I have the MR 74, it still works, picked it up at a garage sale for $50.. Most of the light bulbs were burned out so found some on E-bay for a few bucks.. I use it to monitor an FM transmitter for a low power station I do engineering for. It has good sound for it's age..
Thanks for this trip down memory lane. You’re spot on regarding the availability of quality radio, AM & FM in the North Jersey, NYC area. I grew up in Glen Rock during the 50’s & 60’s! I moved from Madison, NJ several years ago to North Texas. Your video made me realize that I no longer use my McIntosh MR 75! It’s physically a great companion piece to my McIntosh C-26 and MC-2105. I’m going to look into an antenna for the MR 75 and put it back into service. Amazing to think that my C-26 & MC-2105 have been in continuous service for 50 years! I purchased the MR- 75, used, from Audio Classics about 20 years ago. It’s in beautiful condition. McIntosh certainly produced some very attractive components. Enjoy your channel!
I'm guessing that non one else could bring to bear that great selection of tuners. Unique content. Thanks. Loved it. PS. Good to see Ben covering the technicalities.
Sorry Fernando. I just reviewed the transcript and it was a Magnum Dyna lab antenna you mentioned on this review. Pleas provide the link to the exact antenna you are referring too. Thanks
Yes back when listening to FM Stereo actually meant something. Signals today are road hard and put away wet with mediocre audio processing at best for commercial stations in just basically getting it loud and getting signal to punch to get audience. Of course over the air signal processing has advanced immensely. Everything from start to finish mattered back then. Not so much anymore especially with cheap tuners in the everyday world! People are just conditioned to believe it just doesn’t matter and it really does. Nice to see this stuff! 👍👍
Fernando, I don’t know where are Find all these gems but please share your tips. Clearly this is a target rich environment around New York City and Northern New Jersey for wealthy owners but still I’m in awe of your ability to pull in beautiful used units. Growing up in North Jersey in the 70s was a real treat for a radio listening. There were so many great stations and great personalities wonderful DJs who had an appreciation for good music and we’re just interesting people to listen to. I don’t hear anything like that today, anyone interested, read Richard Neer’s book FM Radio, which chronicles the golden years of free format rock radio
The trio of grail tuners- Sequerra, 10b and MR78. Amazingly, Rich Modaferri is still active and restoring & modifying MR78’s. He even has a one off ‘78 with a tube output stage but he definitely doesn’t offer that as part of his mod package. Probably the only aftermarket mod that the original manufacturer is 100% ok with. And while front glass damage is not uncommon, McIntosh continues to make beautiful replacement front glass for this and numerous other old McIntosh gear.
A LONG Time ago, I Bought a Used MR78 FM Tuner that was Packed in a White Carton; there wasn't an original User's Manual. Tge PanLok Panels were included. The Store DID give me a Reproduction Manual. I STILL have the Sales Brochure. I had Tuner for over 27 Years, and it Worked Faultlessly. We have some pretty good FM Stations in my Area. I Played Tuner often whenever I wanted to Listen to my Audio Gear. When I reluctantly Sold Tuner, the great Store that Bought Tuner, said that they Replaced one Bulb, and Tuner almost met Specs!
I have this unit in my rig and never knew what the controls meant, so thank you! The 1 FM station I get sounds compressed and bloated with bass, so I seldom use it.
Great looking tuner. Fernando, did you leave the link for the Navlabs antenna you mentioned? I have a MR71 and I'm less than happy with the Terk (Audiovox) antenna I'm presently using. Thanks in advance.
Try a good old fashioned pair of rabbit ears. Far better than any Terk or similar powered antenna. If you can find a vintage set of Radio Shack tunable rabbit ears specifically designed for FM, all the better. Short of a dedicated outdoor rig, hard to beat.
My question is a simple one. Can you describe for me the 'McIntosh Sound' ? I have owned a MR 77 tuner, c28 preamp and MC 2100 main amp for twenty - five years. The Martin Logan ESL's are only six years old and I am quite satisfied with the setup. That is the only system I have listened to for all that time . Just what is there about the sound that garners all the praise, or is the praise directed towards the newer equipment and not 45 year old components.
Pretty cool! I enjoyed video as I am the current steward of several 70s McIntosh pieces. Have to disagree on the comment regarding investing- 1600 usd put into the S&P 500 in 1970 would be 350k today😅
Of all the cool McIntosh tuners you covered, you missed the rare and short-lived vacuum tube MR-66 FM/AM Stereo tuner. I won’t divulge why it came and went so quickly so you can cover it in a future video. It’s an interesting story. I have a mint one I still use if you want to borrow it 😆.
I had owned a Modaferri modified Mac MR78 some years ago. Yes, his signature is on the inside. The gentleman must of liked bananas as there also was a sticker from a Dole banana strategically placed inside. (I have pictures) My question is, doesn’t Mr. Modaferri realize that Chaquita bananas are much better sounding?
That’s not how the MR78 came from the factory- the plastic bezel was attached to the front glass (double sided tape). The stock photo you show includes the bezel. That ‘78 either has replacement front glass (which is supplied with no bezel attached and yeah, glass is still available) or some owner removed the bezel. But why remove the bezel if the tuner was never used? Looks quite clean, but NOS? I’d be very suspect of that. In fact, it was common to remove the bezel or not reattach the bezel if the glass was replaced because some prefer the clean look without the bezel. And the light level is adjustable- there is a low/high light switch. It’s not dim on high and the light switch is not on the front of the tuner. Finally- the oscilloscope prior to the MPI-4 is not an MP-3; it’s an MI-3. In terms of usefulness, the oscilloscope is not better than the needle type signal strength or needle type center tune meters, but it is useful for multi path. And it’s a fun light show.
Good catch Nate. When we restore units we dont put the bezel on and leave it up to the new owner to choose if they want it on, so Im used to seeing the MR78 sans bezel. Yes it could have been a glass replacement at some point but the unit is definitely NOS and was never used.
I'm sorry, but I bought my MR78 new in 1973 for $799. That was a lot of money then, and I had to save up for it. I have the original brochure and it states/printed that it is $799.
Back in 2006 they just came out with a ma6300 integrated i bought for 3000. After tax . I got a little deal. It retailed for 3000. 5 years later it went up to 4500. I ended up selling mine for 3500.
This is one of the best audiophile channels on UA-cam!
I have the MR 74, it still works, picked it up at a garage sale for $50.. Most of the light bulbs were burned out so found some on E-bay for a few bucks.. I use it to monitor an FM transmitter for a low power station I do engineering for. It has good sound for it's age..
❤ I have a 74 also. It’s out for alignment now.
Thanks for this trip down memory lane. You’re spot on regarding the availability of quality radio, AM & FM in the North Jersey, NYC area. I grew up in Glen Rock during the 50’s & 60’s! I moved from Madison, NJ several years ago to North Texas. Your video made me realize that I no longer use my McIntosh MR 75! It’s physically a great companion piece to my McIntosh C-26 and MC-2105. I’m going to look into an antenna for the MR 75 and put it back into service. Amazing to think that my C-26 & MC-2105 have been in continuous service for 50 years! I purchased the MR- 75, used, from Audio Classics about 20 years ago. It’s in beautiful condition. McIntosh certainly produced some very attractive components. Enjoy your channel!
Amazing what Mac was doing so long ago with their tech. Thanks for showing.
I'm guessing that non one else could bring to bear that great selection of tuners. Unique content. Thanks. Loved it.
PS. Good to see Ben covering the technicalities.
Audio Classics in Vestal NY could -
@@NateEll fight :)
Beautiful piece of audio equipment. This can truly be called vintage mint.
Drop dead gorgeous. I've never seen an absolute mint Mc from that long ago. Thanks so much for sharing!
Fernando, I disagree. You did not waste 15 or 20 of my time. I really enjoyed it. Much respect from Larry.
Hey glad you enjoyed it Larry. Cheers.
Sorry Fernando. I just reviewed the transcript and it was a Magnum Dyna lab antenna you mentioned on this review. Pleas provide the link to the exact antenna you are referring too. Thanks
I listen to the radio every day in the car and several times a week at home. I hope radio never goes away.
I don’t see the antenna you use in the description?
Yes back when listening to FM Stereo actually meant something. Signals today are road hard and put away wet with mediocre audio processing at best for commercial stations in just basically getting it loud and getting signal to punch to get audience. Of course over the air signal processing has advanced immensely. Everything from start to finish mattered back then. Not so much anymore especially with cheap tuners in the everyday world! People are just conditioned to believe it just doesn’t matter and it really does.
Nice to see this stuff! 👍👍
The "t" in "often" is SILENT.
No link for the FM antenna.
Fernando, I don’t know where are Find all these gems but please share your tips. Clearly this is a target rich environment around New York City and Northern New Jersey for wealthy owners but still I’m in awe of your ability to pull in beautiful used units.
Growing up in North Jersey in the 70s was a real treat for a radio listening. There were so many great stations and great personalities wonderful DJs who had an appreciation for good music and we’re just interesting people to listen to. I don’t hear anything like that today, anyone interested, read Richard Neer’s book FM Radio, which chronicles the golden years of free format rock radio
The trio of grail tuners- Sequerra, 10b and MR78. Amazingly, Rich Modaferri is still active and restoring & modifying MR78’s. He even has a one off ‘78 with a tube output stage but he definitely doesn’t offer that as part of his mod package. Probably the only aftermarket mod that the original manufacturer is 100% ok with. And while front glass damage is not uncommon, McIntosh continues to make beautiful replacement front glass for this and numerous other old McIntosh gear.
A LONG Time ago, I Bought a Used MR78 FM Tuner that was Packed in a White Carton; there wasn't an original User's Manual. Tge PanLok Panels were included.
The Store DID give me a Reproduction Manual. I STILL have the Sales Brochure.
I had Tuner for over 27 Years, and it Worked Faultlessly. We have some pretty good FM Stations in my Area. I Played Tuner often whenever I wanted to Listen to my Audio Gear.
When I reluctantly Sold Tuner, the great Store that Bought Tuner, said that they Replaced one Bulb, and Tuner almost met Specs!
This is soooo sweet. Is it for sale?
I have this unit in my rig and never knew what the controls meant, so thank you! The 1 FM station I get sounds compressed and bloated with bass, so I seldom use it.
Great looking tuner. Fernando, did you leave the link for the Navlabs antenna you mentioned? I have a MR71 and I'm less than happy with the Terk (Audiovox) antenna I'm presently using. Thanks in advance.
Try a good old fashioned pair of rabbit ears. Far better than any Terk or similar powered antenna. If you can find a vintage set of Radio Shack tunable rabbit ears specifically designed for FM, all the better. Short of a dedicated outdoor rig, hard to beat.
My question is a simple one. Can you describe for me the 'McIntosh Sound' ? I have owned a MR 77 tuner, c28 preamp and MC 2100 main amp for twenty - five years. The Martin Logan ESL's are only six years old and I am quite satisfied with the setup. That is the only system I have listened to for all that time . Just what is there about the sound that garners all the praise, or is the praise directed towards the newer equipment and not 45 year old components.
Pretty cool! I enjoyed video as I am the current steward of several 70s McIntosh pieces. Have to disagree on the comment regarding investing- 1600 usd put into the S&P 500 in 1970 would be 350k today😅
Of all the cool McIntosh tuners you covered, you missed the rare and short-lived vacuum tube MR-66 FM/AM Stereo tuner. I won’t divulge why it came and went so quickly so you can cover it in a future video. It’s an interesting story. I have a mint one I still use if you want to borrow it 😆.
According to audiophile and collectors, the MR78 is suppose to be the very best tuner ever made by anyone.
McIntosh receivers from that era already go for high prices used. I could only imagine what the price for one that is new old stock.
I had owned a Modaferri modified Mac MR78 some years ago. Yes, his signature is on the inside. The gentleman must of liked bananas as there also was a sticker from a Dole banana strategically placed inside. (I have pictures) My question is, doesn’t Mr. Modaferri realize that Chaquita bananas are much better sounding?
she is a beauty
Very cool
Fernando can you get a Tandberg 3001A or a Yamaha CT-7000?
MAC 1500 vs 1700 which one sounds better as a amp?
That’s not how the MR78 came from the factory- the plastic bezel was attached to the front glass (double sided tape). The stock photo you show includes the bezel. That ‘78 either has replacement front glass (which is supplied with no bezel attached and yeah, glass is still available) or some owner removed the bezel. But why remove the bezel if the tuner was never used? Looks quite clean, but NOS? I’d be very suspect of that. In fact, it was common to remove the bezel or not reattach the bezel if the glass was replaced because some prefer the clean look without the bezel. And the light level is adjustable- there is a low/high light switch. It’s not dim on high and the light switch is not on the front of the tuner. Finally- the oscilloscope prior to the MPI-4 is not an MP-3; it’s an MI-3. In terms of usefulness, the oscilloscope is not better than the needle type signal strength or needle type center tune meters, but it is useful for multi path. And it’s a fun light show.
Good catch Nate. When we restore units we dont put the bezel on and leave it up to the new owner to choose if they want it on, so Im used to seeing the MR78 sans bezel. Yes it could have been a glass replacement at some point but the unit is definitely NOS and was never used.
I'm sorry, but I bought my MR78 new in 1973 for $799. That was a lot of money then, and I had to save up for it. I have the original brochure and it states/printed that it is $799.
And by the time the MR78 was discontinued the cost was $1699
@@NateEll It may have been, but it largely sold closer to $799 than for $1699 for most of the time.
@@georgeherman9953 can’t quibble/ bought mine for $750.
Back in 2006 they just came out with a ma6300 integrated i bought for 3000. After tax . I got a little deal. It retailed for 3000. 5 years later it went up to 4500. I ended up selling mine for 3500.
wow, once in a lifetime opportunity
Why all the comments? My opinion is the only one that matters.
No throw away culture in 1972! Things were build to last!!
>Tuners is RF technology, wonderful circuits.
Had one, it badly rolled off highs.
I picked up a Sansui from the same era and it was much much better.
If all previous owners manipulated the contents like you, it surely wouldn't be in this present condition.
Timeout! I have never heard of McIntosh is it any good?
Wow😮
👍👍😎✌️🤟
I had an MR 71. Gave it away in the 80s. 😖
Mine is original and mint. why are my knobs different tan your new one. one owner prev and matchs all my other gear from other one owners?
Stay away from these crooks.
why. explain yourself !
Angry old mystic yells at audio nerds
Exactly. @@valvemonky4734
Better that you stay away from this channel, no?