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  3. 172711-165892

FM Tuners

I would like to add a tuner to my system.

I am only beginning to research this, so anyone with experience that could help narrow my focus would be appreciated. I'm not looking for vintage receivers with built-in amps. I'd like a tuner to run into a Van Alstine SET 120, which is a control amp with a passive pre-amp section.

A tuner with a built-in pre-amp is not necessary, but I'm wondering if that might just be the ticket.

Thank you for sharing your experience!

128x128imaninatural
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

You can run any tuner straight into the Van Alstine and use its front panel pots to control volume.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,502 posts
 

They all made basic FM tuners. Take look on Ebay and you will see over a thousand listings for FM tuners!

imaninatural's avatar
imaninatural OP
35 posts
 

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.

imaninatural's avatar
imaninatural OP
35 posts
 

Thanks Yogiboy. I just wanted to make sure that I understood.

christian's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
christian
78 posts
 

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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