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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
imaninatural's avatar
imaninatural OP
35 posts
 

Are those vintage tuners available without the amp section? Or can you bypass the amp section and send just the tuner source to a newer amp?

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,737 posts
 

Tuners do not have an amp. You can use a basic tuner directly plugged into a power amp. Just make sure you have a way to adjust the volume!

qjm101
109 posts
 

Wouldn't a tuner with an "amp section" be a receiver?

imaninatural's avatar
imaninatural OP
35 posts
 

Yes, for sure, That was my question regarding the old Kenwood, Sansui, Luxman and Pioneer equipment. I didn't know if they actually made just tuners. My experience with those brands is receivers.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

I have several vintage tuners, including a McIntosh MR77. In present use is a 1978 Mitsubishi DA-F10. That and its DA-F20 sibling are in the top category of Jap 70's FM tuners! I bought mine on eBay for $200. All tuners can produce 1 - 2 volts so they can drive a power amp directly. No need for an active preamp. Depending upon how far you are from a transmitter you can even use an indoor dipole antenna and get excellent results! That's what I use 30 miles from Tampa.

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