|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
In Reply to: Re: MD FT101A vs. Fanfare FT-1A posted by freejazz on June 24, 2004 at 07:13:22:
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! ;-)
Follow Ups:
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..
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!
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.
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! :> )
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.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: