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.
- Production
- 1959-62
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 3K356
- Orig. MSRP
- $276
- 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
- Factory 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)
- The History of McIntosh
- Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
- 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.
- Packing
- Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $100, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 9252461773021
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.
Production
1959-62
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
3K356
Orig. MSRP
$276
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
Factory 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)
The History of McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
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.
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $100, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
9252461773021
