SPECIFICATIONS Usable sensitivity (mono): 0.7 u V 9.0 dBf

50 dB quieting (mono):2.0 u V 9.9 dBf .

50 dB quieting (stereo): 2.3 u V 20.0 dBf .

Capture ratio: 1.5 dB.

Image rejection: 125.0 dB.

Signal to noise ratio: 80.0 dB.

Alternate channel (wide):46.0 dB.

Alternate channel (narrow):70.0 dB.

Alternate channel attenuation (super narrow):80.0 dB.

Adjacent channel (wide): 3.0 dB.

Adjacent channel (narrow): 21.0 dB.

Adjacent channel (super narrow):48.0 dB.

THD (mono):0.10%.

THD (stereo):0.10%.

Stereo separation: 50.0 dB.

AM suppression:70.0 dB.

SCA rejection:80.0

IF Rejection:80.0 dB

19 KHz / 38 KHz component rejection:75.0 dB

Audio frequency response:2 Hz to 200 Khz (+0,-0.1 dB)

Balanced audio output (600 ohms): 2.0
V

Line audio output (RCA):1.0 V

Output impedance: 200 ohms (2 Hz - 200 KHz).

Signal to noise ratio:110 dB

Tube replacement (position 1 2): Magnum Dynalab
Reference 6922 CryoValve Tube.

Tube replacement (position 3 4):6922 Jan Phillips
or equivalent.

Line power (must be specified) - 110/220/230/240

Dimensions (inches H.W.D.) : 6 x 19 x 16

Dimensions (cm H.W.D.): 15.24 x 48.3 x 40.7

Weight (lbs/kgs):40 / 17.1
 

 

Regarded worldwide for uncompromising standards, focus and dedication in FM tuner technology and production, we are proud to introduce our most significant development in fine audio acquisition ever.

Introducing the MD109. Undeniably, the World's best FM Tuner.

Primary highlights include an ultra stable power supply, a direct output Triode audio section and most importantly, the introduction of the World Source Platform.

The World Source Platform represents the culmination of 2 years of internal development, and the commitment with which we have embraced the evolution of the multi-format audio source environment that we live in today.

Designed to remain perpetually current, the MD 109 starts with receiving and delivering with sonic accuracy all terrestrial FM signals better than any FM tuner that we have ever developed. Beyond this, it is also upgradeable to accommodate digital audio from various sources, including satellite radio, CD, DVD and Internet Sources. Quite simply, the MD 109 serves as your source component for all future listening options and variables.

Future Ready with Confidence

From its pedigree as the most competent FM tuner we have ever built, with seamless integration you can choose current options a la carte, or later expand the 109's capabilities to accommodate future digital sources.

Whether the 109 performs solely as an FM tuner in your listening room, or the World Source Platform is employed via a secondary digital source signal, we believe the operation of a sophisticated piece should not stand in the way of listening.

The Touch-screen is a marvel of rather ingenious simplicity. The interface architecture is robust, accommodating and intuitive, and when not in active service, the overall luminance dips and bestows a little mood lighting until awakened. If one prefers a more tactile traditional approach however, precise station tuning is easy and deliberate by means of two prominent large dials.

This same tactile sensation is also achieved at a distance by means of the IR remote. Designed well beyond function and convenience, the fit and feel of the MD109 IR remote is one of positive precision, substance and style. Immediate, accurate and in complete control of all functions is accomplished from well beyond a pragmatic range.

During a demo, it's challenging to articulate the performance of the MD109 without relying on the word 'perfect'. Ironically, you tend to concentrate on the artist's performance rather than the MD109. This phenomenon is quite intentional.

We respect that when an artist shares their craft it ultimately needs to be received with immaculate integrity. Our binding commitment to you is equal to our recognition to the efforts and fine works of performers.

For music lovers, the pure sound entertainment experience has never been more diverse and bountiful. The MD109 is a serious solution to a multi-format way of life and worthy of your consideration.

The Audio Section

In delicate and fastidious detail, our purist philosophy and execution establishes a motivated design criteria that realizes zero influence on the original signal. The four tube audio section is unique - the direct output from the tubes does not employ any capacitors after the gain stage of the tubes. This design using our TRACC technology (Triode Reference Audio Control Center) creates an environment where the specifications of the unit are unsurpassed. These are:

200 ohm output impedance flat from 0.2 Hz to 200 KHz, eliminates the influence of the interconnects

Signal to noise ratio > than 110 dB, the micro information from the original signal is maintained.

Zero phase shift from 0.2 Hz to 200KHz

Zero distortion variance from 0.2 Hz to 200KHz

This demanding level of pristine signal movement requires a solid foundation. Double sided 0.093 thick printed circuit boards provide the base and minimize potentially damaging vibration. With isolation insured, individual components can perform as planned without unbridled influence from neighboring elements and activity. To maximize conductivity and insure that all micro-information is maintained, ceramic tube sockets and all circuit board contacts are generously gold plated. Special feet have been designed using Vibrapod Isolators to insure that the performance is not comprised from external vibration.

You will understand and appreciate the benefits and reasons behind including critical components supplied by Mundorf, WBT, Wima, Dale-Vishayand and Burr Brown. In the critical areas of the audio board before the tube stage we use the Mundorf Supreme/Silver/oil polypropylene dielectric capacitors and as the name indicates, high purity silver is used for the capacitor coating. The winding is impregnated with a special oil, and these features contribute to an even fuller and smoother tonal richness and diversity. Along with their collective ability to move sound while maintaining the purity of the original signal, these components are highly regarded for extensive unwavering performance over the long haul.

To minimize the stress on the tube and insure long tube life a special turn on circuit is incorporated that has a very slow rise time slope. This brings the tube up to the optimum operating current at a very controlled and safe rate. In addition to this notable design feature, our audio tubes themselves are different. Designed and manufactured specifically for Magnum Dynalab, our 6922 Reference CryoValve tubes have been through an exclusive process before landing in the 109. Each tube passes through a series of operations, including a 100 hour cryogenic treatment process at -320oF. This reduces microphonic effects, lowers the dynamic noise floor and increases the 'apparent gain' to greatly relax and improve the dynamic and low level resolving power. Further, the pins have been individually cleaned back to base metal and polished for much improved contact quality and sonics.

The Power Supply

In nature to his craft and passion, designer Zdenko Zivkovic concentrated much of his efforts on the ground plane. By lifting the audio ground from the chassis ground, all sources of impurities that originate with the ground plane are eliminated, once again leaving only the purity of the original signal. What you notice about the MD 109 is how free the sound is of any transients and mysterious high frequency noises. To insure that the audio signal is isolated all inputs and outputs are isolated from the chassis with a special insulator. The MD 109 power supply is free of ripple at 60 Hz, 120Hz and 180 Hz.

The primary design criterion was to develop the cleanest, continuous source of DC power possible.

As you can appreciate, the importance of this stage cannot be understated. It feeds and allows all associated downstream components to perform at their highest level not withstanding the unpredictable demands placed on it by the dynamics of the music.

Throughout the history of high-fidelity innovation, power supply purity and management have proven to be one of the greatest challenges for designers. A solution without capitulating to compromise was needed.

The MD109 power supply is free of ripple, transients and mysterious high frequency noises. By way of comparison, its level of purity is as close to a direct battery supply as imaginable. Finally, two custom designed Toroidal transformers are employed to provide pure power to the distinct sections of the tuner, one feeding the audio section, the other feeding the RF section and control section.

The R.F. Section

Beyond personal preferences, tastes or subjective opinion, in order to justifiably crown the MD109 as 'The World's Best Tuner' we had to push the envelope well beyond the best-known standard, measurement and performance ability.

The MD109's new eight stage Varactor tuned front end is unequaled in its ability to receive and replicate a pure FM signal. Featuring three stages of I.F. selection, you can opt for the setting that allows the most authentic, pure listening experience regardless of the reception environment, and conditions.

The automatic gain control feature insures that the tuner will optimize R.F. performance no matter the strength of the input signal.

Quality, accountability and assuredness is why we design and produce our own front ends. Outsourcing this integral core would be, well... to be polite, rather inappropriate. This effort insures they meet our very rigid standards and specifications. Furthermore, great care is taken in matching all critical components, especially the IF filters.

An independent Toroidal power supply feeds this circuit and is designed to provide very stable voltages to all components. Ultimately, these particulars of dedication and uncompromising standards are not so our products will just test-out well in our lab, it's so they can perform in your listening room.

Review from HiFi+

Its been getting harder and harder to write about Magnum Dynalab tuners, because you keep running out of superlatives. Every time you hear one, you are surprised by how close to the studio you are getting. And the next one up the portfolio just gets better than the last. Now we are at the top of the Magnum Dynalab tree. Now, it gets silly. You start to question if it's possible to hear that much detail from a tuner source, no matter how impressive that source may be.

* * *
Of all the tuner benefits, the most obvious one is vocal articulation, though. The MD 109 sets a benchmark for voices that no other tuner can match as yet. News programmes take on a clarity and directness that makes them sound like it's a conversation in the room, not in a remote studio. The voices are not behind microphones, they are living, breathing solid human beings, there in the room with you.