|
General Asylum: REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner by timothywas1@comcast.net General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
For Sale Ads |
71.194.78.101
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: 71.194.78.101Add Your Review
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
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Topic - REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner - timothywas1@comcast.net 06:36:51 06/24/06 ( 31)
- Now if there was only something on FM worth listening to... (nt) - EBerlin 09:46:21 06/24/06 ( 17)
- You know I thought this was a global forum for audio - not just for the USA - Timbo in Oz 18:08:06 06/26/06 ( 0)
- No college stations where you live? nt - markrohr 05:58:51 06/25/06 ( 3)
- Re: No college stations where you live? nt - EBerlin 06:41:12 06/25/06 ( 2)
- Sorry to hear it. - markrohr 08:03:17 06/25/06 ( 0)
- That is unfortunate EBerlin and in spite of changing - timothywas1@comcast.net 07:30:54 06/25/06 ( 0)
Sorry you live in a radio blackhole armpit- - cdb 17:03:24 06/24/06 ( 0)
Speak for yourself - kev313 12:39:41 06/24/06 ( 0)
All you have to do is listen... - Msquared 11:37:37 06/24/06 ( 4)
- Where I live... - EBerlin 06:42:24 06/25/06 ( 3)
- Re: Where I live... - Msquared 06:57:22 06/25/06 ( 2)
- Re: Where I live... - EBerlin 07:08:59 06/25/06 ( 1)
- Re: "That's it!"... - Neil49 10:30:55 06/25/06 ( 0)
There is plenty to listen to - rnhood 11:20:13 06/24/06 ( 0)
Ain't that the truth. - Bruce Kendall 11:08:40 06/24/06 ( 1)
- Re: Ain't that the truth. - EBerlin 06:44:19 06/25/06 ( 0)
I assume that issue was resolved before his purchase... - Wellfed 10:25:47 06/24/06 ( 0)
Re: I guess that depends where you live. - notop 10:24:41 06/24/06 ( 0)
Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner - jwbrent 09:22:50 06/24/06 ( 8)
- Radioparadise is quite good! - andy_c 15:57:17 06/24/06 ( 2)
- Re: Radioparadise is quite good! - jwbrent 16:09:43 06/24/06 ( 1)
- Point made on non-commercials - cdb 16:49:11 06/24/06 ( 0)
Re: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner - timothywas1@comcast.net 10:01:44 06/24/06 ( 1)
- Re: Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Tuner - jwbrent 10:47:47 06/24/06 ( 0)
Would you describe how one captures and dumps a 'Net radio stream - cdb 09:50:38 06/24/06 ( 2)
- Re: Would you describe how one captures and dumps a 'Net radio stream - jwbrent 10:40:07 06/24/06 ( 0)
Re: Would you describe how one captures and dumps a 'Net radio stream - andy_c 10:02:24 06/24/06 ( 0)
$2500 for a tuner...lol - musman 08:07:45 06/24/06 ( 3)
- it depends on budget, area, and listening tendencies - Bersani 09:15:23 06/24/06 ( 1)
- Quite so. Depends on where you live. nt - markrohr 08:04:43 06/25/06 ( 0)
Or get a Squeezebox and listen to radio from around the world - Jake_LA 08:34:32 06/24/06 ( 0)