A thin film magnetic recording medium with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; and a layer stack atop the substrate surface, comprising at least one magnetic recording layer and a plurality of layers beneath the at least one magnetic recording layer, including: a first underlayer proximal the substrate surface; a second, grain size refinement underlayer in overlying contact with the first underlayer; a third, in-plane growth orientation underlayer in overlying contact with the second underlayer; and a magnetic stabilization layer in overlying contact with the third underlayer, wherein the third underlayer comprises manganese (Mn).