McIntosh MR500

The McIntosh MR500 is an FM/AM tuner. It follows McIntosh's usual approach to tuner design, which put clarity and reliability first.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Tuning Range	87.5-108 MHz (FM), 530-1710 kHz (AM)
Sensitivity	1.8μV (FM), 50μV (AM)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	75dB (FM), 50dB (AM)
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.3% (FM), 1.0% (AM)
Capture Ratio	1.5dB
Selectivity	70dB
Stereo Separation	40dB
Output Level	500mV
Dimensions	17" × 5" × 12"
Weight	18 lbs

Historical Context

FM broadcasting got much better during the 1970s, and the MR500 was designed to pull the most out of those signals. It became a reference for tuner performance in its price class.

The MR500 was in production from 1972-1982. It competed with other premium audio components of the era and helped build McIntosh's reputation for quality and performance. Many units are still in service.

Design Features

The MR500 has RF circuitry, precision tuning mechanisms and a multiplex decoder for stereo FM. The design aims for stable reception, low noise and accurate signal processing.

The MR500 uses high-quality transformers, precision capacitors and carefully selected transistors or tubes. The construction aims at both sound quality and long-term reliability, with attention to chassis rigidity, component layout and thermal management.

Related Models

Explore other models from the same brand and era for a complete vintage audio system.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MCINTOSH MR500                                                  Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $530                                    Latest            $450 │
│ Median    $457                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $450                                    Volume           ~1/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $600 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│   $514 ┤.                                                                │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │   .                                                            .│
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │█  █                                                            █│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-02                      2026-04                      2026-06│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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