DXer.CA Posts an FM Shootout

(Re-post) 

 

Thanks, Tom:

Here's a FM shootout posted today on DXer.CA. What a range. The lowest score of 22 FM stations found went to the CCR-2 while the highest score of 69 FM stations found went to the Sony XDR-F1HD. The little Tecsun PL-310 did a very strong 60 score. Why not test the Degen 1103, the Grundig G5, and the Redsun RP-2100? 

I should add here that I had the Sony XDR-F1HD a couple of years ago and sold it because of horrible AM. I don't remember the FM being special, but I assume that the test is accurate. 

 

Comments

[Kevin S]

I have hooked up the Sony XDR and the various Tecsun Ultralights (PL-310, et al) to the same external FM antenna (a little Moxon), and the Sony XDR is the clear winner. It can pull in a weak station with clear stereo audio where the Tecsun only has it in mono with noticeable static. Plus, the filtering on the XDR means absolutely no bleed-over from adjacent stations, even better than the already fabulous filtering on the Tecsuns. So, if you want to pull in difficult stations, the XDR is the way to go. For sheer tough-signal performance, compared to some very esteemed tuners, see also
http://home.iprimus.com.au/toddemslie/sony_xdr-F1HD_tuner.html

I am contemplating modifying the XDR via RadioXTuners.com, who can plop in a new audio section and bring it up to audiophile standards:
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/tuner/messages/1/11405.html
Not sure if this will help the AM side, though, since it seems the audio is primarily hampered by the IF filtering, not the audio section.

Sadly, the XDR is now unobtanium on the new market, and it will be interesting to see what the prices are on eBay for NOS and used units!