No love for FM tuners?

I'm glad the discussion of antennas came up, because I am researching them as well right now. I'm just using a basic folded dipole and it works pretty well, but obviously it's directional. I want an antenna that is capable of doing better and stay indoors. I don't necessarily want an amplified one either, so have been eyeing the Magnum Dynalab ST-2, Fanfare FM-2G and Metz AM/FM antenna.

I'm thinking that since the TX-1000 has two antenna inputs, I'll get one of the "whips" mentioned above as well as a simple folded dipole with a coax end on it, or a 75 ohm adapter for the one I already have. That way I can switch between them.
 
chops said:
I'm thinking that since the TX-1000 has two antenna inputs, I'll get one of the "whips" mentioned above as well as a simple folded dipole with a coax end on it, or a 75 ohm adapter for the one I already have. That way I can switch between them.
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Buy something decent and put it in the attic. One of the keys to signal strength is height the other is directionality. Get a rotator so you can aim the antenna.
 
The problem with that is that I live in an apartment, however on the 3rd floor. Being about 25' above the ground is probably one of the reasons I'm getting such good reception with the cheapie dipole already.

Barry said:
Buy something decent and put it in the attic. One of the keys to signal strength is height the other is directionality. Get a rotator so you can aim the antenna.
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jdandy said:
Randy.......I have the Godar FM1A antenna. I use it on my Tandberg 3011A tuner in the vintage system. It works fairly well with good signals. It is directional so you may have to fuss with its location and physical direction to get it to do what you want. While I was reviewing the Magnum Dynalab MD108t tuner I connected the Godar to it just to see how the tuner would work with it. It managed 11 listenable stations, but again I had to move it around to get some signals to be quiet. It doesn't stand up to the performance of my Magnum Dynalab ST-2 that I use with my McIntosh MR88 tuner. On both the MR88 and the MD108t I pulled in 18 listenable stations with the ST-2 antenna. I use a Fanfare FM-2 antenna with my MR85. It is also a half wave base loaded antenna very similar to the Magnum Dynalab ST-2. Both beat the Godar FM1A.
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Thanks Dan, I am trying various antennas. Many pros and cons, just trying to find the right mix of performance and use. I am hoping to find one that is good performance, in doors, does not have to be mounted, and is 75 ohm. If the Godar works for me, great... If not the the ST-2 will probably be the next one. If I end up with the ST-2 I will have to figure a way to mount it, so not my preference.

So far, tried a basic Terk. It pulled ok, not great... just not good enough.... the Magnun Dynalab SR-100 pulled stations fine, but very strange contraption with the thin sharp metal strips and center extension piece.... and also the quality was very poor.... way below where I could handle... Terk FM50 seemed to pull stations well, but it is so unruly, large and requires being mounted somewhere. It works well laying on the windows frame behind the shade, but the new house will not have any double window anywhere near were the thing can be hidden.

So hoping the Godar will work since physically, cosmetically, etc., it will work well. If not then the ST-2 will be up next, but will have to figure a place to mount and/or hide it :(....
 
I use the tuner on my black face Marantz 2285b and I seriously think FM stands for Fcuk Me! Because that´s what I say every time I listen to the radio, surprisingly good and enjoyable sound quality, when or if I ever upgrade I wouldn´t mind getting my paws on an Accuphase T-109V or a Marantz 20b.
 
Nice.... I got to wonder a little though when I see the MD108 ranked 20th and the highest McIntosh at 24.... really.... hmmmm....
 
I have two...a Kenwood KT-7500 and Sansui TU-717 both have upgrade goodness courtesy of Jim Rivers (Jim from the fmtunerinfo site). Like many here, just love something about that signal when it's good. Sorry about crappy phone pics. Cheers to a great thread!

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I certainly will give him that. As with everyone else and every other situation I believe that personal biases and opinions always become involved. If one is out to prove that the top rated and/or most expensive are not any better than that is usually the conclusions that the test will show. Also if one is looking for the diamond in the rough that is usually what one will find..... ala the Kenwood that beat pretty much all comers :D.....
 
Bet I can guess what kind you might get Michael :).... I am glad I picked one up!

By the way, I need to see that sig changed :).... I am still very jealous of your KEF's :D....
 
Randy Myers said:
Bet I can guess what kind you might get Michael :).... I am glad I picked one up!

By the way, I need to see that sig changed :).... I am still very jealous of your KEF's :D....
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Haha yup I want to find a MR85 :). Kefs are breaking in nicely now:)
 
Nice sig :D.... yea, so far the MR85 does everything I could need in a tuner. Nice, I never heard the Ref 5 but I have heard the Ref 3. Love them!!!
 
I sold my McIntosh MR74 tuner to a friend last year. He is a McIntosh tuner collector. I wasn't using the MR74 so I sold it to add to his collection. The MR74 is a fine sounding and quite sensitive tuner.


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A few of my favs over the years, in alphabetical order:

Kenwood L-07TII

Luxman T-02

Magnum Dynalab FT-101

McIntosh MR 74 & MR 78. I had a love affair with the MR 78 for many years.

Onkyo T-9090

SAE Mark VI

Sequerra

Sony ST-5130 in the early '70s for my OCD DXing habit. Didn't sound too bad either.

Tandberg 3001A

 
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