XM tuners/ receivers

kennyc

"Been conflicted about whether to acquire - sonics doesn’t measure up to my current audio chain, would I be spending just for looks?"

Thats a hard one to say, was that receiver you listened to restored? ( re-cap etc). Granted even a fully restored unit would sound nice but not up to the audiophile standards of today. There are better vintage choices then most of the 70's early 80's receivers. Event the top integrated and separates from the era are better.  Remember all in one receiver was just that all in one so you compromise doing all in one design, like you do today.  

So yes, you're buying for nostalgia reasons. Note there are some very good vintage pieces though and some as good as modern gear for musicality, maybe not ultimate detail.  I'd say some of the best tuners of the day were better then most made today. 

@glennewdick

Nice tuner. I love the look of vintage Sansui tuners.

Speaking of which, at an audio show the Mofi SourcePoint8 were driven by a vintage Sansui 9090 DB receiver which I thought was gorgeous - stared admiringly for awhile. Been conflicted about whether to acquire - sonics doesn’t measure up to my current audio chain, would I be spending just for looks? Based on the past, sometimes self rationalization trumps common sense much to the detriment of my wallet.

If you have an internet connection, just get a popular and well reviewed streaming device like a Bluesound Node. Satellite radio sucks unless you are in a vehicle and need such a thing. Streaming services run from free to pretty cheap in every case and you can get better than CD quality sound in many cases. We regularly use the free services for streaming, and also have Amazon with HD. Very satisfied. I also have an FM antenna, but my god, radio sounds horrible after having streaming :-) 

👍

you are best served by upgrading to a digital tuner like a bluensound node product

you will get full internet radio, xm radio Spotify and tidal and qobuz

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

bluesound dealer

The antenna would be a good quality outside unit. I have used one before. I just dont want one on the front of my house where it would need to be. I have a Sirius subscription now in my car. I can get a dock for in my house to stream it which I think I'll do....

First what kind of radio antenna do you have? That kind of makes all the difference in picking up stations. 

XM sucks, it has the worst audio quality, worst customer service, is totally unstable. Canceled my subscription last year. Weirdly, had a $300 XM charge on my CC, they renewed my subscription!! However, my XM radio does not work, but I'm paying for it? Another 45min on the phone with them trying to get my canceled subscription canceled again. Then they pro-rate it, as it took me a month to figure it out. I even told them, that my paid service is not working. Totally scam, and thieves! 

Anyway, if I "had" to do XM, the only way is really to stream it. It has the "best" sound quality, and is the most stable. Really would just do it through my current streamer. Would not purchase any XM component. 

You can also get a "streaming" service from them for $5 a month. If you are paying anymore, call and cancel, they will offer you the $5 a month. 

kennyc 

I picked up a Kenwood L-02T based on their shootout

That's an excellent tuner, I've never come across one though for sale.

I have a Sansui TU9900 lightly moded / restored. I live In Victoria BC and listen to the Seattle based NPR station regularly. Thant's about 60-70 miles away i believe with some mountains in the area and of course open water. I tried a Mac tuner but i found it was not as good at getting distant signals,  too bad i miss presets. 

@glennewdick 

I picked up a Kenwood L-02T based on their shootout here

Well.. Thank You!!

"So an online "stream"... that would be a Sirius receiver I can get form Amazon and just RCA it to my Rogue Pre-amp?"

Yes you can!!

My Marantz 150 was actually better at drawing in fringe statios than the MR-78....

just sayin..

The reception problem is that it simply will not bring in the FM stations with crisp clariity.  Some hardly at all!  According to my selection of fairly local staions with the best "output" according to my location.  I am under a "hill" and surrounded by houses.  The tuner hHAS been gone thru, aligned and all that. Without putting an ouside FM antenna on a long mast, I have tried ones that are on my cabinet... not wirth a damn! So an online "stream"... that would be a Sirius receiver I can get form Amazon and just RCA it to my Rogue Pre-amp?

source for all tuner information. look for the shoot out section. I’ve used a few tuners over the years but keep coming back to the top Sansui models for sound quality and the ability to tune a distance station. note i’m also a Mac guy but thier tuners are not as good at picking up stations as the top Sansui’s, (TU-X1 is my dream tuner).

Tuner Information Center - Vintage Stereo Tuners

granted this has little to do with XM. I would go with Streamer over XM anyday much better sound quality and much more options. I'd imagine a bluesound node would do what your looking for at less $$ outlay. granted you need internet. 

I don't think an MR-88 is the answer to your issue. The MR-78 is one of the best FM tuners ever made. What sort of reception problems are you having, and did they always happen in this location? The MR-78 is certainly a classic component, but given its age it may benefit from an alignment. Are you using an antenna appropriate for your location?

As for Sirius/XM, you'll get better fidelity from the online stream than you can from the satellites. It's still not hi-res, for sure, but I find it a-ok for casual listening. I stream it from an iPad using digital out into my DAC.