RE: Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner?

Radio Road

Which tuner to get and getting the most from it. Thank God, for the radio!

Posted by Neff on January 25, 2009 at 07:37:37

In Reply to: Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner? posted by midshipman on January 24, 2009 at 18:11:50:

I believe you may be best suited to state the tuner manufacture & model number. There is a big difference in a restoration & a restore/modify for best sonics. You may want to go to fmtunerinfo.com. The top ten tuners are likely to have original sonics 'good to go' so a restoration only may be to best bet.

Due to many stations going to digital broadcast in the RF signal sidebands, a multiplexer that is immune to the FM signal with digital sidebands is best. Kenwood KT-990D is a good bet.

Vintage tube type tuners can sound great once modified, but offer no digital sideband interference. I compared a Pioneer F-90 to an unmodified Eico 2200 Classic and the Pioneer was far superior sonically. On the other hand, a modified Eico 2200 Classic easily outperformed the Pioneer F-90 sonically with much more realism on a quality FM station.

I believe the best unmodified tuner is a Fisher KM-60. For a more sensitive tuner, the Fisher 100 to 200 series are better. Be aware tube rolling works just like in an amplifier in premium tuners. Some unmodified tuners that do not respond much to tube rolling is due to so much colorization in the original circuits is present that the result is masked. One huge benefit in the Fisher KM-60 is the 12AX7 audio output tube is a good base design. Drop-in a Mullard long plate or Brimar CV4004 and you well on your way to good sonics. The Eico 2200 classis has a 12AU7 that simply does not perform well enough for myself. I drop-in an Amperex or Tungsram E80cc to replace that 12AU7. The E80cc extra filament current demand does not overheat the power transformer.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner? - midshipman 18:11:50 01/24/09 (15)

Thanks, guys. I have been in contact with Mr. Chow. (NT) - midshipman 19:27:37 01/26/09 (0)

Upgrades here too - kff 19:03:36 01/26/09 (0)

Joseph Chow of Componentplus. Here's a link: - sherod 17:35:55 01/25/09 (7)

Here's another link for you to consider: - sherod 17:40:43 01/25/09 (6)

RE: Here's another link for you to consider: - WETSU 18:51:45 01/25/09 (5)

I would probably go with Joseph Chow... - sherod 19:04:54 01/25/09 (4)

RE: I would probably go with Joseph Chow... - WETSU 17:49:25 01/26/09 (3)

I believe that is his basic package... - sherod 18:05:28 01/26/09 (2)

RE: I believe that is his basic package... - WETSU 15:13:43 01/27/09 (1)

You're welcome... - sherod 15:58:16 01/27/09 (0)

make sure you get a directional* antenna (and a rotator* IF you need one) - Timbo in Oz 17:12:51 01/25/09 (0)

RE: Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner? - Neff 01/25/0907:37:37 01/25/09 (0)

RE: Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner? - jcmusic 05:20:21 01/25/09 (2)

Sorry. Solid state... - midshipman 09:45:55 01/25/09 (1)

RE: Sorry. Solid state... - BFitz 19:15:44 01/28/09 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: Who would you choose to modify/update a tuner? - Neff 01/25/0907:37:37 01/25/09 (0)

Post a Message!