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Need a good tuner and there aren't many?

I'm looking for a really nice tuner. Fanfare, Day Sequarra, and Magnum Dynalab are all good and a bit pricey. The FT-101A by Magnum Dynalab is about what I was needing but I was wondering if there are any other modern ones or older that are worth checking. It doesn't seem like there are many choices in the modern/new tuner arena for what I'm needing. I heard the Dyna-FM3 when properly running are one of the best period at a quite affordable price. Some of the older Mcintosh seem quite desireable but I don't know how much of there being wanted is due to their sound and how much due to the heritage/name. Any opinions on stuff under $1000 that offers very, very, very good performance while not the ultimate would be appreciated. There are no dealers in this area who can help me. Thanks.
ezmeralda114405
tswhitsel
126 posts
 
I have a McIntosh MR-78 available for sale if you are interested. It is universally considered to be one of the top 3 tuners ever made and when you hear it you'll know why. They really are exceptional in all respects. I've recently moved to a rural area in the Rocky Mountains where multi-path is a big problem and the stations in this area aren't so great anyway. It has been lovingly cared for and is in excellent condition with all original documentation including service manual. If you are interested and would like more info please e-mail me at: tswhitsel@aol.com
sean
6,231 posts
 
Ezmerelda, try contacting Ken Mull at Audio Advisor and find out about the Musical Fidelity A3 tuners. I have found them to offer excellent sonics if the broadcast is up to snuff. They are not the most sensitive though, so if you live way out in the boonies, you might need a more sophisticated antenna array. I have three year old MF E-50 that works very well and am quite pleased with it. For comparison sakes, i also have three Quad FM 4's, a Yamaha TX-950 and a Citation 23. All of these are highly reviewed pieces for the cash. The FM-4's are EXCELLENT tuners also, but their cosmetics are different ( tiny ) and they don't use RCA's as outputs. You would have to have an adapter cable, which is no big deal. Another benefit to the Musical Fidelity deal is that they have remotes now ( most "quality" tuners don't ) and AA offers their 30 day return privilege. Good luck in your search. Sean >
sws2
35 posts
 
I have listened to or owned most of the best known tuners including Mac Mr 71s, 78s, Marantz 10Bs. The best overall tuners I have owned that are solid state are the Naim and Linn tuners. They are very simular sounding to a tweaked Marantz 10b. The Naim and Linn tuners are not however the best at selectivity,etc. They are amazing sonically though.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
sws2, i agree w/the sound quality of the linn/naim. but ya can't get their top tuners for $1k, even used. that's why i got the onix bwd1, w/soap power-supply - virtually indistinguishable sonics from the linn/naim, better selectivity, better price. regards, doug
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