Tuners

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Introduction

A audio tuner can refer to a piece of equipment with a built-in amplifier or a separate unit which connects to a stand alone amp.

The task of a tuner is to detect and receive radio frequencies and then pass the data on for processing. While FM and AM tuners pick up analogue broadcasts, DAB tuners can pick up digital broadcasts.

However, some tuners can support both, with a 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue conversion, which is achieved by a separate proprietary analogue and DAC circuit boards. Furthermore, tuners can play sound in either mono or stereo.

But regardless of the extra bells and whistles, the primary task of a tuner is to detect signals sent by radio transmitters, and then convert them into a electrical current which can be processed and amplified through a loudspeaker.

A standalone tuner is a simple device, which is composed of three main parts,

1. Coil
2. Capacitor
3. Inductor

While tuners are most commonly integrated into a hi-fi system, media system or a radio, audiophiles seek out standalone tuners. Connected to a standalone amplifier and loudspeaker, it provides the ultimate in reception quality and audio reproduction.

Whilst you may think that these audiophiles would be gung-ho about the new DAB digital receivers, well, that is not always the case. Many still prefer tuners which only receive an FM signal.

There is still a market for vintage tuners from yesteryear, which were made at the peak of radio's popularity, when manufacturing standards for tuners were believed to be at it's peak.