Fanfare FT-1 Digital/Analog Tuner w/Balanced Output, Internal Kimber Kable, Stereophile Class A

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

This Fanfare AM/FM tuner was made right here in the USA in Buffalo, NY.

We don't see these tuners very often and the last one we had quickly sold at this price.

Likely due to the desirable balanced XLR outputs in a sub $1k tuner!

Additionally this FT-1 was internally wired with Kimber Kable at the factory which is super cool and unique.

The front display is nice and bright, and all of the controls and station memories work as they should. 

This FT-1 was able to pull in our best local stations without noise or drama. 

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:

• Light scratching on front display window.
• Minor metal surface blemishes as shown in our photos.
• Originally installed bottom feet were replaced at some point.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

From a Stereophile review written by Larry Greenhill in the October 2001 issue:

"The Fanfare FT-1A FM tuner is a winner. It yielded even better ergonomic operation than the Fanfare FT-1, with quicker tuning and a front-end better able to handle strong urban RF and noise. The combination of improved RF performance with only a $200 increase in price makes the FT-1A an outstanding value in audiophile-grade FM stereo tuners. Best of all, the FT-1A gave up none of the FT-1's strengths, including excellent sensitivity, good quieting, and thoroughly musical sound. And it handled multipath as gracefully as did the Day-Sequerra FM Reference."

Description: FM stereo tuner with analog tuning and full-function remote control. Usable sensitivity: 10.5dBf/mono, 11.5dBf/stereo. 50dB quieting sensitivity 15.0dBf mono; 35.0dBf stereo. Capture ratio: 1.5dB. Selectivity: 55dB/wide, 75dB/narrow. Adjacent-channel selectivity: 10dB/wide, 25dB/narrow. Tuning range: 87.5-108.5MHz in 50kHz steps. S/N ratio: 75dB (A-weighted). THD: 0.15% mono, 0.30% stereo. Stereo separation (1kHz): 50dB. AM suppression: -70dB. SCA suppression: -70dB. Power consumption: 25W.

Dimensions: 19" W by 3.5" H by 10.25" D. Weight: 15 lbs.

Price: $1195 (1994); $1595 (2001). Approximate number of dealers: 20.

Manufacturer: Fanfare Electronics, Ltd., P.O. Box 455, Buffalo, NY 14225-0455. Tel: (800) 26-TUNER, (716) 683-5451. Fax: (716) 683-5421.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tuners:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. Vintage analog tuners also have moving parts related to the tuning gang and dial string. These parts are inspected for smooth operation.

If the unit passes visual inspection it is bench tested for a handful of key performance parameters using a Sencore SG80 AM/FM Stereo Analyzer. The SG80 allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device, in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:

1.  AM Reception (Where Applicable)

2.  FM Mono Reception & Tuning Meter Function

3.  FM MPX Reception (Stereo)

4.  Dial Tracking - How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.

5.  Stereo Separation - A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.

6.  Sensitivity & Signal Strength Meter Function - By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.

If the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial. We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc.

We finish up with an extended listening test on our long term test rig. We tune in a strong local station and monitor for drift over a 2-3 hour period.