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The McIntosh MR55a is a beautiful slice of early McIntosh history—a mid-1960s tube FM tuner that radiates old-school charm and effortless musicality. With its warm tube glow, silky analog tuning dial, and classic glass faceplate, the MR55-A makes even casual radio listening feel intentional and special. Sonically, it’s smooth, full, and inviting, with that unmistakable vintage Mac warmth that flatters vocals, jazz, and live broadcasts in particular. This isn’t about razor-sharp specs or digital convenience—it’s about atmosphere, character, and the joy of tuning in. The MR55a is the kind of piece that reminds you how magical radio used to be—and still can be.
S/N: 3K356
Restoration
Removed and cleaned front glass
Replaced all electrolytic caps - 1 large multi-section and 3 smaller internal ones
2 new 6BN8 tubes
After recap and 2 new tubes, unit is working properly
Cabinet restored
Specs
Type Mono/Stereo Tuner
Tuning Bands AM, FM
Tuning Scale Analogue
Sensitivity 3uV (FM), 15uV (AM)
Distortion 3% (FM)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz (FM), 20Hz to 9.5kHz (AM)
Dimensions 4.75" x 14.75" x 12"
Weight 17lbs
Tube Complement 6BZ7 (x2), 6AB4, 6BJ6 (x2), 6AU6 (x3), 6AL5 (x4), 6BN6, 6BV8, 6BA6, 6BE6, 12AU7 (x2)
Liner Notes
Front Panel: Anodized gold and black aluminum panel. Illuminated dial. FM light. AM light. Tuning indicator: - to +. Signal strength indicator: 0 to 5. MC light. KC light. Tuning control. AFC control: min to max. AM sensitivity switch: greatest, intermediate or minimum. Volume control with on-off switch. Selector switch: FM listen, FM tune, AM broad, AM medium, AM sharp or phono.Back Panel: Screw terminals to tv set, FM 300 ohm antenna and AM antenna: hi, lo and ground. Power cord. Fuse. Switched AC outlet. Panel lamps switch: high or low. AM antenna switch: loop or ant. Phono input. 2 audio outputs. Multiplex output.
Generating expert take…
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
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