Tuner in the 600 range for classical music?

I just stopped by my Dad's house today to pick up one of my tuners. He has a Magnum 101 and he was checking out one of my Musical Fidelity E-50's. His final words regarding the E-50 were something to the effect of "that is a very fine sounding tuner". Quite honestly, i fell in love with it while listening to Classical music on WFMT ( 98.7 ) in Chicago. To top it off, they can be had for typically well under $300 when they do show up used. Only problem is, they typically don't show up used : )

The other thing is that they are not real sensitive ( like most English tuners ), so you'll need at least a decent antenna if you go that route. If you are a good ways out from the transmitter, the Magnum's seem to be a good cross between "good ears" ( hearing way out into the distance ) and "good sound".

Some of the older analogue tuners might work very well, but take into consideration that they may need to have capacitors replace and a good alignment after that. Try taking a look at this site here as it might be of interest to you or anyone else looking for a tuner. One other thing: the antenna system that you decide to go with can make or break FM performance. Don't think that you can buy a "good" tuner and then feed it signal derived from a coat-hanger and a piece of zip cord and end up with optimum performance. It just ain't gonna happen. Sean
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http://www.geocities.com/tunerinfo/

I also will recommend that you spend time on the Tuner site listed by others. I feel a vintage tuner can easily get you your best bang for the buck.

In the 70's and early 80's tuners were very popular so manufacturers were producing some of the best tuners made and they are readily available in many locations.

I have used the Fanfare listed above and it is an enjoyable tuner, but finding them used can be hard and very unlikely in your price range, many others are suggesting Magnum Dynalab tuners and these will likely be above your budget as well, except for the 101 mentioned, and this does indeed seem to have a good reputation.

I sold the Fanfare and purchased a Yamaha T-2 for $368 on eBay. This tuner was intruduced in 1978 for $750 and has no problem competing with the expensive tuners today. I list the Yamaha because I have one, there are many others. I also have a Sansui TU-717 from the same era and it performs very well also.

If remote control and/or presets are a must, you will be forced into a newer tuner. If this is the case, go to the Tuner site and read through it for the contact to Don Scott and tell him what you are wanting and I am sure he will steer you in the right direction.

I owned a fanfare for awhile...very nice. If you don't have to spend your full amount (like that's something audiophiles think) the tubed dyna fm-3 from 40 years ago is still one of the best around I've heard and can be snagged under $100... or even under $50 on ebay half the time. http://www.avahifi.com/FM3.htm Other good ones are the Tandberg 3001a, I've seen those in your $ range. The McIntosh MR-80, MR-78, MR-77, MR-71 all good...78 best. Marantz 10B good, but $$$$$. A Linn Kudos might be had for $800 used (they don't make'em anymore anyhow) and those are very good I've heard.

Flybass:

Try a used Magnum Dynalab FT-101. It has exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, FM quieting, and very good sound quality. I know it does these things for a fact, because I happen to own one. And even though I don't listen to classical (I listen R&B, Jazz and Rap & Hip-Hop), it does wonders to my favorite music as well. It will certainly sound great with classical (it's exceptional FM quieting will do the trick for you). Try one. Believe me, you won't be sorry. Oh, one other thing I didn't mention. They seem to hold their value well too. The original FT-101 was priced at $495.00 back in 1985. They are going for at least $500.00 when you purchase them used on "E-Bay" (I paid $590.00 for mine back in 2000, and have no regrets either). A very good tuner in my opinion. I tell you what. If I should begin to upgrade my system in the next few years, besides maybe my Nakamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck, I will also be keeping my Magnum Dynalab FT-101. Now, if that's not a high enough endorsement, then I don't know what is.

--Charles--

Just get a Sansui TU 717 - under $200 it's a no brainer- But, chances are you'll never end up listening to the radio (too many commercials) to appreciate wasting money on a "great" tuner.