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What are the Best Sounding FM Tuners

Here is my new and revised list. What is yours?
1. Sansui TU-9900, modified. This is now the best tuner I have ever heard. Llyod Moss (WQXR) sounds like he is sitting in front of me.
2. NEC T-6, modified. Not far from the above, very robust and clean.
3. MR-74. with IF mods in NARROW and a few audio cap changes, very dynamic and full-bodied sound, a toe-tapper.
4. Quad FM-3 modified, Replacement of the single IF filter module with two standard ceramic IF filters allows fairly good selectivity and amazing stereo separation. Senstivity is not the best, good for the city.
5. Luxman T-02, modified, A tough tuner to beat for fringe reception with excellent fidelity.
6. Akai AT-ST, modified. The direct-coupled audio stages yield great sound, five-gang front end makes it very sensitive, dual IF bandwidth on AM.
7. Yamaha T-1 and T-2, stock. If the switching works for all
the automatic features (which is very rare) they will give excellent, clear sound.
8. Sony ST-S550ES, modified. Audio ouput IC must be changed, then great detailed sound.
9. Kenwood KT-727, modified. Perhaps too rare to mention, but wow can it get good -- very detailed like the above Sony.
10. Marantz ST-17, stock. Often discounted by
accessories4less. A good buy. Needs a fairly good signal for stereo reception, otherwise excellent.
bdscott
seurat
63 posts
 
I must say that the Accuphase T-109V is one of the best tuners in the world.
When I bought the Accuphase I've auditioned some MD, and the rest is history.
The T-109V as superb sound, some of the best highs I've heard in a tuner, excelent stereo imaging, great tuning capabilities (selectivity and sensitivity) and a first class construction.
Hearing live broadcasted music from this tuner is a great experience.
stereokarter
185 posts
 
My Technics ST9030 FM with 8, yes EIGHT gangs in the front end, sounds best, and more natural than the clinical sound of carriage trade units like previously owned MR78's and Magnum Dynalabs. It has 'the look'.

The rounded tube sound of my several Scotts from 310E's to LT110's is going out of favour and anyway they are not nearly as selective. Toshibas are no slouch either.

The best of my Scotts has been a 310D / 335 Mpx pair. Soon to arrive is a Kenwood KT8300 with uber mods. and also a Sansui ST 717...said to have 'audiophile sound'.

Don't take everything that the tunerinfocentre says as gospel, though they are a fabulous reference! The key is to have an FM station that broadcasts live music...a rarity these days.

Plus use your own ears too, tuners vary a lot.
vintagestuff
4 posts
 
Anyone have/know of where I can purchase copy of User Manual for ADS T2 Tuner? Alternately, can anyone provide details on how to set station presets?
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
Vintagestuff, I have an ADS T2. BUT I just tried to program the presets, and it doesn't work right - I can only save a few of the numbered presets (I can save 1 and 3 but not 2 for example.)

Anyway, you tune in manually the desired station, open the big door on the left, inside - hold down the "memo" button while at the same time press the number you want to save that to.

But if that's not working, it may be like mine - there may be a problem with the memory circuitry.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
Here’s a fun site:
www.fmtunerinfo.com/

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