There’s nothing quite like FM off the air especially when reception is good. A decent antenna is helpful. I’m glad I decided not to sell my tuner but it does interfere with the audio system as a whole by introducing a bit of RF into the system as the tuner by its own nature absorbs RF. That’s the point.
Hard to beat late at night when the signal is strong.
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Mmmmmmmmmm tuna………
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I’ve had my NAD C422 tuner since 2004. If I’m listening to music between 9 and 3 during the week it is most likely one of our 2 local NPR classical music stations. Nice neutral sound that is well above many/most tuners. I can detect no impact of its presence (powered up, off, or disconnected and unplugged) on the rest of my system. I used to have a powered antenna but found the wall-wart did add noise, so I got rid of it.
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Which manufacturers still make standalone tuners?
I was surprised by the results of a quick tuner search at Crutchfield. Looks like NAD, Rotel, and McIntosh all are making new tuners. Honestly had no idea you could get a new one so easily. I’ve got a reconditioned silver face Pioneer that sounds lovely, but I pulled it out of service a few years ago in favor of streaming FM.
This tuner convo reminds me of a site with older tuner info that informed my decision when I did by a tuner: Tuner Information Center. Looks like the site hasn’t been updated in some time and there are lots of pop up ads, but the older tuner reviews are on the left side menu as you scroll. These reviews are useful for older models even if the vibe is old-school tinkerer.
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The Tuner Information Center is a great resource when considering a used FM tuner.
I’ve had the Kenwood, Mitsubishi, Pioneer, and Luxman. Fun when programming was more interesting.
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I connected my tuner back in my system and it sounds good. There’s something special about good fm. I like my tuner and I am glad that I did not sell it.
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I just disconnected the tuner. As much fun as fm is I absolutely experience a kind of “glare” with the tuner connected. I’ve noticed this with every tuner in any of my systems in the past.
I’ve only used vintage analog tuners in main system, and never any issues…
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I rehooked up my tuner and it sounds nice.
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I enjoy listening to my Kenwood KT-8300 through a mostly PS system with Magneplanar 2.7s and Iconoclast cabling. We are lucky to have an excellent classical & jazz station in Phila. I hear all kinds of things I might not otherwise listen to by CD.
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Apparently the reason my Magnum Dynalab adds a little RF noise into my system even when off is because the tuner doesn’t have a hard off switch. The tuner is actually always on and when the soft off switch is off the tuner is still in standby and is actually on 24/7. I’ve decided that it’s worth the convenience of the tuner sound to have it connected in my system. With the new Gold Lion tubes and purple fuse along with the upgraded Solen Teflon caps on the balanced side the tuner sounds nice. It’s 16 years old and is a keeper.
You are a Mad Man! Slow down!
Once you reach perfection there is nothing to do but listen to music and enjoy it. That’s so dull, but I am beginning to accept it.
*Pro tip: Having a bunny helps.
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I love my little dog. The wife, she’s okay too.
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My wife has less than zero interest in my Audio hobby. She just wants it to not wake her up or grow. But it is amusing me properly at the moment.
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My wife feels the same way. That’s what my headphones are for. I’m with my wife 40 years now but I have been into audio for 50 years. My wife permits my audio hobby as an allowable discretion.
45th Anniversary coming next month. I can relate. Got into audio in 1968. Wax Cylinders…..
Speaking of spousal approval of our hobby, as part of my system consolidation we mutually agreed to let the Madison system go. Madison is her working office more or less, and a jumping off point for jazz in the city for me. After selling off the majority of that system she brought he subject up over cocktails while we were in Chicago, asking for reconsideration. Next day she filled the void with a simplified streaming system. First up was John Coltrane Live at the Village Vanguard, followed by Brian Eno Here Come the Warm Jets. Nice we continue with mutual interests, 41 years and counting.
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