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Tuner in the 600 range for classical music?

I am a classical musician and would like to record my performances from the local classical music station in Cleveland. Which tuners could be recommended in the $400-$800 new or used. The rest of my system is Onix, Cambridge Audio, and B&W.
I am looking for a tuner to pull in a strong and very clear signal. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
flybass
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
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.
ezmeralda11
303 posts
 
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.
chaskelljr2001's avatar
chaskelljr2001
476 posts
 
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--
lolo's avatar
lolo
123 posts
 
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.
flybass OP
2 posts
 
Thanks to all who replied!!
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