McIntosh MR-87 Owners Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www mcintoshlabs.com

MR87

AM/FM Tuner

Owner’s Manual

The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en­closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK

OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-

ratus (including ampliers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar­ized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If

the provided plug does not t into your outlet,

consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by

the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manu­facturer, or sold with the appa­ratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied service person­nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-

To prevent the risk of electric

shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts

inside.

supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or

splashing and ensure that no objects lled

with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from
the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such

as sunshine, re or the like.

19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a
mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.

2

Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected
to the product, be sure the antenna or cable sys­tem is grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static charge.
Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/
NFPA 70, provides information with reguards
to proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an an­tenna discharge unit, and size of ground conduc­tors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connec­tion to ground electrodes and requirements for the
grounding electrode.

Example of antenna grounding as per

National Electrical Code,

ANSI/NFPA 70

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ..................................................2-3

Table of Contents ....................................................... 3

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...................... 3

Technical Assistance .................................................. 3

Customer Service and General Information .............. 4

Connector and Cable Information .............................4

Introduction ................................................................ 5

Performance Features ................................................ 5

Dimensions ................................................................6

Installation .................................................................7

Connections:

Rear Panel and RAA2 Connections .......................... 8

How to Connect Antennas ......................................... 9

How to Connect the MR87 ................................. 10 -11

Remote Control:

Remote Control Push-buttons .................................. 12

How to use the Remote Control ............................... 13

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MR87 AM/FM
Tuner ranks you at the very top among discriminating
music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIn­tosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will
receive many years of musical enjoyment from this
unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in
this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos­sible with all the features and functions of your new
McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:

Serial Number: _______________________________

Purchase Date: _______________________________

Front Panel and Setup:

Front Panel Displays, Controls and Push-buttons .... 14

Setup ................................................................... 15-19

Operation:

How to Operate the MR87 ..................................20 -23

Additional Information:

Photos .................................................................. 24-25

Specifications ........................................................... 26

Packing Instruction .................................................. 27

Copyright 2009 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Dealer Name: ________________________________

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

3

Customer Service

Power
Control

Ground

N/C

Data
Signal

N/C

Data
Ground

IR Data
Control

Ground

N/C

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 8

Pin 8

*Cable outer shield

PIN 1

PIN 2

PIN 3

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected

to the MR87 AM/FM Tuner.

2. The Main AC Power going to the MR87 and any

other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied

until all the system components are connected
together. Failure to do so could result in malfunc­tioning of some or all of the system’s normal opera­tions. When the MR87 and other McIntosh Com­ponents are in their Standby Power Off Mode, the
Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each component
is active and communication is occurring between
them.

3. The Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs may be
used simultaneously.

4. The Remote Control Supplied with the MR87
Tuner is capable of operating other components. For
additional information go to www.mcintoshlabs.
com.

5. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be thrown
away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance

4

with the local regulations concerning bat­tery disposal.

7. For additional information on the MR87
and other McIntosh Products please visit
the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintosh­labs.com.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Output Connectors on the MR87. Refer to the dia­grams for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal
PIN 3: - Signal

Power Control Connectors

The MR87 Power Control Input/Output Jacks receive/
send Power On/Off Signals when connected to other
McIntosh Components. A 1/8
inch stereo mini phone plug
is used for connection to the
Power Control Input/Output on
the MR87.

Note: The Data and Power

Control Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs on each end.

Data and IR Input Port Connectors

The MR87 Data In Port receives
Remote Control Signals. A 1/8
inch stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection. The IR Port
also use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug and allow the connec­tion of other brand IR Receivers
to the MR87.

RAA2 Connectors

Pin No. Wire Color

1. White/Orange

2. Orange

3. White/Green

4. Blue

5. White/Blue

6. Green

7. W hite /Br own

8. Brown
*Cable outer shield

Note: The RAA2 Connecting Cable is available from the

McIntosh Parts Department:

RAA2 Antenna Cable Part No. 171844

Twenty foot, shielded 8 conductor, with a shielded
RJ45 connector on each end.

Introduction

The MR87 AM/FM Tuner is an elegant instrument
for superb reception from Radio Stations. The MR87
uses the latest in technology for the best sound quality,
along with the convenient operation of a Dial Glass
with Tuning Pointer used in classic McIntosh Analog
Tu ne rs.

Performance Features

• Special FM RF Circuitry

The MR87 RF Circuitry receives strong local FM Sta­tion Signals without distortion and receives even the
weakest of FM Signals with low noise.

General Information, Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features

• Digital Audio Outputs

There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs for
external decoding of the PCM Signal.

• Multifunction Fluorescent Display

The Front Panel Display indicates various setup and
tuner functions.

• Information Service

The MR87 will indicate various text information such
as Station Call Sign, Music Genre, Artist Name and
Song Title when transmitted by the Radio Station.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom­plished by the combination of custom designed Fiber
Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit-

ting Diodes (LEDs).

• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror
Chassis Finish

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror
Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the MR87 will be
retained for many years.

• RAA2 External AM Antenna

The RAA2 External AM Antenna allows placement
of the AM Antenna for the best reception.

• Preset Stations and Permanent Memory

The MR87 Tuner stores up to twenty AM and FM
Station presets and they are retained in Permanent
Me mor y.

• Flywheel Tuning and Electronic Dial Pointer

The Smooth Acting Weighted Tuning mechanism with
Glass Dial and Illuminated Electronic Pointer recall
the classic McIntosh tuner designs of the 60’s and
70’s while a full complement of RS232 control with
metadata support makes the MR87 the go-to multi­format broadcast audio source for today’s whole-house
systems.

• Balanced Outputs

The Balanced Outputs allow connection of the MR87
to a Preamplifier using long cable lengths without a
loss in sound quality.

• Remote Control with External Sensor Input

The Remote Control provides control of the MR87 op­erating functions and other McIntosh Source Compo­nents. Enjoy your McIntosh System from other rooms
in your home by connecting external sensors.

• Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment

A Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On
of McIntosh Power Components and Accessories is
included.

• Special Power Supply

Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core
Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation
even though the power line varies.

• Gold Plated Connectors

The MR87 Digital and Analog Audio Connectors are
gold plated for superior corrosion resistance and high
electrical conductivity.

5

Dimensions

P1 91.5 MHz ST
Pink Floyd: Money

Side View of the MR87

Front View of the MR87

Rear View of the MR87

17-1/2"

44.45cm

6"

15.24cm

5-3/8"

13.69cm

4-5/8"

11.75cm

13-1/4"

33.65cm

17"

43.18cm

14-1/2"

36.83cm

15-7/8"

40.32cm

3/16"

0.48cm

4-13/16"

12.22cm

10-9/16"

26.83cm

5/8"

1.59cm

13/16"

2.06cm

2"

5.08cm

1-15/16"

4.92cm

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MR87.

Dimensions

6

Installation

11"

27.94cm

15"

38.1cm

15"

38.1cm

1"

2.54cm

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Support
Shelf

Chassis
Spacers

MR87 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

MR87 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

1-1/8"

2.86cm

12-5/16"

31.27cm

1-3/4"

4.45cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.

Cabinet
Front
Panel

MR87 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

17-1/16"

43.34cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet Front Panel

P1 91.5 z ST
Pink Floyd: oney

4-7/8"

12.38cm

2"

5.08cm

Custom Cabinet has
an open back and at
least 12” (30.48cm)
away from any surface
such as a wall

The MR87 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom in­stalled in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your
choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom
of the MR87 when it is custom installed as outlined
below. The four feet together with the mounting
screws should be retained for possible future use if the
MR87 is removed from the custom installation and
used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila­tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your
MR87. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the MR87 directly above a heat generating
component such as a high powered amplifier. If all
the components are installed in a single cabinet, a
quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in
maintaining all the system components at the coolest
possible operating temperature.

When the MR87 is placed free-standing on a flat

surface, allow at least 2 inches (5.08cm) above the
top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 2 inches
(5.08cm) on each side of the Tuner, so airflow is not
obstructed. Allow 19-1/2 inches (49.53cm) depth
behind the front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.66cm) in

front of the mounting panel for knob clearance.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the
minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Al-

low at least 2 inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2 inches
(5.08cm) below the bottom and 2 inches (5.08cm) on

each side of the Tuner, so airflow is not obstructed.
The Custom Cabinet should be open backed and at

least 12 inches (30.48cm) away from any surface such

as a wall. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the
mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the

drawing. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.66cm) in front of the

mounting panel for knob clearance.

Installation

7

Rear Panel and RAA2 Connections

RS232 connector
for communica­tions with an
external control
device

POWER CONTROL IN receives signals
from a McIntosh component (5-15 Volts

ON, 0 Volts OFF).

POWER CONTROL OUT sends out (12

Volts ON) signal to another McIntosh

Component when the MR87 is On.

Used for upgrad­ing the MR87
Fir mware

IR INput for
connecting an IR
Receiver

DATA IN receives
operating data from a
McIntosh Preamplifier
or Control Center

Connect to the RAA2 AM
ANT connector on MR87
using the supplied cable

AM ANT (Antenna) con­nector allows a McIntosh
RAA2 Remote Antenna
to be connected

Connect the MR87 power cord to a
live AC outlet. Refer to information
on the back panel of your MR87 to
determine the correct voltage for
your unit

8

COAXIAL AND OPTICAL
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
send signals to a Preamplifier
or Control Center with a D/A
Converter or a decoder

BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUTS
supply analog audio signals to
Balanced Inputs of other compo­nents

UNBALANCED AUDIO OUTPUTS
supply analog audio signals to Unbal­anced Inputs of other components

75 OHM FM ANT

(Antenna) connects

to an external FM
Antenna or cable

How to Connect Antenna Components

1. Using the supplied shielded cable, connect one end
into the RAA2 AM Antenna jack and the other
end of the same cable into the MR87 Tuner jack
labeled RAA2 AM ANT.

Note: If a longer length cable needs to be used between

the MR87 and the RAA2 AM Antenna, use an 8
conductor straight-thru cable with an outer shield
and RJ45 connectors on each end (shielded CAT5,
CAT5e or CAT6 patch cable).

2. Connect a 75 ohm coax cable from a FM Antenna
or cable system to the MR87, 75 OHM FM ANT
Connector.

Mounting the RAA2 AM Antenna

Tune to a station with the weakest signal and orient the
RAA2 Antenna for maximum signal with minimum
noise and distortion. After the location is determined,
the RAA2 AM Antenna
may be secured to a
suitable surface by using
two #6 1-3/4 to 2 inches

(4.44 to 5.08cm) long

screws, refer to the il­lustration to the right.

How to Connect Antennas

FM Antenna

9