On Jan 4, 6:36 pm, "Arny Krueger" wrote:
"braitman" wrote in message
Folks:
I'm about ready to look for a replacement for my fine
Sony 5000F FM Stereo Tuner. Nothing wrong with it, but
I'd really like something with AM reception, also. Any
suggestions for a unit that combines both FM and AM that
is comparable in quality to the Sony?
Best tuner around:
http://www.ham-radio.com/k6sti/xdr-f1hd.htm
http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/index...tCategoryId=1&...
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10446...-tuner-hits-al...
For FM it's a good buy although hardly "The Best". For AM not so
much.
For AM you have to decide whether you want good DX performance or
superb fidelity. If DX performance is your thing any of several
classic comm receivers with .5-2 MHz ranges are still the hottest
thing going, whether tube or early solid state. Equally sensitive but
not as selective are many common old junk yard car radios. Probably
the best ever built are the earlier all solid state Delcos and Philcos
(Ford) up to the mid to late 70s. You want the ones that are AM only
and ideally without the pushbuttons though those are OK too. You can
modify them to give an excellent audio out after the detector or you
can modify them to give IF out but that takes a little RF skills. They
then feed the hi-fi back end. You can make a good 12 volt supply very
cheaply out of a garage sale battery charger or whatnot. If you remove
the audio power transistor or power module the current draw is very
small. Tube buffs can simply provide heater and B+ power to an old
tube set the same way removing the vibrator supply. The solid state
sets are quieter and have generally better sensitivity but they do
overlaod easier. A RF attenuator that is switchable helps on the front
end.
For superb fidelity on AM nothing beats a simple TRF set, these can
be built following Millen lines by anyone. We have many people out
here building passive and active AM tuners here since KXTR is on AM
providing classical. Of course it's crapped up a little with
Ibiqui**** but still not bad.