Need comments on the Magnum Dynalab MD-90 FM Tuner

No. I was not able to audition the Meridian 504 against the MD-90 or the MD-100 (or the MD102). Retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area do not stock any of these models BUT, of course, would be happy to take my check to purchase one. I researched as much as possible on various audio sites and contacted several people who owned various models. The people that owned the Meridian 504 were very happy and for $600, it was a good deal. The 504 sounds excellent. cheers.

Hgeifman,
Did you get a chance to audition the Meridian 504 against the MD-90 or even the MD-100?
I'd be interested in your opinion.

Thanks in adavance...

Selecting a FM tuner is very complex and everyone you talk to has a different opinion. Please see www.fmtunerinfo.com for even more suggestions. I researched tuners for several months and people told me the Magnum Dynalab MD-102 was better than the MD-90. However, I did not want to pay $2,000+ for the MD-102. The vintage tuners were highly recommended but I could not find one in an acceptable condition (to me). I finally purchased the Meridian 504 FM tuner for $600 that included a 2 year warranty from Meridian. While it does not have all the control features, it sounds excellent to my ears. I am using the Fanfare FM-2G whip antenna. I hope this helps. cheers..

I also read the review in The Absolute Sound and am interested in MD-90, which is their entry level tuner. I'm wondering if is worth the extra cost to buy one of their more expensive models. Any feedback? Thanks.

MD tuners are great if you have too many stations/too much interference or too much distance. They tune like no others. Don't pay for the tube upgrade until you own the unit and have played for a while. You may not need/want to go there.

The MD tuners are beautiful tuners and I don't doubt you would enjoy it, but for $1000 I suspect you could buy a vintage tuner for a third the price, or less, and outperform the MD. Furthermore you could have the vintage tuner sent off to be modded and have an incredible tuner, still far under 1k.

http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/

I got mine 2 months ago (don't know anything about the tube upgrade), though I did get it with balanced outputs and the Kimber silver wiring. It is my first stand alone tuner so I can't make a comparison except to say visually it is tastefully done and the tuning is pinpoint perfect.

I just got my MD-90 about 3 weeks ago. Couldn't be happier. Replaced Creek T43 which is also very good, But MD-90 edges it out. Can't comment on tube upgrade, have not heard it.
Good Luck.