No such thing as a stupid question?

[rottydad2003]

Well...I hope not. I have a number of vintage audio pieces and some misc.
analog tuners. My first question is: other than the build quality which is obviously far better than anything you could purchase today, why would someone prefer an older analog tuner to a newer digital tuner?...one more question..please. I picked up a tuner the other day at a garage sale...cost
me $5. It is an "Audiophonics" ST 3120. It has a "silver" finish and has handles
for a rack. I have an Orion book...2003....but it is not listed. Is it junk or is it a keeper? Thanks in advance to anyone who would be kind emough to educate me on either question!!

[Justen]

other than the build quality which is obviously far better than anything you could purchase today, why would someone prefer an older analog tuner to a newer digital tuner?.

I think of lots of stupid questions actually! But you answered your own not so stupid question- why were you drawn to that old tuner? Has a lot to do with an internal response to quality.

[rottydad2003]

I believe you are right...presentation is everything!! Thanks!

[Thumpy]

The TIC (http://www.fmtunerinfo.com) shows the Audiophonics ST-3120 in the "On-Deck Circle" (which usually means they don't have much info on it, but that it has potential). One sold (presumably on eBay) in January '05 for $150, so my guess is that you can get your $5 out of it if you don't like it.

Regarding analog vs. digital, there's something (ergonomics, tactile sensation...something!) that digital just doesn't have. With tuners specifically, the DXers like analog because the tuning increments are essentially infinite, rather than, say, 0.1 MHz fixed increments that a digital tuner has.

Sometimes, though, pushbuttons, presets, and remotes are nice...