Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What tuner is considered decent?

What tuner is considered decent? I know "radio" is subpar fidelity, but my wife insists on having her FM channels to work out (combo AV room and gym when lights are on).

Thanks for looking.

Seeing you have a 500 series processor I'd look no further than a used 504.

Neil

It depends on your connectivity, do you have a decent roof antenna or just cable? And does your wife like to fuss around with it or just to use preselected stations.

Magnum Dynalab or Accuphase (vintage) if you go for high end FM.

+ 1 for a 504, had one myself in the past, is a very good tuner complementing your processor and user friendly.

Internet radio via MDMS, is the way to go. By adding a MSxxx you can easliy set up another zone and user friendly access via iPad/iPod/iPhone.

Nothing subpar about FM with a decent aerial. I'd recommend Ron Smith.

I really, really miss my NAIM Nat01 + PST (olive). Sadly she wasn't getting the work out she deserved. The chap who bought her had her shipped all the way to Taiwan, which I think just about says it all in terms of desirability.

She was also the only "proper" piece of HiFi I've ever sold at a profit to my purchase price. (I've just sold the last of my spare SBTs which were purchased at a crazy price from Amazon and are going for a lot more on fleabay these days).

I'm not so happy about Internet radio via Sooloos. Despite hardwired connections and VDSL internet connections I still get cut outs when listening. I find using Freesat radio stations more reliable.

The 504 if you have good external aerial or have very strong signal in your area. Once set very convenient.

Regards I

The great advantage of the 504 is that signal strength can be simply checked by cycling the display button for every tuned channel. I do not think this feature exists today on M items that include a tuner.

I might be wrong on this but coupled with a decent aerial (4 pole is quite adequate here, not too directional) it is possible to get all national stations at signal strength 8 (max). Local stations tend to broadcast from the most convenient available mast and these can be received at signal strength 4 to 5, which is perfectly acceptable here.

Hector

Not sure how nuts you want to go, but there are these. I believe these are considered the gold standard. Sort of the best buggy whip...


Magnum Dynlab.

My Dad's Quad FM4 is superb. Under �200 on eBay

Thank you all for the input. Will be on the look out for a nice used tuner. Good to know which are the better tuners out there. Not very many 504 or 604 on the used market im afraid.

Jaime

One on the bay....

You need to get a US model, not just for the supply voltage; US uses 75us pre-emphasis, the rest of the world used 50us.

A 50us model will sound dull in the US.

Steve

Ron Smith sadly died, but anyone in the UK who needs a Galaxy aerial, contact his son George

Regards I

I have a 504; you have a PM.