[Dave]

On Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:05:43 AM UTC-4, Peter Wieck wrote:
On Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 12:16:52 AM UTC-4, Dave wrote:
=20
Thanks for revisiting your ideas. I thought about a Dynaco FM-3, like =
its simplicity, but it looks as though the price point for a good one goes =
beyond my requirement for reasonable cost. Given that most seem to need ca=
p changes and alignment, the cost would quickly go well above reasonable. T=
ube (Hollow State Device) sourcing is also a bit problematic these days; a =
full new set could easily double the cost of the tuner. Tuner Information =
Center did not have kind words about the sound of an FM-3. I personally ha=
ve not heard one in well over 40 years.
=20
My issue with older tuners, those without PLL MPX decoders, is that the=
y had 'birdies' from SCA signals. In my area, WCRB has (had?) SCA info tha=
t forced me to put a PLL MPX decoder in a Quad FM3 tuner to eliminate the w=
histles. No solid state tuners with PLL MPX decoders have had this problem=
in my experience.
=20
Where are you? I run through about two FM3s/year on average (one so far t=
his year, three last year, none the year before). Other than the EMM801, no=
ne of the tubes are the least bit exotic. My most recent unit was missing =
the OEM (Telefunken) 12AX7s as well as their shields, but my junk box furni=
shed the shields, and my NOS tube stash furnished me a couple of RCA 12AX7s=
- that, a cleaning and an alignment and all is well. Total cost (excepting=
cleaners and the tubes & shields) $58.=20
=20
Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA

Boston, MA area. I check Craigslist for tuners periodically, have not seen=
one listed since I began my search. Ebay usually has kit versions ultimat=
ely selling for over $100 for working ones; factory wired tuners tend to be=
a lot more. I divested my tube stock years ago, so any replacements would=
cost me. I also do not have a tube tester, have no simple way to know if =
tubes are good or weak.