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First x post here; I usually hang out over in vinyl. While scrounging LPs at our local Salvation Army, I couldn't resist a very nice-looking Kenwood KT-815 for $12. I have only 2 stations in my area I'm really interested in hearing, NPR and a classical station, both low on the dial. It sounds good but I'd be interested in a little better performance. My questions -1) Is the KT-815 worth modding? If so, what mods are worth doing before a better tuner is a better idea?
2) Is a co-axial or dipole antenna a better idea? Any specific model? I live in a suburban area about 20 miles from the stations mentioned above.
3) Any other recommendations?
Follow Ups:
It cost me 20$ plus another 100-120$ but I am very happy with it. I listen mostly to vinyl but where I live it has good sound, great separation and looks good too, all this with just a dipole antenna. Since many talk of the demise of radio, I would really think hard about how much you are willing to sink in. IF money isn't an issue a good tech can most likely improve its sound and performance. Good luck Norm
Hi, Norm. What sort of things were done to your tuner during the restoration? Who did the work? Thanks.
I had it gone over thoroughly at Stereo Surgeons in east hartford Conn. Ken does great work. I can't recall the specifics but it does sound quite nice. Norm
What is it you want to do?Go to http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/ and look at what they say about this tuner. It is too long to quote here.
then decide what you want to do with this tuner. If you are keeping it, send it to punkerx at http://radioxtuners.com/ for a full going over and upgrades as you desire.
I'm sorry; I may have been unclear. The tuner is in my system and working. I like the way it sounds - very natural; not compressed. Easy.My question is: I have $12 invested. Does it perform worth $12? ...absolutely! If I add $300 or $400 or $500 worth of mods, is this tuner still in a price-performer compared to a different tuner with same total investment (new or used)? How far can I chase mods for the KT-815 before it is out of its league?
I am after audiophile-quality sound, but am very cost conscious.
the upgrades they would do to that tuner for the money and see what they say about its ultimate abilities. You got a deal and any further money into that tuner will decrease the performance/cost ratio.If you like the sound, then it is good enough, but after all the years, I don't know but would think any tuner would be better with a bit of tweaking, whether just an alignment or upgrades.
Your tuner, your ears, your money, your decision, but maybe a bit more research with tuner qualified technicians that know this model will bring the answers you are looking for.
Thanks. I'll keep reading, listening and make some calls to several shops.
Since this is my first tuner, I'm in the dark as to [this] tuner's capability. Obviously, it is not at the top of the heap. I've read that it was $440 back in 1979 so I assume that it, at least, can hold its own against other good tuners of the day. With some gentle care (cleaning, alignment) can I expect "good" results? Is this tuner a candidate for mods? How much can I spend and for what mods before a better tuner is a better idea?
Thanks for your guidance Timbo in Oz! My listening room is in the basement of a 4-level townhome and external dishes/antennae are verbotten by the association : (I read some web info last night on antennae. I am currently using a cheap dipole but apparently have it oriented incorrectly - I'll fix that today; that should help. Would an antenna that connects via a coaxial cable perform any better for me?
What about the KT-815...is it worth modding? Where is the value/performance peak before I'm tilting at windmills?
Thanks, again to all who offer advice. I do appreciate your time and expertise.
of your basement.If the axis of the direction to these two t'ers is a diagonal through the basement, you probably can.
And if you make it out of 300-ohm twin ribbon you get TWO!
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
Thanks...I'll do some more reading.
'kay!
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
How far apart - on the compass - from you are the two stations?Two cheapish 3 to 6 element Yagis may be better than one with a rotator.
Less work to maintain, too.
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
Hi...thanks for your answer. Not sure what you mean by on the compass. The two stations are approximately 1 mile from each other and I am about 20 miles due north from both. I assume you are getting at aiming a directional antenna toward them? 88.1 and 91.5 are their respective frequencies. Rolling terrain in between but nothing Everestian.
radius is 20, so circumference is 2xPixR, is 6.3 times 20 or 126 miles or so!One-mile on the circumference is a tiny arc is 360/126 - less than 3 degrees!
One decent 4 to 6 element FM only jobbie will be just FINE.
I ought to BILL you!
;-)!
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
Commercial FM antennas are 'cut' for the entire band, from 88 to 108.A pair of 3 element antennas is pretty easy to make, and might easily fit in a loft* side by side. Search on the web for a 3-element DIY yagi formula. Cut both for the centre freq. between each each station!
In a loft kiln dried oregon will stay straight, for yonks as booms plus use broom handles for masts, drill one inch hole into joists at suitable distances apart.
listening out.
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
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