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FM Tuner?

post #1 of 11
7/18/10 at 10:14pm
Thread Starter 

Is it just me, or is it incredibly hard to find a cheap FM Tuner (not A/V receiver) these days? Anyone has any to suggest? Something cheap that will allow me to pick up local radio stations, budget <SGD50.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Audioengine A2B Powered Multimedia Speaker System - Black Finish
post #2 of 11
7/19/10 at 1:09am

Yes, but you might need to spend a little more money.  I think that SDG50 works out to about $35 USD, and the Sony XDR-F1HD runs about $75-$100USD over here.  I'm a lover of radio and the XDR-F1HD is one of the best tuners out there - it uses DSP and a few other tricks to dramatically improve reception and performance.  You can find a detailed technical explanation and a few mods here.

 

I've owned one for a couple of years and remain impressed with it.  I also have an old all-tube FM stereo receiver which I also love, but the XDR-F1HD is pretty wonderful.  Shame it isn't more widely loved - I think every audiophile should have a good tuner.

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post #3 of 11
7/19/10 at 5:33am
Thread Starter 

Hmm, i won't mind spending that amount of money, but does Sony still sell it? The official site does not give any details on it. It SO hard to find a good FM tuner nowadays, and i don't really want to drop a whole bunch of money on a receiver as i use active speakers(Audioengine A2's)

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post #4 of 11
7/19/10 at 7:18am

Check your local Pawn shops etc...You can find excellent tuners for very little money.

 

You guys actually remind me, I have been looking for a tuner!

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post #5 of 11
7/19/10 at 3:11pm

Buy used.  I have a vintage Yamaha T700 tuner which sounds fantastic. Also have a Marantz ST6001, which is excellent but costlier.

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post #6 of 11
7/20/10 at 1:12am
Thread Starter 

I'll check around, but i doubt i can find a decent one, anyone who lives in Singapore knows where i could get such a tuner? :D Or is willing to sell me one for that matter.

 

I do have an uncle who's working in America ATM, i could buy on Amazon and get him to pass it to me, but i'll explore my other options.

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post #7 of 11
7/20/10 at 4:12pm

You don't have used equipment stores in Singapore or pawn shops?  That is where you will find the best deals on tuners...

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post #8 of 11
7/20/10 at 5:06pm
I ran a search on the Sony tuner - it appears to be in stock at a number of US retailers. See if your uncle can't find one - they are quite good.
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post #9 of 11
7/20/10 at 5:36pm

Well, let me tell you as I can really contribute something of substance finally- try the Sangean HDT-1X. This a HD tuner, not super solid build, but the best sound I have heard from a radio ever. Granted, I run it thru mt Audio-gd Ref-1 via it's optical output, but radio sounds so natural and real. It's completely worth the $150. I had a problem with it just past it's 1 year warranty and a call to them in CA got a me a new unit without hassle of any kind.

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post #10 of 11
7/20/10 at 9:59pm

I agree that used is the way to go with tuners, unless HD radio or satellite radio is desirable. I grabbed a used Sansui TU-217 a few weeks back for $20 at my local vinyl shop. It was far from top of the line when new, but it's head and shoulders above what you find built into today's receivers.
 

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post #11 of 11
7/21/10 at 6:35am

I have had NAD and Cambridge Audio tuners but nothing compares to the sound quality of HD radio thru the Sangean- check the reviews.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Audioengine A2B Powered Multimedia Speaker System - Black Finish