A magneto-resistive (MR) device for reading at least one of a legacy data signal and a present data signal magnetically recorded on at least one legacy track and a least one present track, respectively, is provided. The device comprises first and second MR elements, and first, second, and third permanent magnets. The first MR read element is positioned between the first and the second permanent magnets to stabilize the first MR read element while reading the legacy data signal from the media. The second MR element is positioned adjacent to the second permanent magnet and configured to read the present data signal from the media. The third permanent magnet is positioned adjacent to the second MR element and opposite to the second permanent magnet. The second and the third permanent magnets cooperate with each other to stabilize the second MR read element while reading the present data signal from the media.