Anyone still into high end FM tuners?

[JCOConnell]

I noticed there is no posting category for FM Tuners but I still listen to FM stereo at home (via outdoor antenna) every now and then and still have my collection of high end fm tuners.
All my tuners are in full working order and aligned. I have a Marantz 20B and Philips AH-673 (both analog) as well as an Onkyo T-9090 , JVC-1010, and Sony 5ES (digitals). FM is great when you don't want to play dj and internet radio doesn't cut it for sound quality. Anybody else still into FM Stereo?

[Rust]

Still running an old Sansui TU-717 purchased in 1978. Also Pioneer and two Yamaha receivers. Regarding Sansui, I'm of the opinion that Sansui's top of the line equipment was a lot better than some folks think of old Japanese gear. There are several NPR stations and college stations in my area so the musical diversity is much better than the typical "I Fart Radio" incessantly repeated dreck.

[c1ferrari]

Haha...tooo much, Rust! :-)

[MylesBAstor]

Interestingly, the college radio stations in New York have some of the best music. WKCR at Columbia is renowned for its jazz offerings and many former WKCR broadcasters went onto careers in the music industry.

[JCOConnell]

Still running an old Sansui TU-717 purchased in 1978. Also Pioneer and two Yamaha receivers. Regarding Sansui, I'm of the opinion that Sansui's top of the line equipment was a lot better than some folks think of old Japanese gear. There are several NPR stations and college stations in my area so the musical diversity is much better than the typical "I Fart Radio" incessantly repeated dreck.

For FM, I typically like classic rock, and there is one station in town that has a pretty good playlist. Its not as big as I would like and the dynamics are a little compressed compared to the classical stations, but its still pretty good. And the signal is strong which never hurts.

[JCOConnell]

Still running an old Sansui TU-717 purchased in 1978. Also Pioneer and two Yamaha receivers. Regarding Sansui, I'm of the opinion that Sansui's top of the line equipment was a lot better than some folks think of old Japanese gear. There are several NPR stations and college stations in my area so the musical diversity is much better than the typical "I Fart Radio" incessantly repeated dreck.

Speaking of old, my Marantz 20B is 1971 vintage but still running strong, even the scope. I had it overhauled when I bought it about 8 yrs ago. I think its my favorite tuner of the bunch.

[Rust]

There are a couple of classic rock stations in the area, but their playlists are about as limited as the "I Fart Radio" stations. Apparently rock didn't exist before 1975 or so.

[JCOConnell]

oh no, the classic rock station in my town, ft Lauderdale, fl, goes back to about 1965 or so. all that late 60's stuff gets on.

[GaryB]

I still have a few nice old tuners. Mostly listen to a Sansui TU-9900 but also have a McIntosh MR78 and a Sony ST-S730es. All have been gone through and revived and sound good, or at least good enough that you're limited more by the sound quality of the FM stations. There are a few good local stations that play jazz and classical and a few interesting college stations that are worth sampling from time to time. And of course NPR.
---Gary

[JCOConnell]

I had a sony ST-S730ES for a while, that's a nice tuner. Mine had the wood sides and sounded great.

[MylesBAstor]

I gave up on mine because of lack of rack space. So I put my old Nikko Gamma V in storage.

[c1ferrari]

Are FM radio stations required to broadcast over-the-air in analog
If so, I might pick one up

[JCOConnell]

I don't know if they are required but most do for compatibility sake. The dial is full where I live. Before buying a FM tuner, you should checkout
the tuner information website: www.fmtunerinfo.com

[c1ferrari]

Thanks...I think it might be fun to have a tuner!

[Steve Lefkowicz]

I gave up on mine because of lack of rack space. So I put my old Nikko Gamma V in storage.

I have a Nikko Gamma 20. Worked great for years, but stopped one day and I haven't felt it was worth repairing. I love Nikko tuners though.

. I also have a NAD 4155 (or something like that) that I'd like to sell. Works great but sits in a box in the garage now. Radio is strictly in the car for me these days.

[Marcus]

I love FM tuners! I use Magnum Dynalab MD-108T Signature and it is absolutely fantastic. The Signature upgrade is really something special (and reasonably priced) and lifted the performance more than I expected.

[Tunes]

I use a 108t as well and love it. Marcus, what is the impact of the signature upgrade? I have not yet sprung for that.

[mep]

Speaking of old, my Marantz 20B is 1971 vintage but still running strong, even the scope. I had it overhauled when I bought it about 8 yrs ago. I think its my favorite tuner of the bunch.

The 20B is the bomb. Best sounding SS tuner I have ever heard. It sounds so sweet, you could think it is tubes.

[JCOConnell]

some say its a SS version of the 10B

[MylesBAstor]

No 10B or Day-Sequerras?

I understand the 10B is a great tuner but getting one tube (of what 21 tubes(?)) is a nightmare. Dick Sequerra told me he spoke with Phillips about that tube type and was assured it would be around forever. Then as soon as he builds the 10B, Phillips discontinues that tube.

[MylesBAstor]

Interesting read!

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue20/marantz10b.htm

[Marcus]

I use a 108t as well and love it. Marcus, what is the impact of the signature upgrade? I have not yet sprung for that.

The upgrade brings more transparency, dimensionality, clarity, freshness, authority and better dynamics. The upgrade is extensive. The power supply is completely redesigned and as is seen from the photo, they left only transformers. Also the output board with the TRACC Mk2 is completely redesigned. No more Opamps, new teflon capacitors, better resistors and "new Telefunken" Black Diamond 6922 tubes are now used instead of old Bugle Boys. These tubes are made in JJ factory in Slovakia and are said to be clones of legendary Telefunken tubes.

[Tunes]

Many thanks for your detailed reply Marcus!
Chris