What do I purchase an Analog or a Digital tuner


I wish to purchase a tuner, since I understand that the future broadcasting will be digital I am looking for digital tuners like Humax...but I found that one of the best tuners in the market is Magnum and it is operating in analog. Some one may help to clarify this apparent contradiction?
jaantong

Showing 1 response by rushton

Here are links to two explanations that are consistent with what I've always understood:

From the Galen Carol Audio web site discussing Magnum Dynalab tuners...
Magnum-Dynlab believes that analog tuning circuits provide performance superior to digital or frequency synthesis tuning. In contrast with the frequency synthesis method of tuning, analog is not dependent on a digital microprocessor chip to establish the tuner's receive frequency. With analog, tuning is accomplished using specially-selected, discrete components in the tuner's critical "front end." In the Magnum Dynalab design, these components are selected and matched so that a unique balance of sensitivity, selectivity and sound can be maintained.

However, the most significant advantage in analog is that is delivers control into the hands of the user. Infinite tuning is available in order to establish maximum stereo separation or to detune slightly in order to minimize on-frequency noise. With frequency synthesis tuners, this capability is offered usually in fixed, 50KHz steps. While FM stations themselves are rarely found to be transmitting outside the +-2KHz standard, FM station signals that are rebroadcast over cable may not be quite so precise.
And from the Magnum Dynalab web site...
WHY ANALOG? The answer is very simple. The best SOUND can only be produced when the signal received by the tuner is tuned and maintained in the ANALOG domain.

By maintaining the signal in the ANALOG domain, the listener can infinitely tune across the FM band.

Desired tuning is selected by means of a tactile physical Tuning Knob instead of the typical
“Pushbutton Step” tuning method provided by the inherent limitations of a digital tuner.

Analog tuning, on the other hand, is accomplished using specially-selected discrete components in the tuner's critical “front end” which ultimately allows the audiophile listener to physically interface with the technology and thereby directly participate in the sound that is accomplished.

By meticulously calibrating and aligning the IF amplifiers, we can deliberately effect and optimize
for SOUND, SENSITIVITY and SELECTIVITY.

Furthermore, with the frequency synthesis method of tuning, analog sound reproduction is not dependent on a single digital microprocessor chip to establish the tuner's reception accuracy.

This guarantees that all specifications are met throughout the entire sound replication process.

This is not possible in a digitally tuned tuner as they are dependent on the tolerances of the components.