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I picked up one of these tuners today. No information on the net anywhere about it. That said I also have a T-102 tuner and a brochure for both the 100 and 102. I checked the brochure and sure enough the T-404 looks exactly like the T-100 tuner, except the color is gold instead of black. So the 404 is basically the same tuner as the 100. I opened both of my tuners up, and the circuit board on the 404 is quite small. The 102 has a much larger board. Makes sense since the 102 is a step up and also has more features/ options.So there doesn't seem to be anything special about the 404. It says ultimate fidelity on the front panel, but my guess its a low end Luxman tuner for 1985-87. The price on the 404 and 100 is also exactly the same as well, which confirms my suspicion.
Edits: 02/22/12 02/22/12 02/22/12Follow Ups:
As I look on eBay with 3000 tuners, about 10 show up per week at a reasonable price that are actually worth anything from an audiophiles standpoint. Some are hyped performers at $500-$1000 and do not sound top shelf. Others are $400-$500 and do perform. It is those $50-100 wonders that everyone wants.
seems a SS tuner of any real substance would have more build to it overall-meatier looking case work,more involved circuit layouts etc. Most of the more popular brands look and sound like a period rack tuner(not that its a bad thing) A Mag Dyna of the same period probably little nicer.
My $300 Cambridge Audio with probably the same build inside except its updated features actually sounds tolerable till a new tube magdyna replaces it.
Edits: 02/23/12
If you want a true tubed tuner at something resembling a reasonable price, look into the Dyna FM3. Care in ensuring you get a good unit is important . There are plenty of things that can go permanently wrong.
Eli D.
Some have a tube line-out stage. Some might have a magic eye indicator.But the tube front end? nope! Tube front ends do have some advantages in this RFI rich world.
LBNL there are a lot of other SS front-end tuners that sound as good, are as good on RF performance and cost a lot less.
The money saved can go on a proper (directional) antenna and rotor.
Note that a post in response is preferred.
Warmest
Timothy Bailey
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio Scrounger
And gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
Edits: 02/25/12 02/25/12
I was wondering if the new tuners sound reasonably close to a "true" tube tuner. Suspecting the lower end MD 90T I'm considering won't sound that different than a decent ss rack tuner? Maybe my bargain box may get a little more shelf life...
I have the MD 90 ( not T ) and am very pleased with it. I've also owned a MD FT 11 , a MD 101A , a very good recent Arcam, a good Yamaha etc.I have found the MD 90 to be significantly superior to the other MD's I 've had ( which I didn't find particularily special ) and also much better than the others I've mentioned. The MD 90 is warmer, more full sounding, with increased soundstage size.
But, if you mainly listen to highly processed pop on commercial stations I'm not sure if it's worth it. I listen to CBC ( Canadian public radio ) which is a relatively unprocessed source. Their jazz and classical programs received by aerial are well worth a good tuner.
Edits: 02/26/12
That's reassuring to read about the MD 90. Pulling the trigger on 90T will be a little less painful-never see that thing on sale! Hoping to not be disappointed and get the "CD" sound I'm looking for . I've had it with my budget tuner. Jazz and classical signals are good here. Rock station every now and then still spin wax.
Edits: 02/27/12
I've decided I'm getting the T-117 in place of this one. I'll get rid of the 404 and the 111 I have coming. The 117 is actually a half decent tuner and has said to have a good sound to it. It was compared against a MD 101 tuner, and said the 117 sounded better.
I have a Lux T-117. It replaced a Lux T-110. I think the T-117 may be the best Lux tuner made.The T-117 tuner is a very good sounding tuner with decent reception. It sounds much better than the old bottom of the line MD I used to have, but probably not as lush as the top-end MDs or Accuphases. It is also cheaper (used) than those pricey tuners. I also have a Sony XDR-F1HD that I'm waiting to have modified. my hope is that it will sound nearly as good as the T-117 AFTER modification, but with better RF capabilities.
Edits: 02/24/12
Thankyou for your words on the T-117. I have someone whom I've talked to for getting one, so it all seems to be working out. Price with shipping to me is $325. Not exactly cheap, but still cheaper then buying a MD101 tuner. And its more compact. Luxman is one of the brands I like, so its good to keep something from that brand.
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