MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A

I had the Magnum FT-101A then got the FanFare FT-1A because I wanted a high quality tuner with presets and a remote, something the Magnum didn't have.

What a mistake! The FanFare sounded 'compressed' and closed in as in lacking dynamic range. It also had a somewhat 'warm' tone but this was due to it's rolled off treble. I tried the two different sets of audio outputs on the back of the FanFare FT-1A but it still had that characteristic compressed sound with missing in action treble.

I don't usually slam a product so badly but I was very disappointed with this tuner after having read a glowing review about it in Steropile. I've owned department store tuners that sound better. I'm not kidding. My Sony A/V receiver and $250 Marantz ST6000 tuner is much better than the FanFare FT-1A as was my Adcom GFT-555ii, Parasound Halo T3, and Magnum FT-101A tuners.

Re: MD FT101A without a doubt!! I owned both., posted on June 23, 2004 at 08:43:47

Nglazer
Audiophile

Posts: 365
Location: New york
Joined: June 22, 2003

Thanks, Abe. I value your opinion and therefore will stick with the MD or move up a notch or two within the brand.

Best,

neal

Re: MD FT101A without a doubt!! I owned both., posted on June 23, 2004 at 09:25:26

beken
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: BC
Joined: May 14, 2001

You might consider trading up. Magnum Dynalab might credit you to trade your FT101a to one of their newer models. Also, on their website, I noticed they can upgrade your FT101A also.

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on June 23, 2004 at 21:18:48

3moons
Audiophile

Posts: 259
Location: Texas
Joined: January 16, 2002

I've reviewed both and about 70 others on the Tuner Information Center Shootout page. Link below. Also an information on these and many more tuners on our home page. jim...
http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/

http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/shootouts.html

FM TUNER REVIEWS

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on June 24, 2004 at 06:54:56

Nglazer
Audiophile

Posts: 365
Location: New york
Joined: June 22, 2003

Thanks for all the responses. I read the reviews and Shootout on FMTunerinfo.com, a wonderful site, but they had no reviews of the current generation MD 100 tuner from Magnum.

I have decided to upgrade from FT101A to MD 100 level, which, together with an upgraded power cord I already have in stock (which of several to be determined), seems like the best way to spend $800 without the hassle of selling my current FT101A.

Neal

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on June 24, 2004 at 07:13:22

freejazz

One thing to note about the Fanfare -This tuner seems to receive a lot of bashing, but if you have not auditioned it through the balanced outputs, you will never know the real performance capabilities of this tuner. Most folks refer to having tried it through the two sets of outputs on the back of the tuner ... well, there are actually three sets of outputs:

1. low-level analog
2. high-level analog
3. balanced

Having recently moved to NYC and having previously owned the FT-1A (and fortunately most of the great analogue tuners about which we always discuss) I always thought is was just "OK" until, when a few weeks ago, I picked up one of the older FT-1 units and tried it via the balanced outs - into my Ayre AX-7 integrated with Gallo Reference IIIs.

I was motivated to do so after coupling my Ayre CD player and Ayre integrated together via their balanced connections and finding much better performance as the result. I then recalled that some of the earlier reviews mentioned that the Fanfare was better through the balanced outs.

Results - MUCH BETTER PERFORMANCE - all aspects of performace were enhanced. The reported weaknesses of this tuner were very much minimized - better soundstaging, much more extended at the top and not compressed.

*A note and a warning - IF the station is broadcasting a good signal (and there are not many), the tuner sounds as good as any I have heard. Unfortunately, it is not especially forgiving of poor broadcast signals. It seems that most vintage analogue tuners will sound "better" for day-to-day listening. Different design goals? Perhaps, as it does seem that the Fanfare is designed more to be a professional device that will also be used in the home market ... rather than the other way around.

Those positives said, the tuner is still very expensive new and the parts quality is definately not audiophile approved ... and these are probably the biggest reasons we all beat up on it (face facts - as audiophiles, most of us want the world's best sound for less than anyone else could have paid to achieve it!) :>)

Yet, even with the above noted, I am still sending the tuner to Don Scott for his evaluation and potential upgrades.

A fun and crazy hobby (and hobbiest) to be sure!

The MD-100 goes for 1,500.00 dollars))), posted on June 24, 2004 at 12:22:54

Jakkar
Audiophile

Posts: 306
Location: New Jersey
Joined: March 6, 2002

I started with the MD-90 then almost immediately exchanged it for the MD-100. The 100 sounds substantially better in my set-up. The balanced outputs are a real plus and I found I got stations very clearly that I could not get with the MD-90. Unfortunately I really couldn't find enough quality programming to listen to so now I am trying to get rid of the MD-100 on Agon.

Good luck,

Jeff

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on June 24, 2004 at 18:20:26

AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46306
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
Since: February 2, 2002

I think the Fanfare deserves the bashing it gets. I'll admit that I didn't try the balanced connections but it is rare that a well designed piece of gear will sound outstanding on its balanced outputs yet sound absolutely dreadful on its RCA's. I can accept that the balanced outputs might sound a little better but if what I heard from the RCA's is any indication, the sound of this tuner places it more in the category of upscale portable transistor radios from Target, not a coveted piece for the audiophile. Just my opinion based on what I heard compared to other less expensive tuners that I own.

P.S. I listened to several stations on the Fanfare while comparing its sonics to my Adcom and Magnum tuners tuned to the same stations. In all cases, relative to the other tuners, the Fanfare had a compressed sound (poor dynamic range) and a warm tone (due to Missing in Action treble). Some might call this 'smooth'. I call it rolled off MIA treble! ;-)

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on June 25, 2004 at 06:41:01

freejazz

Abe, I had a feeling I would hear from you! :>)

You have been pretty vocal toward that end in your evaluation of the Fanfare ... and from the RCA outputs, I unequivocally agree with your evaluation.

It was not, however, until I read Art Dudley's review of the Ayre AX-7 integrated, where he cited a huge difference in sound when using the the balanced inputs versus that from the RCA, that I ever thought this possible (interestingly enough, he too was dumbfounded by this phenomenon.)

I have been going through the process of downsizing the system, as we moved into a 600 sq ft alcove studio apartment in Manhattan. This led to the Ayre AX-7/CX-7 combo, with which I had been quite pleased when using via the low-level in/outs. The switch, however, to the balanced connections, brough reproduction that was SUBTANTIALLY better. This was one of the primary inspirations for the trial of the Fanfare via the balanced outs.

I was considering one of your past favs, the Halo T3 due to its balanced outs, but a good deal (bad word of mouth and poor reviews on the Tuner Information Center can work to one's financial benefit!) came up on a 17" silver faced FT-1 (and the finish matched the Ayre gear a bit better, so my lovely wife is quite happy), so I tried it. All I can say was that the difference was surprising.

I did my best to listen at what I perceived at matched levels and I am certainly not an engineer, so how to explain this difference? I wish I could say, because otherwise it appears I have an agenda or am trusting in Audiofool vudoo!

Is it still the best tuner I have ever owned or to which I have listened ... no. That designation goes to the Sansui 919 that APS modified. I also greatly enjoyed the Accuphase T-100, the Sequerra Reference and Modeffari-modded MR-78 that each spent cherished time in the system. Like you, I have also enjoyed the MD tuners - 101, 101A and the Etude (although each one experienced that frustrating drift.) On its current sound, it is quite enjoyable, but for me the question was, does the Fanfare have enough potential that I felt a couple hundred of extra dollars to put it in the hands of Don Scott was worth it? Definately.

Then again, those differences in opinions is what makes this hobby FUN!

Good listening!

As long as we're still in a subjective results..., posted on June 25, 2004 at 14:07:05
millen	I find also that my Nikko Gamma V sounds was in par with MD FT101a or even better on a better antennae. Much better than the infamous Fanfare. Of course this is just my opinion YMMV.

Re: As long as we're still in a subjective results..., posted on June 25, 2004 at 15:54:10
freejazz	That little Nikko was a great tuner ... as a side note, didn't the matching amp and preamp have a ton of LEDs. I seem to remember listing to Neil Young's Tonight's the Night, in a friend's room, in our dorm in college and man, did those LEDs ever look cool dancing in the dark - ah, yes ... ever fuzzier memories of the late 70s! :>)

To be honest I really don't know..., posted on June 25, 2004 at 18:51:39
millen	As I bought this tuner from an old widow whose unloading her husband's old equipment. I also have the AKAI AT-VO4 tuner another under appreciated tuner from the 70's (BTW, this tuner was DXERS fav) of which sounds just as good but a little lean in the midbass.

Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A, posted on July 6, 2004 at 15:34:54

gdavis
Audiophile

Posts: 14
Joined: November 28, 2003

Folks,

The ft101a is nice, the Etude better. But the MD102 is an incredible several steps above both. I've had the ft 11, ft 101a, and Etude.
With each, I was certain each would be hard to improve upon. The Md 102 does so with authority. Had a friend over awhile back, he asked what CD was playing? No CD - FM. Blew his socks off when I finally told him after a couple of songs..

Re: MD FT101A without a doubt!! I owned both., posted on July 23, 2004 at 14:44:39

doug s.
Audiophile

Posts: 1004
Joined: August 12, 2001

hey, it's your money, but you can do better than the md-108 for $500, or less, if you go w/a vintage tuner. get it modded for a couple bills, & it will be even better.... no, no typo here i said better than the md one-oh-EIGHT.

doug s.

Radio Road

MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A

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