General Asylum: REVIEW: Yamaha CT-7000 Tuner by LowPhreak

Model:	CT-7000
Category:	Tuner
Suggested Retail Price:	$1200. (circa late 1970's)
Description:	Analog FM Tuner w. switching for selectivity, variable muting, Auto-Blend, etc. Fixed, variable & multipath outputs, 3-way meters.
Manufacturer URL:	Yamaha
Manufacturer URL:	Yamaha

Review by LowPhreak ( A ) on January 17, 2002 at 04:35:52
IP Address: 208.20.95.193

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for the CT-7000

I'll state it flat-out: the Yamaha CT-7000 extracts the best sound
from an FM signal that I've yet heard. But I must say that I've not yet auditioned
the big ol' Day Sequerra's (hard to find in good condition), or the top Dynalab
tube model, both of which probably would give a good accounting of themselves.
But for anything near "sane" prices, the CT-7000 is IT. This tuner is packed with
useable features, is ergonomically well-thought-out, and has amazing reception
abilities. And again - the sound with any station it can pull in - weak or strong - is
excellent.
If you find one in "good" or better condition, I suggest you jump on it
immediately. When it was a current model back in the late 1970's, it retailed for
$1200., so anything less than that amount today I would consider to be a steal
for a functional unit. I'm sure you can double that retail figure for a current model
today, and not have equal or better performance than the CT-7000 will give you.
Just make sure that it's in alignment and up-to-spec, as you would any "vintage"
gear.
This is my "last" FM tuner, at least until it dies and can't be repaired anymore.

Product Weakness: â€¢They stopped making 'em.
Product Strengths: â€¢Well-built; nice with the walnut exterior.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mesa
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research; Audible Illusions.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pass Labs; C.E.C.; Rotel; VPI; Well-Tempered.
Speakers:	B&W Nautilus.
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ; XLO; Nordost; Madrigal.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Just about everything.
Room Size (LxWxH):	19.5' x 13.5' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	'Standard' living room.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	A few months.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Aurios M.I.B.'s.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	â€¢They stopped making 'em.
Product Strengths:	â€¢Well-built; nice with the walnut exterior.