![]() In order to semi-conclusively rank one tuner above another, you'd need to test at least three fully aligned and measured samples of every tuner.Īll of us at TIC understand the limitations of the Shootouts format, but it seems as though people don't always read or understand the above disclaimer. Remember, the shootouts are for fun and involve only one "as found" sample of each tuner. All shootout tuners are in good operating condition but are not measured and may not be in perfect alignment. If choosing a tuner based on the shootout results, your mileage could definitely vary if you decide to use a dipole or whip antenna. The antenna is an Antenna Performance Specialties APS-9 FM antenna, mounted on a Radio Shack rotator to catch the best signal. The room is a converted bedroom, 10 x 12 x 8 feet, and the speakers are backed by a solid, windowless wall. Audioquest cable will be used on both tuners. All tuners in forthcoming shootouts will be tested through this system and A/B switched ahead of the line stage. Cable lengths total two meters between tuner, A/B switcher and line stage. Some tuners with very high output impedance may have some bass rolloff. The Creek sees the line stage's 250 K ohm input. The tuners under test see a Creek A/B switcher's 18 K ohm input. I am very familiar with the "sound" of this system and feel I can hear the "sound" of any new component installed. The line stage has a polypropylene B+ power supply and is also choke input. This type of line stage has been in my system for many years and has never failed me sonically or in reliability. A Kimmel style HEXFET/6CG7 line stage will be in place. All parts besides the transformers are new. Various 6L6 type output tubes can be used, and the front end uses two 6SN7's. Each amp has a choke input power supply, a long tailed pair front end and a 5V4 tube rectifier. Jim's introduction: All tuners in the shootouts will be listened to through my new handmade push-pull, 6L6 type tube amps. Remember them as you read the shootouts and agree or disagree with Jim's findings. All the other audiophile buzzwords usually fall into place if these three criteria are met. Jim's rules for the better tuners are (1) a focused, articulate and musically involving midrange, (2) sweet, natural-sounding highs (any hash, sibilance or non-musical detail added by the tuner itself will take points away), and (3) last, but not always least, is good, deep bass and a sense of dynamics. The - M- class indicates excellent tuners that may not have every minute characteristic that satisfies Jim's tastes. The familiar numerical listing need not always apply within this elite group. A - C- appears next to those few tuners that seem to get everything right as far as sound quality is concerned. Shootouts competed for Jim's attention with many other audio projects and no new installments are now expected. Granted to quote our text so long as proper credit is given.ĮBay listings that quote us incorrectly or without credit may beįrom September 2002 to February 2006, our audiophile panelist Jim systematically evaluated the sound of many top tuners (most provided by our benefactor Jesse) in side-by-side shootouts.
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