disappointed in its inability to pick up any but the strongest signals". I am now getting concerned about the Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuner. Other friends have suggested I buy the McIntosh MR78 tuner. If you own the MD100, please provide me with your comments. Other tuner recommendations are requested to include the MR78. Thanks
aball
1,994 posts
 
The MR78 seems to have quite a cult following. I have never come across one in all my McIntosh swapping but on ebay, there are bidding wars over nice MR78s and they can go up to $1800 for perfect in-box ones. There were a few threads here in the past where owners raved about them. It is apparently a classic tuner with outstanding capabilities, even today. Check the archives. I would consider it but I find it a little old and don't want to deal with maintenance work on them. Arthur
avideo
218 posts
 
I own two McIntosh tuners - an older MR73 and an MR7082.
I bought both of them used, had them aligned and checked over by my local McIntosh dealer and had both restored to "as new" condition.
Both sound great - though I consider the MR7082 to be the better unit in terms of pulling in distant stations. The sound from both is very rich and dynamic - nothing thin or nasal about the reception from either. I've heard the Magnum Dynalab FT 101A in the past at an acquaintance's home and though it sounded great. But he also was pulling in a nearby station that has a fairly powerful transmitter.
If you already have McIntosh gear, the MR7083 would probably work just great with your setup. If you decide to go with the used MR7083, make sure it was aligned and checked out by an authorized McIntosh service dealer. I mention this, because there are a number of Mac dealers who sell the line but do no actual service work. Good luck!
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