McIntosh MR55-A // Vintage / AM/FM Stereo Tube Tuner / Restored (3K356)

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.