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

 

@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.

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)

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

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.