Are There Alternatives to the Marantz 10 B ?

Sounds like you may need a better antenna more than a top quality tuner. That said, though, you may find this thread to be of interest.

Among quite a few vintage tube tuners I have owned, including two Marantz 10B's and the comparably expensive REL Precedent I currently use (in conjunction with an H. H. Scott LM-35 multiplex adapter/stereo decoder), the best relatively inexpensive (I suspect <$500) tuner in my experience has been the combination of an H. H. Scott 310D tuner (mono in itself, but providing a multiplex output jack for connection to an external multiplex adapter/stereo decoder) with a Fisher MPX-100 or H. H. Scott LM-35 or 335 multiplex adapter.

Of course, condition is a HUGE variable when it comes to vintage tube tuners, and many specific models (including the ones I suggested) are likely to require a good deal of patience to find, especially in top condition.

Regards,
-- Al

Goofyfoot, like many of the tube tuners that came a bit later (ca. 1960) the REL Precedent (ca. 1954) is mono in itself but provides a multiplex output jack which can be connected to an external multiplex adapter component. The combo comprises a stereo tuner. As you probably realize, the Scott 310D I mentioned is similar in that respect.

IME with the particular examples I've had, the Precedent + MPX-100 or LM-35 (I've had both) and the two 10B's were very similar in terms of weak signal reception capability, and significantly better in that respect than any other tuners I've ever had. In terms of sound quality, the Precedent + MPX-100 or LM-35 clearly bested both 10B's, although condition could certainly have been a factor in that.

BTW, when I said I suspected that the cost of a 310D + MPX-100 or LM35 or 335 would be less than $500, my guess is that the multiplex adapter would be about 60% of that total, and the tuner about 40%.

Good luck in your search! Regards,
-- Al

Thanks, Tony (TLS49). Also, a photo of the MPX-100 can be seen here, and of the Scott LM-35 or 335 here (the unmarked photo above the model number listings). The LM-35 and 335 are the same except that the LM-35 came as a kit, and I believe the color of the faceplates is different.

I couldn't find a user manual for either model, but as the diagram Tony provided indicates you simply connect the MPX (multiplex) output of the tuner to the MPX input of the Multiplex Adapter, and the Left and Right outputs of the Multiplex Adapter to your preamp, all via RCA cables. The front panel controls are simple and pretty much self-explanatory.

Vintage tube tuners from that era that are mono but have a mpx output tend to sell these days for much lower prices than comparable stereo models, so even though a mpx adapter in excellent condition may sell for $250 to $300 or more, combining an MPX-100 or LM-35/335 with a mono tuner can often get you as good or better quality for significantly less money than investing in a stereo tube tuner.

Regards,
-- Al

Good inputs from Tony, all of which I agree with. Here is a link to the manual for the MR65 and MR65A. It confirms that those tuners provide a MPX out jack, so consistent with Tony's comment I suspect (although I can't say with 100% certainty) that if the onboard MA-5 adapter is not present a Scott or Fisher multiplex adapter would work with those tuners.

I have no specific knowledge of the sonics of those tuners, although assuming excellent condition (a big "if," of course) I'd be surprised if they were less than an excellent value in their price range.

Regards,
-- Al

Ralph (Atmasphere), thanks for providing your always extremely knowlegeable inputs.

05-09-14: Goofyfoot
I can't help wondering however why the Scott 310 D mono tuner with Multipllex adapter would be preferable to a later Scott tuner either mono or stereo, or is i just based on the overall cost?

I believe the 310D was among the last and the best of the Scott mono tuners. Perhaps THE last and best. What I believe was its successor model, the 310E stereo tuner, is highly sought after and commands prices well upwards of $1K if in excellent condition. Among other stereo tuners, the 350 series is fairly popular, but I suspect it would be at least as costly as a 310D + MPX'er in similar condition.

So yes, cost is definitely a factor in what I've had to say, given your cost-related statements earlier in the thread, and given the MUCH lower selling prices that are typical of vintage mono tube tuners vs. their slightly later stereo counterparts.

Regards,
-- Al