best Marantz tuners?

The 10B was their best tuner but a modified 717 may well be better. Two of my friends are very serious FM fans and they are both very high on Sansui, one has at least 5 including the TU-X1. I met him when I sold him my second Kenwood 917. If you change it will be for looks, not the sound, not that there is anything wrong with that.

Don't ignore more modern Marantz tuners. I am now using a ST-17 and am growing to appreciate it as much if not more than my cherished Mac MR 80. Just because it is not "vintage" does not mean it is not a first class tuner -- and it is!

Neal

I do prefer the looks of vintage Marantz. This is for our living room, formal system so looks are a factor for sure.
I have the Sansui TU-717 right now driving a Nait Naim 5i amp and Paradigm Studio-20 speakers.

I will also try moding the 717 to see how good I can make the sound. Could use a bit more bass.

Rob

If looks (and good bass) are a factor, you should check out a Marantz 150; very cool looks including a beautiful oscilloscope and excellent sound overall. If you don't find one you like, let me know - I just might happen to know where you could find one :)

http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/0150.html

I had a model 150 for about 10 years and thought the sound was merely good. What made me keep it so long was the 'scope. I loved being able to use its auxilary input to check in/out phase, mono/stereo content, channel balance, etc. Using a 'scope for fm tuning is unparalleled with its ability to read signal strength, center tuning, mono/stereo content...well, you scope tuner users know! By the way, the am section was way better than average. But, I'm sorry to say when I went to a Onyko T-9090 Mk.ll there was no contest: the Onyko outperformed the 150 and sounded much superior. Yet, I still miss the Marantz and hope someday to get another scope tuner.

Do you think any manufacturer will offer a new scope tuner? I think there's an audiophile market for it though it would be pricey!