Today's prize - Sansui TU-717

[absolon]

Went into the used record store where I found my Philips CD101 to see if they had any test records to use in comparing some TTs and cartridges. Found a BBC Stereo Test Disc and an unopened Stereo Review's Stereo Demonstration Record which pleased me very much and should help.

Checked his stock of vintage equipment and found a very clean, almost unmarked Sansui TU-717 tuner for the ripping sum of $30 Cdn. All lights work and all functions seem functional. Very big, black and about twenty pounds. It does indeed sound very good and should be an interesting comparison to my Sony 5000F.

Recent ebay sales seem to be in the $200 to $300 range and the fmtuner site lists it as #15 in the shootout.

Call me a happy boy today :D

http://204.10.140.18/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38169

[absolon]

Almost forgot - Can anyone tell me what the "Calibration Level" switch does? Switching to ON defeats the radio signal and causes a test tone similar to the tape calibration tone on my cassette deck.

[Urizen]

Great deal! I have never owned that unit, but I would think the calibration is used to set levels for recording. Yours is a highly regarded tuner. Enjoy! :thmbsp:

[shelby1420]

Nice score!! I have the tu 717 and have owned the 719 (have the 919 on the way...) i liked the 717 better then the 719, think its a great tuner!!!!

[bully]

I have only heard compliments about its prowess. Great score on a fine tuner.

[bolly]

happy boy! :D

[goldear]

Wow, what a score! :thmbsp: I've got Luxam TU-117 that's ranked (last time I looked) at #13. If your Sansui sounds as good as my Luxman, I think that your Sony will likely be put to shame.

Regarding the calibration tone: I'm about 98% sure that this is used to calibrate the correct playback levels on an extenal Dolby decoder, for Dolby FM broadcasts. But since Dolby Fm has been gone for at least 20 years, this control is basically useless for you.

[Micropassatman]

Wow! I'm more excited about that unopened Stereo Review test-disc! Let us know how that works.

[absolon]

I'm going to have to do a little more extensive listening but the initial comparison of the 717 to my 5000F shows the Sony to be the better sounding of the two. I'm in an area of poor reception and relying for the time being on a folded dipole. The Sansui pulls in stations better with that antenna but the Sony has a more full sound, warmer and more dynamic. I would be very interested in seeing how the Sony does in the shootout and although they have been threatening to test it, they haven't yet.

In any case, the Sansui does sound very good. I've not yet opened it up because it never has been (judging by the tighness and condition of the fasteners) and I want to find the right size screwdriver to do it so I don't mar the case screws.

The Stereo Review disc isn't a test disc but rather a demonstration disc. The cover says it is "A stunning series of demonstrations, each designed to show off one or more aspects of musical sound and it's stereo reproduction" I'll report when I try it.

[bob adams]

Sweeeet. That store must be the last place on Earth that doesn't look at prices on eBay before they sell. Way to go!!!!

[Brian]

Gee, if you decide the Sony comes in 2nd place and want to get rid of it, send me a heads up.

[absolon]

Will do Brian, but I have to warn you the chances are slim even if it does come second. Looks too pretty sitting with the rest of the set.

[BHinDC]

Hello FM tuner fans (from a McIntosh fan): Can anyone direct me to this "fmtuner" website? I've done a search of the forum and didn't find the url, and google returns to many hits to be useful.

We're thinking of adding an analog tuner to our McIntosh setup. Possibilities include a vintage Mc (say the MR71) and the new Magnum Dynalab MD109.

Many thanks, in advance.

[txsviking]

http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/

There ya are.

[BHinDC]

Many thanks for the url!

[L'wood]

Absolon, I just got mine back after a significant overhaul.

Check the DIY section on FMTuner.com and you'll see what was done-caps, resitors, etc.. I didn't bother with any filter work as here in Chicago it's all right here, no DX'ing required. It's close to my McIntosh MR 74, which has blown away anything else I've had in the house. It sounds good stock with an alignment-this takes it over the top!!

L' Wood

[absolon]

I've just pulled the Sony out of the stack and tucked in the Sansui. I'll give it a week or two before I hook up the Sony for another comparison. No question it is a nice sounding tuner.

[Redcatcher199th]

Nice I keep my eyes peeled for those once in a lifetime deals.

I run across some steals like my Marantz 2285B with wooden case it only played @ 100% volume :eek: talk about soiling your undies darn cat did a vertical leap i swear 4 feet straight up lol

anyone have a Alps dual pot for unit please let me know 250ohm if I am not mistaken :)

Hahnster :music: