Vintage Tuner-Only wonderful because it's the SOUND I grew up with?.....


I scooped up a lovely vintage 70s, Nikko FAM 500 Tuner.  

When I work from home, I will stream certain Chicagoland radio stations while working.  Several have pretty strong data over stream - per Roon's readings of the connection. 

I plumped the cute yet smartly designed Nikko into place and the machine sounds great!  I've only listened to FM stereo so far. It's been hours, so who knows?  But I sure am enjoying a smooth sound with a bit wider soundstage--I know those to be true. 

I wonder for a second.. . What was so wrong with radio when played over just decent equipment?  

So, do vintage tuners have a subjective sound quality that makes them enjoyable? Or is this the sound I grew up with, which is just great with faults.   

 

jbhiller

Showing 1 response by jbhiller

Great responses.  It is interesting how using a machine like a tuner or tape deck or turntable changes or influences the process of listening and enjoyment. 

Listening late last night to the Nikko showed me a few things.  While there are some inherent artifacts in the signal, the depth of the soundstage and imaging are quite something--just a different sound than streaming. But.... the inner detail on bass is lacking.

I was surprised at how enjoyable the sound is. 

@jasonbourne52 , that's a sweet tuner. I've been watching those. 

 

@audioguy85 , I'm not familiar with your unit.  I'm going to check it out. 

 

@pindac , thank you for the kind words and encouragement to enjoy the journey!!