Sorry not to answer your question. But I am seriously trying to be helpful. I would recommend a streamer. You can get thousands of stations from all over the world, and depending on the quality of the streamer, with much greater fidelity. In addition, you get access to hundreds of thousands of digital tunes, many in greater resolution than red book CD. The service cost for access is the same as buying a CD a month..$14.99 / month for Qobuz… whom most audiophiles consider the best service… with the most high Rez content. Also, as broadcast stations disappear, more internet stations appear.
I looked up something like Bosnian jazz and found a couple dozen stations… the amount of available music in this way is virtually infinite. While I have a very good system, streaming sound quality is as satisfying as my vinyl rig and with only minutely less detail.
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Thank you. I am looking forward to getting a streamer in the future. I will also be looking for a DAC, but there are some local stations that I would like to pick-up and think that beginning with a tuner would be more cost effective.
I do wonder if I can pick-up local stations on a Streamer.
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Thank you. That website is a true archive! It seems great if you're researching something in particular. Otherwise it is a bit overwhelming from my starting point.
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I still enjoy using a tuner. There are many outstanding vintage FM tuners that you can get . The Japanese tuners from the seventies were tops. I have owned many tuners. Kenwood, Sansui, Luxman, Pioneer and many other brands can be had for a song. If you are looking to buy a new tuner there are not many companies that still make tuners. BTW, I now use a Magnum Dynalab !
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Are those vintage tuners available without the amp section? Or can you bypass the amp section and send just the tuner source to a newer amp?
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Tuners do not have an amp. You can use a basic tuner directly plugged into a power amp. Just make sure you have a way to adjust the volume!
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Wouldn't a tuner with an "amp section" be a receiver?
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Yes, for sure, That was my question regarding the old Kenwood, Sansui, Luxman and Pioneer equipment. I didn't know if they actually made just tuners. My experience with those brands is receivers.
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I have several vintage tuners, including a McIntosh MR77. In present use is a 1978 Mitsubishi DA-F10. That and its DA-F20 sibling are in the top category of Jap 70's FM tuners! I bought mine on eBay for $200. All tuners can produce 1 - 2 volts so they can drive a power amp directly. No need for an active preamp. Depending upon how far you are from a transmitter you can even use an indoor dipole antenna and get excellent results! That's what I use 30 miles from Tampa.
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You can run any tuner straight into the Van Alstine and use its front panel pots to control volume.
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They all made basic FM tuners. Take look on Ebay and you will see over a thousand listings for FM tuners!
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It seems that the technology for tuners has not changed very much since the 70's, so vintage may be at least as good as something newer.
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Thanks Yogiboy. I just wanted to make sure that I understood.
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Another plug for Magnum Dynalab analog tuners, which can be had for <$400 used (FT101/Etude, etc.). Never was able to own one (they cost some good $$$ when new), so I settled for a couple of digital bits (Yamaha and an Adcom) - but sold them many (many) years back when I headed for hi res and eventually, streaming.
I had auditioned an MD tuner back then for more than a week (dealers that allow you to do that are far and few in-between), and loved the sonics (for FM), PLUS the ability to slightly analog "detune" from the center frequency for the best reception (in CA large cities - this is a definite plus). As mentioned, and eventually return the MD and took home the Yamaha.
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I bought 3 tuners last month and they are good to great. The best one is the Magnum Dynalab 108T. It has tube somewhere in the signal path. Normally this is a no-no for me but this tuner sounds so good. Crystal clear sound that approaches CD quality. Very expensive for me but it was a trade-in from my 15-year-old Magnum Dynalab 102. The 108T is a lot better in every aspect though the MD102 is also very good.
The next best was the Accuphase T-101 which I bought from a guy/company who was getting rid of all of his modded tuners. This 40+ year old tuner sound incredible. Almost as good as the MD108T.
Accuphase T-101 Super Tuner (MINT)! | Tuners | Audiogon
Get in touch with this seller and see if he has any more tuners. He had a couple of the T-101 when I got mine. This guy seemed like he really knew how to make tuners last and sound great.
The 3rd tuner I got was the following:
Sansui TU9900 Stereo Tuner For Sale - US Audio Mart
This was refurbished last year by these guys who may also sell tuners.
Services | Vintage Stereo Restorations (qrxrestore.com)
This one is not as detailed as the other 2 but a fantastic listen nevertheless.
I have 3 systems and have great streaming setup on each. However, the station I want to listen to sounds better on the FM airways.
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+1 on the Accuphase T101, I own two of them (and I also stream).
For less $ look at Yamaha, Pioneer and Kenwood.
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All good suggestions above and it will involve a lot of research on your part.
With that said I also recommend a Magnum Dynalab product. There are several models to choose from both new and used.
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A good FM signal can sound really good with a good tuner and antenna. Pay attention to the last item. Depending on your location, you may need to consider a roof mounted antenna.
The FM Tuner site previously mentioned is a great resource. Yes, it can seem a little overwhelming, but a good place to start is the tuner shootout. You can see what they subjectively think are the "best" tuners and there is also useful information about what they typically sell for.
I have a Magnum Dynalabs Etude and a roof mounted antenna and listen to jazz all day while I work from the local NPR station and it sounds fantastic.
I'm all for streaming music from quality sources, but there are only a handful of high-quality "radio" streams. Radio Paradise is fantastic. Most of the FM stations are being streamed at low bit rates and sound quality is nowhere near the quality of a good FM over air broadcast.
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This has been very helpful. Thank you for your recommendations.
Regarding the reception of a tuner in general, am I likely to pick-up about the same stations as I do in a car with an indoor antenna?
With the same antenna, is the reception similar between tuners? Or are some tuners clearly better with reception?
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Ha Big Greg, I was writing my question about antennas before your response!
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You may be able to get a decent amount of stations with a $2.00 dipole. Rooftop is mandatory for optimum performance.
Unless you like Classical/Jazz and NPR, everything else is not worth the effort. Perhaps you're in an area with a decent sounding Rock station? Here in SoCal, the choices are limited along with terrible SQ.
My daily driver is a 1965 Mcintosh MR71-13 tubes of good ol FM
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You may be able to get a decent amount of stations with a $2.00 dipole. Rooftop is mandatory for optimum performance.
Agreed!
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The best reception I have was with my Sony XDR-F1HD tuner. It is discontinued but was super cheap. There are a lot of other posters who also think this little guy has the best reception. I got mine modified by this guy.
Welcome - About - Contact (xdrguy.com)
I am no longer using the Sony because my other 3 tuners sound a bit to a lot better.
I have 2 Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antennas. I have 1 hanging upside down on the roof line and the other is inside on a window. I have a 3rd indoor antenna that is truly excellent but I cannot figure out what the name of the antenna is. I bought it a few years ago for about $100.
Best FM Tuners, FM Antennas, Music Streamers, Integrated Amplifiers, Internet Tuners (magnumdynalab.com)
In terms of reception the best to worst on my collection:
1) Sony XDR-F1HD (not using now but worked great with both type of antennas)
2) Accuphase T-101 (use indoor St-2)
3) Sansui T-9900 (use unknown indoor antenna)
4) Magnum Dynalab 108T (use outdoor ST-2)
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Your need for an antenna will vary based on your proximity to the broadcast tower, strength of signal, hills, building, etc. between you and the tower.
Some tuners do a better job pulling in distant stations. Some are better at separating out signals that are close on the tuner dial. That kind of info is also on the fmtunerinfo site.
This site is helpful in seeing where you are in proximty to the broadcast tower: Coverage Maps FAQ (radio-locator.com)
If you're close, a simple di-pole indoor antenna might be fine, but a roof antenna should give you a better signal, even if you're close. I've tried some indoor antennas from Terk (not so great) and Magnum Dynalabs (decent). They may or may not be better than the free or almost free dipole antenna, depending on the station and other variables mentioned.
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You may be able to get a decent amount of stations with a $2.00 dipole. Rooftop is mandatory for optimum performance.
Likewise, completely! I couldn't get the better half to agree on mounting a rooftop on our new construction, so I had to compromise between the simple dipole and a rooftop with the ST-2. I mounted this in our rather large attic, against the rafters. Not only did it make the MD sing, but the Yamaha and Adcom were very happy to inherit it. 😉
The next best was the Accuphase T-101 which I bought from a guy/company who was getting rid of all of his modded tuners.
Love the look of Accuphase (and Luxman) stuff! Didn't know about the T-101; it'll be hilarious to see the look on the better half's face when she realizes I'm looking for another tuner, after having sold the last one many moons past.
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I’ve owned a Magnum Dynalab FT-101A since new. It was upgraded by MD to an Etude, and I recently upgraded the capacitors in the power section as well as the output section.
Much prefer the sound I get from the analog tuner to what internet radio provides. It’s far more musical. Does it have the resolution? No. But it sounds better to my ears.
Not sure how radio fills your day, but I listen to it all day long. Need something pleasant sounding.
And the ST-2 antenna is a must for any tuner. It really is amazing! Sure, you can make one - thick solid copper wire attached to a coax cable (copper wire being 1/2 the wavelength of the middle of the dial which is approximately 1.5 meters) - but the ST-2 sounds better and pulls in more stations.
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I have been more than happy with a Carver TX-11 I picked up used for $80. Along with sounding great to my ears, it has a relatively high output signal, which may be an advantage if pairing with a passive preamp.
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The Accuphase looks like a very fine piece, especially being refurbished with expert care, but the price is too much of a stretch for me.
I'd be more comfortable under $300.
These responses have been very helpful and I am going back and forth between tuners for sale and the fmtunerinfo page.
Magnum Dynalab seems like a good choice and am keeping my eyes out for nice vintage, but it does seem that the older tuners especially, may benefit from some refurbishing and/or upgrades.
The hunt continues for now!
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"I'd be more comfortable under $300."
If you look at the listings, 2 in your price range. There is a Marantz for $350. Prices are always negotiable.
If you're adventurous, a true "vintage" Sherwood for $250. The Sherwood is tubed, so it will produce a sound unlike other inexpensive SS units. Tube tuners, subjectively, have a more "organic" or convincing presentation.
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I have a Magnum Dynalab MD 102 and a Fanfare FT1a. I had a MD 90 and sent it in for repair. They gave me a trade in offer on the 102 I couldn’t pass up and I’ve been enjoying it for seven years. I listen to FM every day
I just picked up a used Fanfare FT1a and it’s awesome. I actually bought it for a second system but it’s currently connected to my main system. It sounds awesome, has presets and remote. Unfortunately they are no longer in business but it’s the best 200 I’ve spent in a while and was worth the risk. It sounds great and works flawlessly and picks up stations in NH and RI and I’m just outside Boston.
Magnum tuners have a flat $150 repair fee and they are good to deal with in my experience
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@big_greg , offers excellent advice. When it comes to tuners, like real estate, it comes down to; "location, location, location"
FWIW, IME, Magnum Dynalab’s own cheaper (though still somewhat expensive for what it is) previously called "silver ribbon", presently called SR-100 worked better than their own more expensive ST-2 or the Fanfare equivalent.
While the Magnum Dynalab’s tuners are very good quality, for under $300 you might find better value from some of the offerings from Luxman, Denon etc..
Again, consider what @big_greg posted, and seek a tuner that has favorable specs for your particular needs, whether that be sensitivity or selectivity.
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Asks about an fm tuner…. Immediately gets a reply about streaming.
i recommend an tuner rebuilt by the xdr guy. Very nice indeed.
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Sold off all my former McIntosh / Sansui tuners unable to keep them all. Kept one.
Currently listening to my Magnum Dynalab MD-102 FM tuner. Enjoying it for the past 10yrs. Sometimes I get tired of streaming and just wanna hear some FM.
@imaninatural there is one I can think of that sounds good for the $, and its not too vintage old, could be a nice buy to match with the AVA SET 120. Look this one up, Marantz ST6000. This unit kinda holds its own against some vintage tuners, people sell them cheap sometimes https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/marantz-st6000_e.html
Best of Luck. FM is still fun for some of diehards :)
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A very good tuner is the Cambridge Audio T500. It is the same as Creek t43....excellent reception and sound. Although I’m using an attic Arial for mine, so your results may vary....you can find the t500 on ebay for about $120....Alternatively you can buy mine, as I have 2...message me if interested....also have a Marantz st6000.
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NAD 4130
Arcam T61
Antenna
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I use a Pioneer F-90 into a passive volume control to a EL84 SE amp. The sound is nice. I remember that when I got it I had seen somewhere that it was voted the 22 best tuner. From where I am some FM stations sound very good, even better than the Internet/raspberry pie/hifi-berry combo I also use for de-materialized music.
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This thread inspired me to buy a $10 antenna
Amazon.com: Bingfu 75 Ohm FM Antenna and AM Loop Antenna for Pioneer Onkyo Yamaha Marantz Indoor HD Radio FM Radio Bluetooth Home Stereo Receiver AV Audio Vedio Home Theater Receiver Power : Electronics
and put my Sony XDR-F1HD back in on my office system. This tuner has regular FM and HD FM which is useful when my fav station does news. They basically re-read, NYT, WSJ, etc. Their HD frequency is 24 hours of music (but not as interesting as the DJ based regular programming).
The reception with this antenna is amazing. As I stated above, the best reception I have on my 4 tuners is with this Sony.
Anyways, this Sony is such a good tuner. Ebay has them listed for under $150. I have mine modified by the XDRGuy.com so maybe why this sounds so good. There is a switch in the back that the XDRGuy added that has a big difference in sound. I need to read up on what that switch does, but I think one setting is his mods.
The mods were only a few hundred dollars. I think I paid under $500 long ago for the tuner and mods as a package.
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@yyzsantabarbara
Thanks! I would so love to take a listen to that Accuphase, but the explosion fallout I'll experience when I bring it home, haha - let's just say I really don't like sleeping on the couch. 😁
@imaninatural
I'd hate to keep plugging it, but definitely would still recommend if you can stretch that budget (hey - I could always share some distant company sleeping on the couch, LOL) up to the $400-$450 with an MD. That would make the search much easier. However, if budget is a hard constraint, there are plenty of great recommendations on this thread - the problem will be finding one that meets your sensitivity/selectivity and sound quality needs.
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BTW - I ran out of RCA cables so I temporarily swapped one from my Musetec 005 DAC to the Sony and this Sony sounds better than I have ever heard. I have always used RCA cables costing less than $100 on the Sony but now I think I will have to keep this Audience AU24 SE RCA on the Sony. The cable costs more than the modded Sony.
Modded Tuners For Sale (xdrguy.com)
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When I first thought about a tuner, I didn't expect too much variation in quality. I was mistaken for sure and now that I know more about some of the differences it is hard to settle for less than a good match for my current system. It seems that I always end up paying a little more than I expected, and I suspect that I am not alone!
I've really enjoyed reading all these posts and look forward to them!
Thank you
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Highly recommend Magnum Dynalab.
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I’ve owned a bunch of nice tuners in the last almost 40 years. Even though I’ve had a number of very good digital tuners, I always prefer an analog tuner. Prices have come way down on tuners and room might be a concern with the tall 70’s analog tuners. Let us know your budget for a tuner and any size restrictions that you may have.
For a smaller analog tuner, I’d highly recommend the NAD 4300, Yamaha T2, Creek CAS3140 and PS Audio ST1 if you can find one.
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I had a Fanfare FT1 and liked it. FM is not good in this area...can't put an aerial on the roof
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Hi Imaninatural, I felt compelled to respond because I'm a tuner guy. I love being in touch with local broadcasts daily. Especially a classical station about 40 miles away. I love analog tuners as much for the asthetic. I good face plate is a great addition to a system in my opinion. I currently enjoy a Mcintosh MR 77. Other noteables that I've researched include Accuphase T-100 and 101, Mcintosh MR 67 and 71 (tube), and 77/78 (solid state). Magum Dynalab 106-109 series. Most are out of your current stated price range but something to think about down the road. Also keep in mind that a modestly priced tuner can be augmented with a good roof mounted antenna. If you go that route pleas make sure it's grounded properly or get a professional to install.
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@scottya118 Thank you for the encouragement regarding the aesthetic of the analog faceplate. I'm really drawn to analog for the aesthetics and also the feel of turning the tuning knob. Years ago I had a Technics SA-700 and loved the dense momentum I could feel when I turned the knob to shift stations.
Your comments, along with several others above, have encouraged me to consider a higher budget.
You mentioned that a modestly priced tuner can be augmented by a good roof mounted antenna. Do you feel that a higher end tuner will perform adequately with lesser antenna? I ask because I'm wondering if shifting the cost (and possible hassle) from a roof mount antenna to a better tuner with a lesser antenna would be a reasonable consideration.
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The performance of any analog tuner, regardless of price, will be dependent in part on the strength of a signal. Price differentials will be apparent with sound quality. But you need to start with the first to enjoy the second. I recommend checking out denny's anntena in Ithaca, Michigan. He's very helpful, currently offers an FM antenna and advice on installation. Sallelite Radio Superstore also offers hardware including "J" poles that can be side mounted, thus avoiding holes in your roof. Above all else, if you go this route you MUST ground appropriately. Preferable with a ground rod. Denny sells all of this. I also recommend RG-6 coax cable.
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Your satisfaction with an FM tuner will largely depend on what broadcast stations are in your area. The website Radio Locator is a great tool. Enter your zip code and it will tell you all the stations broadcasting nearby along with their format and signal strength.
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