What are the Best Sounding FM Tuners


Here is my new and revised list. What is yours?
1. Sansui TU-9900, modified. This is now the best tuner I have ever heard. Llyod Moss (WQXR) sounds like he is sitting in front of me.
2. NEC T-6, modified. Not far from the above, very robust and clean.
3. MR-74. with IF mods in NARROW and a few audio cap changes, very dynamic and full-bodied sound, a toe-tapper.
4. Quad FM-3 modified, Replacement of the single IF filter module with two standard ceramic IF filters allows fairly good selectivity and amazing stereo separation. Senstivity is not the best, good for the city.
5. Luxman T-02, modified, A tough tuner to beat for fringe reception with excellent fidelity.
6. Akai AT-ST, modified. The direct-coupled audio stages yield great sound, five-gang front end makes it very sensitive, dual IF bandwidth on AM.
7. Yamaha T-1 and T-2, stock. If the switching works for all
the automatic features (which is very rare) they will give excellent, clear sound.
8. Sony ST-S550ES, modified. Audio ouput IC must be changed, then great detailed sound.
9. Kenwood KT-727, modified. Perhaps too rare to mention, but wow can it get good -- very detailed like the above Sony.
10. Marantz ST-17, stock. Often discounted by
accessories4less. A good buy. Needs a fairly good signal for stereo reception, otherwise excellent.
bdscott
My Don Scott-modded Magnum Dynalab FT101 gets my vote - thanks again. Don, what are your latest 'you would never know it' sleepers?
A fully restored then upgraded Dynaco FM-3. Awesome. I own an MR-80, Sequerra Model 1, MX-110, MR-67, and the FM-3 beats them all, but only if it is properly restored and aligned. Its my favorite.
I tried so many tubed FM tuners, and I settle with MR 71. Some say the later Mcintosh digital tuners are better, probably true in terms of precise reception, but I like the tube sound of MR 71.