No love for FM tuners?

**jdandy** · December 28, 2016, 06:12 PM

It doesn't appear there is much interest in FM tuners on the forum. As an avid FM radio listener I can't help but wonder why no one talks about tuners on the Shark. There's not even a tuner forum in the index. Perhaps it's because tuners are not seen as true high fidelity audio components any longer. Perhaps it's due to a decline in quality FM programming and/or poor signal processing by station engineers. Maybe it's because there are so many other sources for audio that FM is discounted as a respectable and enjoyable source. What do you think?

I have always had a tuner in every system I have assembled going all the way back to my first high-end system in 1968. I used a Dynaco FM3 tuner in those days and the rich selection of radio in San Francisco made for excellent listening. In fact, the tuner was as an important a source component as the turntable or the reel to reel tape machine, all of which were the primary source components of the day. Everything was analog. Digital hadn't even been thought of yet. In my opinion, a sound system is not truly complete without a tuner. I have owned some sweet tuners from Crown, Carver, Sony, Kenwood, Tandberg, and McIntosh. I currently own a Tandberg 3011A, a McIntosh MR85, and a McIntosh MR88. I am a regular listener to all three tuners. I have a couple pop stations I enjoy, and the excellent late night jazz that comes from the public service FM station broadcast from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Their signal is exceptionally clean, uncompressed, and a joy to hear. Anyone hearing such a good quality broadcast on a high-end tuner would be hard pressed to believe they were not listening to vinyl or CD. I still see a high-end tuner as a great source component for audio entertainment and that is unlikely to ever change. In fact, I am now considering a new tuner, the Magnum Dynalab MD108 Triode FM tuner. It just so happened that a friend shipped me his MD108t to play with over the holidays and I have been having a blast with it in the studio system. It is so musical, with amazing separation and sound stage, not to mention the MD108t has been on my wish list for quite some time. The MD108t is an all analog tuner with a fully balanced tube output stage. It is a true high fidelity audio component that deliver exceptional sound quality. I am going to miss this tuner when the time comes that I have to return it.

So, do you have a tuner in your system? Let us know what you think about a tuner being an important or not so important part of a sound system.
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**bayou985** · December 28, 2016, 07:48 PM

Gotta have My Magnum Dynalab FT101a which has been modded to a MD100 3 years ago...

Some great FM stations in southeast Louisiana, Lotta great Holiday music has been broadcast this month...

Maybe FM is a dying format, but not for Me...

**jdandy** · December 28, 2016, 08:02 PM

bayou985.......I hear you, lots of Holiday music you only get to hear at this time of year. You mentioned the modification of your original FT101a to a MD100. Thta is a real specialty of Magnum Dynalab. They strive to offer an upgrade path for their tuners and their customers. That is rare in this day and age. Lots of companies talk about their upgrade paths but never seem to to anything for existing customers except bring out new models. Magnum Dynalab walks the walk. Glad to hear you are enjoying your tuner.

**a.wayne** · December 28, 2016, 09:21 PM

FM user here .....

Only occasionally , as i live in a very musically poor demographic, so occasional i will listen to Jazz on tues/wednesday Nights only , local Symphony music died years ago ..

**joeinid** · December 28, 2016, 09:28 PM

I'd love to get a Magnum Dynalab or McIntosh MR88, but putting up a good FM antenna is not feasible right now. Having all the internet radio stations at my fingertips helps, but does not replace the want.

**Randy Myers** · December 28, 2016, 09:47 PM

I am happy that I added a McIntosh MR85 tuner to my system. I don't use it every day, but like Dan said, it is hard to think a system is complete without a tuner. Mounting an antenna is not an option now for me either being that we are current selling our house. I picked up a Terk FM50 FM antenna and have it laying on the window frame behind the shade. Seems to pull plenty of stations just fine! I don't even use the inline amplifier that comes with it.

**tunes** · December 28, 2016, 10:51 PM

Hi Dan,
Use a silver MD 108t and love it!
I am seriously considering sending it in for the SE upgrade this year if possible.
Love everything about this tuner with only one exception, the blue LED lights/indicators are too bright for my taste.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Ritmo** · December 29, 2016, 12:51 AM

Sorry, no interest. Even in my car, I use Sirius for news, business updates and music. At home - no FM. Either vinyl, streaming via Tidal or my music from the NAS.

**CPP** · December 29, 2016, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Sorry, no interest. Even in my car, I use Sirius for news, business updates and music. At home - no FM. Either vinyl, streaming via Tidal or my music from the NAS.

Pretty much the same thing here, but we also use Sirius at home.

**Randy Myers** · December 29, 2016, 10:05 AM

I also have Sirius at home and listen through my laptop and the B&W MM1 speakers. It is good for keeping up with news, etc., while working. However I enjoy listening to FM through my system much more when I feel like listening to the radio!

**bayou985** · December 29, 2016, 11:54 AM

I agree with Dan about FM...When I retired the MD101a was sent in for MD100 mod well worth the mod,a Wineguard FM only antenna was installed in attic while waiting for mod new coax cable was run to music room and bedroom...

We live in a elevated camp on a bayou in "da swamp" a rooftop antenna was not an option [hurricanes] attic mount antenna is very good option if You don't have a metal roof...

When folks hear the FM source they always "damn dat's FM ??"

Thanks to all the great FM stations in the area...

**a.wayne** · December 29, 2016, 12:06 PM

Very envious, you guys having good FM stations ....

**a.wayne** · December 29, 2016, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I'd love to get a Magnum Dynalab or McIntosh MR88, but putting up a good FM antenna is not feasible right now. Having all the internet radio stations at my fingertips helps, but does not replace the want.

Put it on your growing list Joe, you can do the tuner thing when being apprehensive on a new amplifier ...

**joeinid** · December 29, 2016, 01:08 PM

Ha!

Actually, I really think I'm good. With what I have now (amp-wise), I'm having a blast. Although Dan just got me thinking tuner again. I do miss having one. I used to own a Carver TX-11 and it was awesome.

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Put it on your growing list Joe, you can do the tuner thing when being apprehensive on a new amplifier ...

**Randy Myers** · December 29, 2016, 01:28 PM

I remember that Carver was awesome. Back in the day I had the Technics ST-9030 (the brown professional series) which was considered one of the best, but I remember Carver being considered right up there!

I hear that the Magnum Dynalab's are very good and of course McIntosh seem to come up in most discussions about tuners

.... the MR85 seems to do all I could ask for in a tuner!

**a.wayne** · December 29, 2016, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Ha!

Actually, I really think I'm good. With what I have now (amp-wise), I'm having a blast. Although Dan just got me thinking tuner again. I do miss having one. I used to own a Carver TX-11 and it was awesome.

Do you still have the A36 ...?

**joeinid** · December 29, 2016, 02:55 PM

Absolutely. I didn't like it at first, but with some more time on it and a little extra break in, it is outstanding. It makes me wonder how good the A200's sound. If USA pricing wasn't so obscene, I'd have a pair. The A36 is detailed yet smooth and sweet. Ballsy for 30 wpc and such an easy listen.

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Do you still have the A36 ...?

**joeinid** · December 29, 2016, 02:56 PM

That's the one Randy, TX-11a was a great FM tuner.

**a.wayne** · December 29, 2016, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Absolutely. I didn't like it at first, but with some more time on it and a little extra break in, it is outstanding. It makes me wonder how good the A200's sound. If USA pricing wasn't so obscene, I'd have a pair. The A36 is detailed yet smooth and sweet. Ballsy for 30 wpc and such an easy listen.

Heard my first Big Accuphase in NYC, ( Circa 97) Dennis Had at Cary Audio had recommended that dealer for me to give a listen to his SET and afterwards i saw this ginormous Accuphase power amp, the size of a small condo. Well he fired it up so i could hear it and it was fantastic, been a fan ever since ..

Regards ...

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 03:27 AM

Listening to the McTuner right now... nice sounding... can't wait to try it out with some of those stations over in Florida. I am hoping to pick up the Gainsville ones Dan mentioned (from the other direction

)...

**Albert** · December 30, 2016, 12:15 PM

I also have a tuner in each system but I can only get one FM station, CBC. It is mostly talk radio with a few music programs in the evening (I like Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap). I listen to fm on my Grundig S350 radio every morning with my coffee.

I have mostly Pioneer tuners and one Luxman:

Pioneer TX9500 II (mobile home workshop system)
Pioneer Elite F-91 (main system)
Pioneer TX-6200 (basement system)
Luxmann T-210L (bedroom system)
Tangent Quattro II (table top wifi radio in bedroom - okay, not strictly a tuner)

I just recently retired a Lowe HF-150 shortwave radio for lack of stations but it did not cover the fm band.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 12:36 PM

That's a lot of radios! I only listen to one, the McIntosh; however we have a few around. Sirius on my computer and in the cars... AM/FM in the Yamaha receiver in the TV surround system (never use the radio). We also have a Bose wave radio/alarm clock (dam expensive alarm clock but that is what I use it for

)....

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 12:41 PM

I also like listening to listen to UHF, VHF, short wave, and world band radio signals on my Icom RC-7000 communications receiver and my JRC NRD-525 world band radio. I enjoy listening to Radio Havana broadcast from Cuba, China National Radio broadcast from Beijing, China. At certain times of the day both of these stations have english speaking news broadcasts. It is fun to listen to radio broadcasts from all around the globe.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 12:53 PM

That looks like some serious radio equipment!

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 01:02 PM

This is a Crown FM Two tuner I recently sold to a member on another forum. The FM Two is an excellent FM tuner.

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 01:23 PM

This is my Tandberg 3011A FM tuner that I use in my vintage system with my McIntosh MA230 integrated amplifier.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 01:33 PM

Never let it be said that Dan does not like his radio gear

!

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Never let it be said that Dan does not like his radio gear

!

Randy.......So true. I have never had a system that did not include an FM tuner.

This is my McIntosh MR88 AM/FM/XM/HD tuner in the studio system.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 01:57 PM

Very nice!

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 01:59 PM

My McIntosh MR85 AM/FM tuner in the living room system. No sound system is complete without an FM tuner in my opinion.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 02:06 PM

That looks familiar

... it does everything I need in a tuner...

**Ventura_Rodriguez_Vallejo** · December 30, 2016, 02:11 PM

I own a Rotel Michi since the early '90s. It sounded and sounds very good... if the FM stations brosdcasts good, what it is not the usual case. Just no more than five (5) does it. All the rest (and it is a lot of rest) deliver an horrible signal.
On the other hand, here in Europe, TDT broadcast includes radio stations too, being a difficult to beat competitor for FM, since all the issues associated to analogue emission are removed.
All that said, I must say I enjoy listening to a good FM music programm (yet).

Enviado desde mi LG-E430 mediante Tapatalk

**hongkong** · December 30, 2016, 02:23 PM

I have a Tag Mc Laren T32R without DAB option.

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by hongkong

I have a Tag Mc Laren T32R without DAB option.

Thanh.......The Tag McLaren T32R is a good looking tuner. I have never seen or heard one but I would like to.

**madfloyd** · December 30, 2016, 04:04 PM

I would care if there was an HD Radio tuner... sounds so much better than FM in my car...

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by madfloyd

I would care if there was an HD Radio tuner... sounds so much better than FM in my car...

madfloyd.......The McIntosh MR88 in my post above is an HD tuner. It sounds very good when locked on an HD station. It is also capable of receiving XM satellitle radio.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Produ...ProductId=MR88

**joeinid** · December 30, 2016, 05:14 PM

That's exactly why I still lust for the MR88. You had to do it Dan, didn't you?

Originally Posted by jdandy

madfloyd.......The McIntosh MR88 in my post above is an HD tuner. It sounds very good when locked on an HD station. It is also capable of receiving XM satellitle radio.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Produ...ProductId=MR88

**laynesaddiction** · December 30, 2016, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Ventura_Rodriguez_Vallejo

I own a Rotel Michi since the early '90s. It sounded and sounds very good... if the FM stations brosdcasts good, what it is not the usual case.

I think you hit the nail on the head. There is only so much a tuner can do with a very compressed signal (of which most are in my area). However, I still enjoy listening from time to time via our Magnum Dynalab MD107T particularly on less-compressed signals as you mention.

A good friend of mine still swears by his Marantz 10B (it is indeed an absolute killer piece) and routinely reminds me that the MD107T or even Day-Sequerra's of yore can't keep up with his beauty. However, I am less finicky and feel that there are other decent tuners out there that can swing in a similar league.

I only mention the 10B since you can sometimes get lucky with relatively cheaper prices on a used one and restore it/have someone restore it for roughly the same price or less than some of the more modern equivalents set you back.

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 07:58 PM

Anthony.......The Magnum Dyanlab MD107t is a beauty. I have a friend who has a silver one. I prefer the black.

**Randy Myers** · December 30, 2016, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

That's exactly why I still lust for the MR88. You had to do it Dan, didn't you?

You need a MR88 <swings gold pocket watch back and forth>

.... McIntosh..... when you wake you will immediately order a McIntosh MR88..... say it now... mac in tosh emmmm arrrr eighty eight.....

now...... WAKE UP....

**slowgeezr** · December 30, 2016, 10:24 PM

Currently listening to my wonderful Sansui TU-919.

**Albert** · December 30, 2016, 10:54 PM

Wow, so many nice tuners. I am very impressed and a little jealous.

**jdandy** · December 30, 2016, 11:54 PM

Steve.......Your Sansui TU-919 looks great. Thanks for posting the photo.

I knew there had to be some FM tuner guys hiding out here.

**Melbguy1** · December 31, 2016, 12:19 AM

I owned a Cambridge Audio T500 tuner years ago which brought me a lot of joy. In my current apartment, there is a dedicated fm aerial connection which connects to an FM antenna on the roof of our apartment building, so I was able to get rock solid signal strength. I miss that tuner, but truth be known I have always lusted after a vintage Onkyo Integra T-9090 Mk2 tuner. Just love the vintage look & wood panels.

Also some time back, I really wanted an Accuphase T-1100 tuner & run it dac-out to my Vitus SCD-025 Mk2, but my Dealer talked me out of it and said they'd be a boat anchor in 2 years after the analogue signal is switched off. Well that hasn't happened, and doesn't look set to happen for a long time. His advice was to just buy a server with Internet radio instead. I can kind of see his point, but there is something about the sound of analogue radio done right which appeals to me. And I think that setup would've been awesome. In the end I compromised & bought myself a Tivoli network radio which i'll be connecting to my wifi soon to access Internet stations.

**chops** · December 31, 2016, 12:32 AM

If there were any stations here in Central Florida worth listening to, I'd still be using the Yamaha TX-540 tuner that I have over at my father's house. It's just all the stations here are from Tampa and Orlando, so they're all pop, hip-hop, rap, country and one latin.

There's only four decent stations left, 88.5 which is a college station that plays a lot of jazz, blues and new musician stuff, 89.7 which is NPR and is only talk radio anymore (they only play music on their HD stations), 104.7 (Q-105) that plays mostly 70's through 90's pop and rock, and 105.5 (The Dove) which plays mostly pop and love ballads from the 60's to 90's.

So maybe after thinking about it, I may get that tuner and hook it up to my system. It's not the greatest tuner, but at least it should let me know if the few stations I would listen to are decent sounding to begin with. If so, I could always upgrade the tuner. Hmm...

On a minor side note, I really need to re-cap that old Technics SU-8099. That's one mighty fine sounding amp!

**jdandy** · December 31, 2016, 12:46 AM

Charles.......Do it! Get that Yamaha TX-540 tuner back in service. Listening to FM broadcasts is fun. Sometimes late at night I will sit in front of my tuner slowly dial across the band just to see what's out there. At night many stations reduce power which lets some of the more distant stations break through. That was how I found the late night jazz on PBS. You don't have to have the tuner on unless your in the mood, but surprisingly with one in the system you will find yourself enjoying it more than you might imagine.

**chops** · December 31, 2016, 01:03 AM

I just might. It's only about a mile away. Maybe I'll get one of my brothers to bring it over tomorrow.

I wish mine was silver like the one you posted above though!

**jdandy** · December 31, 2016, 01:17 AM

David.......Holy cow, the dealer talked you out of buying an Accuphase T-1100. What the heck was he thinking. It is a fabulous tuner. Some say it is one of the best FM tuners in the world.

**Randy Myers** · December 31, 2016, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by chops

I just might. It's only about a mile away. Maybe I'll get one of my brothers to bring it over tomorrow.

I wish mine was silver like the one you posted above though!

Black is where it's at

... I have always preferred black face plates. Maybe because back in the day it seemed like professional level, or higher end equipment many times leaned towards black.

**bayou985** · December 31, 2016, 11:53 AM

At My age 65, it's a lot easier to understand FM tuners and radio broadcasting than digital streaming...

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