Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Dynaco FM-3 Tuner by capt-chas

Model:	FM-3
Category:	Tuner
Suggested Retail Price:	$50-100 on eBay etc
Description:	preowned vacuum tube FM tuner
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by capt-chas ( A ) on December 27, 2003 at 09:10:42
IP Address: 216.193.168.103

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for the FM-3

I bought a Dynaco FM-3 back in the 70's. I was not favorably impressed with its audio performance back then. Channel seperation was not good and the high end detail was just not there! The RF sensitivity, however, was astounding. I sold it along with my ST-70 in 1977 when I left home for a new job.

I just acquired another FM-3 from an EBay seller (paid $89.00 for it). It was very dirty but in nice physical condition. I cleaned it up and it looks almost as good as new; the chassis is not quite as bright as it was out of the box. Everything, including the tubes is origional. I realigned it in strict accordance with the origional instructions.

Guess what? Channel seperation is not good and high end detail is not there. My NAD-4150 tuner runs rings around it. But, the RF sensitivity is astounding.

I found some tweeks to improve the de-emphasis networks but I am not going to modify my origional configuration tuner. I'll look for an FM-3 that needs restoration and try them.

My first impression of the FM-3 remains. It has always been somewhat over rated.

--- CHAS

Product Weakness: So-so sonic performance
Product Strengths: Good RF sensitivity, simplicity

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	XL-280
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	NAD-4150 Tuner
Speakers:	Home built - Gold Ribbon Concepts
Cables/Interconnects:	Heavy gauge stranded copper wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Several days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	So-so sonic performance
Product Strengths:	Good RF sensitivity, simplicity