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REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner

71.194.78.101


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Model: MD-102
Category: Tuner
Suggested Retail Price: $2500
Description: In house manufactured 5 stage tuning front end, dual antenna Inputs, shielded torroidal transformer
Manufacturer URL: Magnum Dynalab
Model Picture: View

Review by timothywas1@comcast.net ( A ) on June 24, 2006 at 06:36:51
IP Address: 71.194.78.101
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for the MD-102


CUSTOMER SUPPORT;

First and foremost Id like to compliment M.D. on they're customer support, and particularly Larry Zs overall gracious correspondence in discussions about my concerns at my time of purchase. Not to be overlooked when making these types of purchases, very reassuring.

AESTHETICS-

That being said the serial # for my tuner is -10-06521 and was purchased with the remote, triode output,Kimber Kable, along with the gold faceplate option. Everything available at the time. Aesthetically this tuner can really make a system visually "pop" when first observed and while its the sound that matters most, Ive come to appreciate its esoteric design tremendously. M.D. gets high marks from me for such thoughtful design that rewards one by just inserting this in your equipment rack!

M.Ds.102s CHAMELEON TRAITS -

Now as to the sound- much has been written by the writers establishment and I suppose one really cant add anything to they're sonic points of view, even the non triode version of the 102 has a very analogue sound to its presentation; very warm and pleasing. However in recent A.A. discussions it was brought to my attention that tube rolling has beneficial merits, sonically speaking, in this S.F. designed tube stage. Fortunately having a extra pair of nos 1964 Mullards platinum matched pr. lying around, out came the stock tubes and not expecting too much in went the Mullards. I was pleasantly surprised as all the character traits to these tubes came through, not to the extent of my DAC, not quite as dynamic or crystal clear, FM bandwidth limiting- but not bad considering were comparing this to a DAC! Sound-stage depth and separation being enhanced in all dimensions, albeit subtly, along with better instrumental harmonic tones. While these changes are incrementally small steps {as most are at this level} it really pleases me to know this tuner can audibly showcase such subtle improvements. Ive also enjoyed the flexibility in this unit and have listened to both rcas as well as the xlrs and while they're may be slightly more voltage through the xlr outputs I find its excellent with either, many times changing interconnects just for comparison purposes in a cable manufacturers line, very useful.

OVERALL SOUND / FUNCTIONS

As a product that's designed to squeeze out all that's available in your local stations Ive found the front panel toggle switches very useful. Ive found that when listening to most stations the BW1 wide intermediate frequency bandwidth setting is preferred, credit the M.Ds. judicious power supplies for the stellar channel separation as only rarely do I have to compromise my setting to BW2 narrow performance setting for a somewhat less engaging "stereo" presentation, still nice, just not as pleasing. But again credit the `102 in its ability to pull in quality stations and hold them as I very rarely have to resort to the narrow setting, high marks in this area from me.

Also the front panel meters for signal strength and multipath, primarily Ive found the signal strength to be of significant value as many times I detune slightly off center for better sonics along with greatly improved clarity. This and the fact that you never reach 10 on the tuning metre came as a surprise to me, the tweak-ability both in terms of improved sonics as well as practical function can be a bit surprising at first yet very rewarding once you acquaint yourself with the many functions and features.
As to the sound much has been written in descriptive terms, let me just say its a very engaging, highly musical sound that with its portrayal of recorded spatial cues can take the listener off to a finer place. Engaging both emotionally as well as accurate, connecting one to the musical genre of they're choice in a way only the finer source equipment can do, yet one tends to forget about analyzing as you just immerse yourself in for an afternoon of highly engaging emotional musical bliss. This tuner will allow one to connect!

FLEXIBILITY - UPGRADE OPTIONS-

Also the detachable power-cord along with dual antennae inputs provide me with all the flexibility and upgrade options Ill ever need, and the way I configure my complex system this is paramount. While I don't doubt they're are many fine vintage tuners on the market for far less, that's a great option for those that feel the need in going that route.

However this very flexible full featured product along with its interchangeable parts not to mention the revealing and stellar sonics will keep me enamored FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Ahhh- I believe I hear "The Moody Blues" calling...

Thanks for taking the time to read/

Best Regards /// Tim W...




Product Weakness: none that I'm aware of...
Product Strengths: Reference FM, Fully Featured, Flexibility, Attractive piece....


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Plinius SA 102s in xlr dual mono config.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Plinius M8
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Kora Hermes 24/192 Triode DAC
Speakers: Mirage OM6
Cables/Interconnects: Transparent Ultras
Music Used (Genre/Selections): 91.1 Chicago public radio , classical , contemporary jazz 97.1 the Drive classic rock
Room Comments/Treatments: open floorplan with carpeting and leather furniture, cathedral ceiling ect..
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Current design pc plus
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): see above




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Topic - REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner - timothywas1@comcast.net 06:36:51 06/24/06 ( 31)