Looking for quality AM/FM tuner

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  • Kevin P
    Member
    • Aug 2000
    • 10809

    Looking for quality AM/FM tuner

    I'm looking for a decent AM/FM tuner (primarily for FM), one that has good reception and sound quality, that is remote controllable, for a whole house audio system. Preferably in the $150-300 range (new), or less (used).

    In poking around the 'net, I've found so far:

    Denon TU-1500RD
    Rotel RT-1080
    Yamaha TX-497
    Sony ST-SE370 (on eBay)

    Any other recommendations? Are the above good/bad?

    Thanks,
    KJP
  • aud19
    Twin Moderator Emeritus
    • Aug 2003
    • 16706

    #2
    Kev, why not satellite radio....?
    Jason

    Comment

    • Kevin P
      Member
      • Aug 2000
      • 10809

      #3
      I won't pay a monthly fee for radio. Heather listens to one FM station 99% of the time.

      Comment

      • aud19
        Twin Moderator Emeritus
        • Aug 2003
        • 16706

        #4
        Fair enough
        Jason

        Comment

        • gostan
          Senior Member
          • May 2003
          • 445

          #5
          Kevin:

          I was very satisfied with the Rotel RT-1080. Very good tuner. I don't have any experience with your other possible choices.

          Stan
          Stan

          Comment

          • pistolpete
            Junior Member
            • Oct 2005
            • 20

            #6
            I am in the same boat. Any thoughts on this one?

            Comment

            • JDH
              Senior Member
              • Sep 2004
              • 270

              #7
              Originally posted by gostan
              Kevin:

              I was very satisfied with the Rotel RT-1080. Very good tuner. I don't have any experience with your other possible choices.

              Stan
              I second the Rotel RT-1080, prior to the Rotel I was using the tuner built into an AV receiver. A dedicated tuner is a lot better.
              Bits of HT & 2ch Stuff: Rotel, Pro-ject, Oppo, Bel Canto, Elektra Audio, Benchmark, Panasonic, DSPeaker, Epson, Slim Devices, Belkin, Philips Pronto, Harmony, URC, Sennheisser, AKG, HTPC under development, KEF, Whatmough, Definitive Technology & Pardigm Signiture speakers

              Comment

              • soundhound
                Senior Member
                • Mar 2004
                • 815

                #8
                The Halo T3 is a Very good choice. They can be had used for around the $400 mark. I much prefer it to the Carver TX 11 I had, and it was no slouch.
                I realize a little over what you posted for price but options are allways good.
                Last edited by soundhound; 20 October 2005, 06:57 Thursday.

                Comment

                • PewterTA
                  Moderator
                  • Nov 2004
                  • 2901

                  #9
                  I 3rd or 4th the RT-1080. I am completely amazed at how CD like this thing makes radio stations. I noticed that it doesn't as easily pick up the "far away" or "weak" signal stations. I can get other radios to pick up stations that the RT-1080 doesn't want to pick up. Though I haven't messed with the antenna on it to see if that's just the problem. I do like the fact that you can run an outside antenna and inside and it will use both to pick up the best signal.

                  One thing you'll immediately notice is the stereo seperation is like nothing you've heard before. I didn't realize how GOOD radio stations stereo seperation can be. Take it this way... I went from hardly ever listening to the radio to actually putting it on while I'm doing stuff myself around the house and really enjoying it (and not having to fumble around with CDs and what not)... So that's a huge step for me.

                  Course I guess since I'm only used to listening to the radio in my car... anything would be a huge improvement... though my radio is pretty darn good in there.
                  Last edited by PewterTA; 24 October 2005, 12:28 Monday.
                  Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                  -Dan

                  Comment

                  • Kevin P
                    Member
                    • Aug 2000
                    • 10809

                    #10
                    Thanks guys. I ordered a Denon TU-1500RD from Cinemasource (a HTG sponsor). I was able to get it cheaper than a RT-1080.

                    Comment

                    • Kens1
                      Senior Member
                      • Mar 2005
                      • 191

                      #11
                      putting it on while I'm doing myself and really enjoying it
                      Pewter TA this is too much info!

                      Comment

                      • chrispy35
                        Senior Member
                        • Feb 2004
                        • 198

                        #12
                        Originally posted by PewterTA
                        ...putting it on while I'm doing myself and really enjoying it...
                        Whoa! This is a family-oriented forum!

                        Comment

                        • gd
                          Senior Member
                          • Jan 2003
                          • 583

                          #13
                          Originally posted by PewterTA
                          putting it on while I'm doing myself and really enjoying it
                          But how do you...

                          Never mind, I really don't want to know...

                          Enjoy.
                          .
                          greg (gd to you)
                          .
                          Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring
                          production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.

                          Frank Zappa

                          Comment

                          • PewterTA
                            Moderator
                            • Nov 2004
                            • 2901

                            #14
                            What, you've never done that?!!? :P ha ha

                            Sorry about that typo, it was a bad week for me, my TA got hit by a Semi truck. My mind wasn't just putting much thought into my answers. :cry:
                            Last edited by PewterTA; 24 October 2005, 15:56 Monday.
                            Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                            -Dan

                            Comment

                            • Alaric
                              Ultra Senior Member
                              • Jan 2006
                              • 4143

                              #15
                              dead thread revival

                              Thought I'd use this thread rather than start another. Anybody have experience or opinion regarding the sound quality of this tuner http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-TX-492-AM...QQcmdZViewItem
                              I have a NAD 4225 in need of repair or replacement. I'm looking at (used) Marantz ST6000,Yamaha TX-492, Nakamichi ST-7, Magnum Dynalab FT 11,and a Tandberg 3011A. I used to have a Tandberg and really liked it,but tuners may have improved since the early 80s. (!)
                              Lee

                              Marantz PM7200-RIP
                              Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                              Schiit Modi 3
                              Marantz CD5005
                              Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                              Comment

                              • whoaru99
                                Senior Member
                                • Jul 2004
                                • 638

                                #16
                                Even though it's used this one is one of the better tuners around regardless of price.

                                EDIT: I didn't see the possible issue with the tuning indicator when I first posted the link. Price might be a bit high for one with possible issues.
                                There are some things which are impossible to know, but it is impossible to know which things these are. :scratchhead:

                                ----JAFFE'S PRECEPT

                                Comment

                                • JDH
                                  Senior Member
                                  • Sep 2004
                                  • 270

                                  #17
                                  I own a Rotel RT-1080, great quality, very happy, my other coices at the time was the yamaha or Denon.

                                  JDH.

                                  Originally posted by Kevin P
                                  I'm looking for a decent AM/FM tuner (primarily for FM), one that has good reception and sound quality, that is remote controllable, for a whole house audio system. Preferably in the $150-300 range (new), or less (used).

                                  In poking around the 'net, I've found so far:

                                  Denon TU-1500RD
                                  Rotel RT-1080
                                  Yamaha TX-497
                                  Sony ST-SE370 (on eBay)

                                  Any other recommendations? Are the above good/bad?

                                  Thanks,
                                  KJP
                                  Bits of HT & 2ch Stuff: Rotel, Pro-ject, Oppo, Bel Canto, Elektra Audio, Benchmark, Panasonic, DSPeaker, Epson, Slim Devices, Belkin, Philips Pronto, Harmony, URC, Sennheisser, AKG, HTPC under development, KEF, Whatmough, Definitive Technology & Pardigm Signiture speakers

                                  Comment

                                  • alebonau
                                    Moderator Emeritus
                                    • Oct 2005
                                    • 992

                                    #18
                                    I picked up a Sony STSDB900S DAB/FM/AM tuner. Quite well made,

                                    its not only an am/fm tuner but also a dab tuner. not much dab activity here in OZ . But it does a great job for both am/fm and comes with a remote control and sports a nice large easy to read display. very happy with it. Not sure if you can pick up somethign like this s/h but otherwise given the street price on these things well worth buyign new as well.
                                    Attached Files
                                    "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                    Comment

                                    • wkhanna
                                      Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                      • Jan 2006
                                      • 5673

                                      #19
                                      I bought a Magnum Dynalab from Agon. I love it, the black chassis integrates visually with the rest of my system and I like the retro look of analog meters.
                                      I can't compare its performance with a Rotel, but I think it would hold its own.
                                      PewterTA heard it, and he seemed to think it sounded OK.
                                      _


                                      Bill

                                      Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                      ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                      FinleyAudio

                                      Comment

                                      • pbarach
                                        Member
                                        • Feb 2007
                                        • 67

                                        #20
                                        good website for tuner reviews

                                        This website reviews hundreds of tuners:
                                        Reviews and photos of vintage stereo tuners, including Kenwood, Sansui, Pioneer, McIntosh, Yamaha, Accuphase, Onkyo, Denon, Rotel, Technics, Tandberg, Magnum Dynalab. Ceramic filter modifications.


                                        I have a Carver CT-7 preamP/tuner that has excellent FM reception--good sound quality on distant stations. Most or all Carver tuners have some kind of special circuit that seems to cut the noise level on distant stations. I think it's some kind of partial blend circuit. However it works, I still get listenable stereo signals on many weak stations.

                                        Comment

                                        • Alaric
                                          Ultra Senior Member
                                          • Jan 2006
                                          • 4143

                                          #21
                                          May be getting a Sansui TU-S77X for $25.00. Still watching the Magnum Dynalab FT-11 and the Tandberg. For 25 bucks the Sansui may fill the need while I hunt for a "deal" on a good tuner.
                                          Lee

                                          Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                          Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                          Schiit Modi 3
                                          Marantz CD5005
                                          Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                          Comment

                                          • wkhanna
                                            Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                            • Jan 2006
                                            • 5673

                                            #22
                                            I saw a while back when I was researching turners, that Magnum Dynalab sells factory refurbished units. They are nice, IMHO.
                                            My advise, FWIW, is be patient, and check Agon every day.
                                            Attached Files
                                            _


                                            Bill

                                            Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                            ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                            FinleyAudio

                                            Comment

                                            • Alaric
                                              Ultra Senior Member
                                              • Jan 2006
                                              • 4143

                                              #23
                                              Yeah , I have to agree with you , WK. I noticed the refurbs on MD's website,and would just end up sending the FT-11 in for upgrades anyway. I've been without a tuner for a while now , a little longer won't hurt (too much).
                                              I don't really care about "features" like 100 presets or dimmable lights , just trying to find something with decent sound . I did find a new Marantz ST6000 for $279.99 but I'm looking at used in the hope that I can get a better tuner for the same money. If I'm real lucky I won't have to go the eb@y route.
                                              Lee

                                              Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                              Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                              Schiit Modi 3
                                              Marantz CD5005
                                              Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                              Comment

                                              • wkhanna
                                                Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                • Jan 2006
                                                • 5673

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by pbarach
                                                This website reviews hundreds of tuners:
                                                Reviews and photos of vintage stereo tuners, including Kenwood, Sansui, Pioneer, McIntosh, Yamaha, Accuphase, Onkyo, Denon, Rotel, Technics, Tandberg, Magnum Dynalab. Ceramic filter modifications.


                                                I have a Carver CT-7 preamP/tuner that has excellent FM reception--good sound quality on distant stations. Most or all Carver tuners have some kind of special circuit that seems to cut the noise level on distant stations. I think it's some kind of partial blend circuit. However it works, I still get listenable stereo signals on many weak stations.
                                                If I had found a used Carver separate tuner at a 'nice' price before I found the MD, I probably would have gone with one. I have a Carver C-19 pre with Sovtek tubes and it's the anchor for my 2-ch system.
                                                _


                                                Bill

                                                Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                FinleyAudio

                                                Comment

                                                • Alaric
                                                  Ultra Senior Member
                                                  • Jan 2006
                                                  • 4143

                                                  #25
                                                  I broke down and bought a tuner on the 'goN. I found a Marantz ST6000 for a decent price and got the remote,antennae,and even batteries for the remote-for well under $200. I think it sounds pretty good and picks up all the stations I listen to. :T The Tandberg I wanted was relisted w/a buy it now price of $1200 and Magnum Dynalab didn't have the one I wanted (refurbed) so I gave in.I'm happy with my choice. :B
                                                  Lee

                                                  Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                                  Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                                  Schiit Modi 3
                                                  Marantz CD5005
                                                  Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                                  Comment

                                                  • wkhanna
                                                    Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                    • Jan 2006
                                                    • 5673

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by Alaric
                                                    I'm happy with my choice. :B
                                                    And that is all that matters!

                                                    Sounds as though you got a good deal on a nice component.
                                                    Glad your Quest has come to a successful conclusion, now it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

                                                    Let us know how you like it after a few weeks of listening.
                                                    _


                                                    Bill

                                                    Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                    ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                    FinleyAudio

                                                    Comment

                                                    • Alaric
                                                      Ultra Senior Member
                                                      • Jan 2006
                                                      • 4143

                                                      #27
                                                      If I like it as much in a few weeks as I do now , I'll be ecstatic! Seems to have very good separation and pretty good detail. I'm surprised that it doesn't pale in comparison with my memories of Tandberg. Of course , the Tandberg was 22 years ago , and my memories of the 80s are sketchy at best. It still sounds good enough to make me notice.
                                                      I'm actually surprised that my current system seems to equal , or exceed , my memories of my first "real" 2ch system-for way less than I spent at the time. Especially when you translate $8,000-$10,000 '83 dollars into today's dollars. Would never have believed gettin' old had advantages like that!
                                                      Lee

                                                      Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                                      Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                                      Schiit Modi 3
                                                      Marantz CD5005
                                                      Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                                      Comment

                                                      • Alaric
                                                        Ultra Senior Member
                                                        • Jan 2006
                                                        • 4143

                                                        #28
                                                        So far I still like it , and I believe I got my money's worth. The bass is kind of weak , and my CD player is better , but it seems to be a better than average SQ and it exceeds my expectations.
                                                        Lee

                                                        Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                                        Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                                        Schiit Modi 3
                                                        Marantz CD5005
                                                        Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                                        Comment

                                                        • wkhanna
                                                          Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                          • Jan 2006
                                                          • 5673

                                                          #29
                                                          I may be mistaken, and others here with far more knowledge may chime in with validated info, but it is my understanding that OTA FM delivers a signal that is attenuated in regards to HF And LF compared to the digital info at the upper and lower fq range compared to what is available on redbook CD. Hence, my interest in obtaining a digital receiver since we have a few ‘good’ stations in the PGH area that broadcast in HD.

                                                          Regardless, I am happy that you like your NTY receiver. I know I could not live without mine since I use it so often.
                                                          _


                                                          Bill

                                                          Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                          ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                          FinleyAudio

                                                          Comment

                                                          • Alaric
                                                            Ultra Senior Member
                                                            • Jan 2006
                                                            • 4143

                                                            #30
                                                            NTY? (Pardon my ignorance) Yeah , I like my tuner. I have a finite number of CDs and enjoy the variety of FM. My tuner is a great little digital for what I paid. I believe it is worth the new retail price and then some , but my SA8260 is still my choice when listening moves from mild distraction to an activity! Guess I already need a tuner upgrade...AAARRGH! 8O
                                                            Lee

                                                            Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                                            Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                                            Schiit Modi 3
                                                            Marantz CD5005
                                                            Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                                            Comment

                                                            • wkhanna
                                                              Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                              • Jan 2006
                                                              • 5673

                                                              #31
                                                              Originally posted by Alaric
                                                              NTY?
                                                              Sorry.....I got lazy......
                                                              NTY = New to You

                                                              Originally posted by Alaric
                                                              Guess I already need a tuner upgrade...
                                                              I know....It never ends, does it????(snicker)
                                                              _


                                                              Bill

                                                              Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                              ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                              FinleyAudio

                                                              Comment

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