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Anyone still into high end FM tuners?

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  • Anyone still into high end FM tuners?

    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?
    Magnepan 1.6 QR Loudspeakers, Amherst A-2000 MOSFET 150 WPC Amp, Conrad Johnson PV-10A Modded Tube Line & Phono Stage, Electrocompaniet MC II Class A Head Amp, Audio Technica AT-OC9XML Cart (Stereo) , Graham Engineering 2.2 Tonearm (Stereo) , VPI Aries-1 Turntable (Stereo) , VPI Clamp, Denon DL-102 Cart, (Mono) , Luxman Tonearm (Mono) , Kenwood KD-500 Turntable (Mono) , Michell Clamp, Marantz 20B Analog FM Tuner, Pioneer SACD, Onkyo DX-6800 CD Transport, DIY 24B/192K DAC, Sennheiser HD-650 Headphones, Headroom Max Balanced Headphone Amp, DIY Silver Interconnects

  • #2
    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.

    Comment


    • c1ferrari
      c1ferrari commented
      Editing a comment
      Haha...tooo much, Rust! :-)

    • MylesBAstor
      MylesBAstor commented
      Editing a comment
      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.

  • #3
    Originally posted by 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.
    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.
    Magnepan 1.6 QR Loudspeakers, Amherst A-2000 MOSFET 150 WPC Amp, Conrad Johnson PV-10A Modded Tube Line & Phono Stage, Electrocompaniet MC II Class A Head Amp, Audio Technica AT-OC9XML Cart (Stereo) , Graham Engineering 2.2 Tonearm (Stereo) , VPI Aries-1 Turntable (Stereo) , VPI Clamp, Denon DL-102 Cart, (Mono) , Luxman Tonearm (Mono) , Kenwood KD-500 Turntable (Mono) , Michell Clamp, Marantz 20B Analog FM Tuner, Pioneer SACD, Onkyo DX-6800 CD Transport, DIY 24B/192K DAC, Sennheiser HD-650 Headphones, Headroom Max Balanced Headphone Amp, DIY Silver Interconnects

    Comment


    • #4
      Originally posted by 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.
      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.
      Magnepan 1.6 QR Loudspeakers, Amherst A-2000 MOSFET 150 WPC Amp, Conrad Johnson PV-10A Modded Tube Line & Phono Stage, Electrocompaniet MC II Class A Head Amp, Audio Technica AT-OC9XML Cart (Stereo) , Graham Engineering 2.2 Tonearm (Stereo) , VPI Aries-1 Turntable (Stereo) , VPI Clamp, Denon DL-102 Cart, (Mono) , Luxman Tonearm (Mono) , Kenwood KD-500 Turntable (Mono) , Michell Clamp, Marantz 20B Analog FM Tuner, Pioneer SACD, Onkyo DX-6800 CD Transport, DIY 24B/192K DAC, Sennheiser HD-650 Headphones, Headroom Max Balanced Headphone Amp, DIY Silver Interconnects

      Comment


      • #5
        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.

        Comment


        • JCOConnell
          JCOConnell commented
          Editing a comment
          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.

      • #6
        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
        Analog: Scheu + Immedia RPM tonearm + Koetsu Black + Pass Xono or Threshold FET 10pe
        Amps: First Watt F7, HK Citation II
        Pre-Amps: CJ Premier 14, Threshold FET 10e, DIY 417a with output transformer
        Speakers: Horning Eufrodite, Reference 3A mm de capo
        Tuners: Sansui TU9900, McIntosh MR78
        Digital: i7 Server (Roon) + SSD, Sonore urendu + Mutec MC3+ USB + Berkeley Alpha Dac, Audiomeca Mephisto
        Power: Audience AR12, Torus Tot, DIY filters

        Comment


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

      • #7
        I gave up on mine because of lack of rack space. So I put my old Nikko Gamma V in storage.
        Myles B. Astor, PhD, Administrator
        Senior Editor, Positive-Feedback.com
        ________________________________________

        -Zellaton Plural Evo speakers
        -Goldmund Telos 440 and 1000 Nextgen mono amps
        -Goldmund Mimesis 37S Nextgen preamplifier
        -Doshi EVO and Goldmund PH3.8 phonostage
        -VPI Vanquish direct-drive turntable
        -VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy dual pivot tonearm, VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy gimballed and SAT LM-12 arm
        -Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, vdh Colibri Master Signature, Mutech Hayabusa,
        -Technics RS1506 with Flux Magnetic heads, Doshi V3.0 tape stage (balanced)
        -Assorted cables including Skogrand, Kubala-Sosna, Audience FrontRow; Audience FrontRow, Genesis Advanced Technologies , Goldmund and Ensemble Power Cords
        -Accessories including Stillpoint Aperture panels, Cathedral Sound panels, Furutech NCF Nano AC receptacles; Silver Circle Tchaik 6 PLC, Symposium ISIS and SRA Craz 3 racks, Audiodharma Cable Cooker, Symposium Ultra and assorted SRA OHIO Class 2.3+ platforms.

        Comment


        • #8
          Are FM radio stations required to broadcast over-the-air in analog
          If so, I might pick one up
          Vbr,

          Sam

          Comment


          • JCOConnell
            JCOConnell commented
            Editing a comment
            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
            c1ferrari commented
            Editing a comment
            Thanks...I think it might be fun to have a tuner!

        • #9
          Originally posted by MylesBAstor
          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.
          Steve Lefkowicz
          Senior Associate Editor at Positive Feedback
          -
          Analog 1: Linn LP12 (MOSE/Hercules II), Ittok, Dynavector 10X5 MK.II Low, iPhono2/iPowerX; Analog 2: Pro-Ject RPM-1 Carbon, Talisman S, iFi iPhono.
          Digital: Geekom Mini PC (i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, JRiver Media Center 29, Tidal HiFi, Qobuz Studio), iFi NEO iDSD, iFi iUSB3, iPurifier2, Audioquest Jitterbug FMJ.
          Electronics: Khozmo Stereo Passive with AMRG Ladder Attenuator and "NewClassD" Active Stage, Antique Sound Labs MG-SI15DT-S, Burson Timekeeper Virtuoso
          Speakers: Tekton Perfect SET 15, Tekton Lore, Magneplaner .7, GoldenEar BRX
          Interconnects: Morrow Audio MA1, Vermouth Audio Black Pearl, Audioquest Evergreen
          Speaker cables: Morrow Audio SP4, Vermouth Audio Red Velvet, Audioquest Type 5
          Digital cables: Aural Symphonics USB, iFi Gemini twin-head USB.
          Accessories: Sound Organization turntable shelf, Mondo racks, Pangea Audio Vulcan rack, AV Room Services EVPs under the speakers, Pi Audio Group Über BUSS, Monster HTS2000 power conditioner, Kinetronics anti-static brush, Pro-Ject VC-S record cleaner, Spin Clean record cleaner.
          Headphones: Schiit Valhalla amp, Burson Conductor Virtuoso Amp, Meze Audio 99 Classic and 99 Neo, Beyerdynamic DT770Pro 600 ohm, 1More Triple Driver Over Ear, 1More Triple Driver IEM

          Comment


          • #10
            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.

            Source: Kuzma XL DC/Safir 9/CAR60; Phono: Zanden 1200 Signature; Tuner: Magnum Dynalab MD-108T Signature; Line Stage: Misho Myronov Wooden Pre; Power amp: Lamm 1.2 Reference; Speakers: AlsyVox Botticelli, Avalon Isis; Grounding: Tripoint Troy Elite NG; Cable system: Cardas Clear Beyond; Stands: Finite Elemente Master Reference & Master Reference Heavy Duty; Power strip: Cardas Nautilus; Power filter: P.I Audo: BUSS Depot; Acoustics treatment: Svanå Miljöteknik AB (SMT);

            Comment


            • #11
              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.

              Comment


              • #12
                Originally posted by JCOConnell

                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.
                Micro Seiki SX-8000 table with flywheel, SME 3012R arm, SME 312S arm, Lyra Etna SL and Dynavector XV-1S cartridges, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 tape deck, Ampex 350 repros, Roon Nucleus Plus server, PS Audio DSJ DAC, ARC Ref 6 pre, ARC Ref 75 amp, Parasound JC5 amp, JBL 4345 speakers, and Def Tech Ref subs.

                Comment


                • JCOConnell
                  JCOConnell commented
                  Editing a comment
                  some say its a SS version of the 10B

              • #13
                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.

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                Myles B. Astor, PhD, Administrator
                Senior Editor, Positive-Feedback.com
                ________________________________________

                -Zellaton Plural Evo speakers
                -Goldmund Telos 440 and 1000 Nextgen mono amps
                -Goldmund Mimesis 37S Nextgen preamplifier
                -Doshi EVO and Goldmund PH3.8 phonostage
                -VPI Vanquish direct-drive turntable
                -VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy dual pivot tonearm, VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy gimballed and SAT LM-12 arm
                -Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, vdh Colibri Master Signature, Mutech Hayabusa,
                -Technics RS1506 with Flux Magnetic heads, Doshi V3.0 tape stage (balanced)
                -Assorted cables including Skogrand, Kubala-Sosna, Audience FrontRow; Audience FrontRow, Genesis Advanced Technologies , Goldmund and Ensemble Power Cords
                -Accessories including Stillpoint Aperture panels, Cathedral Sound panels, Furutech NCF Nano AC receptacles; Silver Circle Tchaik 6 PLC, Symposium ISIS and SRA Craz 3 racks, Audiodharma Cable Cooker, Symposium Ultra and assorted SRA OHIO Class 2.3+ platforms.

                Comment


                • #14
                  Interesting read!

                  marantz, 10b, tuner, fm, magnum dynalab, md-108, positive feedback, audio
                  Myles B. Astor, PhD, Administrator
                  Senior Editor, Positive-Feedback.com
                  ________________________________________

                  -Zellaton Plural Evo speakers
                  -Goldmund Telos 440 and 1000 Nextgen mono amps
                  -Goldmund Mimesis 37S Nextgen preamplifier
                  -Doshi EVO and Goldmund PH3.8 phonostage
                  -VPI Vanquish direct-drive turntable
                  -VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy dual pivot tonearm, VPI 12-inch 3D Fat Boy gimballed and SAT LM-12 arm
                  -Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, vdh Colibri Master Signature, Mutech Hayabusa,
                  -Technics RS1506 with Flux Magnetic heads, Doshi V3.0 tape stage (balanced)
                  -Assorted cables including Skogrand, Kubala-Sosna, Audience FrontRow; Audience FrontRow, Genesis Advanced Technologies , Goldmund and Ensemble Power Cords
                  -Accessories including Stillpoint Aperture panels, Cathedral Sound panels, Furutech NCF Nano AC receptacles; Silver Circle Tchaik 6 PLC, Symposium ISIS and SRA Craz 3 racks, Audiodharma Cable Cooker, Symposium Ultra and assorted SRA OHIO Class 2.3+ platforms.

                  Comment


                  • #15
                    Originally posted by 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.
                    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.
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                    Last edited by Marcus; 04-09-2016, 07:03 AM.
                    Source: Kuzma XL DC/Safir 9/CAR60; Phono: Zanden 1200 Signature; Tuner: Magnum Dynalab MD-108T Signature; Line Stage: Misho Myronov Wooden Pre; Power amp: Lamm 1.2 Reference; Speakers: AlsyVox Botticelli, Avalon Isis; Grounding: Tripoint Troy Elite NG; Cable system: Cardas Clear Beyond; Stands: Finite Elemente Master Reference & Master Reference Heavy Duty; Power strip: Cardas Nautilus; Power filter: P.I Audo: BUSS Depot; Acoustics treatment: Svanå Miljöteknik AB (SMT);

                    Comment


                    • Tunes
                      Tunes commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Many thanks for your detailed reply Marcus!
                      Chris
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