I've got FM covered. What about AM?

Consider moving on from the MAGNUM DYNALAB and get one with both FM and AM  …. I did ..  I listen to AM band on it for local news, weather reports, 60’s Oldies stations, and easy FM-AM band switch access all in one unit ( no need for separate AM radio);

COMPARED BAKEOFF 

Magnum Dynalab FT101a (Etude upgrade) vs. Magnum Dynalab MD90t (tube) vs. Philips AH673

The following CAM forum post is exactly my actual owned two bespoke units in this direct units direct bakeoff -off. I was physically in attendance for the bake-off at the CAM poster’s house.

I bought two units  sequentially from this forum poster (… first the ML ETUDE and then the PHILIPS about 6 months later  .., ).

Go make your own assessment….but in my opinion,I sold  the upgraded  Magnum Dynalab FT101a (Etude upgrade) and I currently keep the PHILIPS AH 673 thst was fully rebuilt professionally by a qualified pro tech in advance of the bakeoff (I may put it up for sale later this winter.)

CAM BAKEOFF 

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=55629

PHILIPS SPECS

https://www.fmtunerinfo.com/AH673brochure.pdf
 

Like streaming music from everywhere, I would think streaming AM from anywhere would give you what you are aware of now and content otherwise unobtainable. There’s something to be said about a favorite station.

I have a dedicated antenna and a great sounding FM Tuner, but it is for only 1 station, 88.3 WBGO Jazz, the antenna is aimed at Columbus Circle, NYC where someone here told me their broadcast antenna is located.

I pulled the trigger tonight and purchased a restored Marantz 2130 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/397263854940).  I was looking for and found two McKay Dymeck AM tuners, the AM-5 and the DR-22, as well as the highly-regarded Fanfare.  I could’ve gone any direction but was leaning towards the DR-22; however, I was drawn to the Marantz’s look with the built-in oscilloscope and  average AM performance.   Given the market for the 2130, I think I paid a fair price for it and comes with a warranty.  Although it was a flagship component in its day and apparently is quite collectable, the McKay Dymeck and Fanfare tuners offer superior AM performance and are priced much less.  

I expect to get it next week and have nowhere to put it, but at least I can update my virtual system which is now complete until I can find more money.

Thanks for all the suggestions. 

I know this is the analog section but why not use a digital tuner for AM?  The Fidelity isn’t going to be great no matter what you do because of the source

@mahler123 wrote "I know this is the analog section but why not use a digital tuner for AM?  The Fidelity isn’t going to be great no matter what you do because of the source."

If you’re asking why I didn’t select a tuner with as digital display in favor of an analog display, then first, I would ask you Why would you not want an analog display?

Second, Fidelity, is not the sole reason for my selection.  If it was, I'd've selected one of the other tuners that I considered that offer better AM performance.  According to what I’ve read, the Marantz 2130 was the manufacturer’s "flagship tuner in it’s day and it continues to be a strong performer with exceptional multipath handling."  So, it satisfies my fidelity requirement for AM radio.   

Third, then, (my real reason) is that there’s the absolute cool factor with its built-in oscilioscope providing for exceptional multipath handling plus the tactile experience that comes when using the tuning dial. . . and, for me, there’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with owning equipment like this (which is why I believe it’s one of the most collectible solid-state tuners ever made and significantly rarer that most Marantz models.)  

I remember when digital displays were introduced during the 70s.  We all thought it was so cool and futuristic.  Today, digital displays are just numbers without the flair and styling that comes with the classic look.  (This also explains why I bought a turntable, reel-to-reel deck, and even a tuner in a time when all that content--and more--can be heard on a streamer. 

We’re more than ones and zeros and I want more than a digital experience.