Onkyo Integra T-4150 AM/FM Digital Tuner

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

General:

This tuner recently came into the shop and at first glance we weren't sure what to expect. It seemed like a rather basic 1980's tuner with the display powered off, but then we turned it on and were pleasantly surprised...

The front display is super bright and useful. All of the controls were tested and working, and it was able to pull in any FM station we tried with ease and musicality. I kept this running on our test bench for a few days just to enjoy it.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:

This was likely moved around and used in several different systems as the top and front panel have scratches as shown in our photos. The front display has a scratch across part of the display that is not visible when in use or even a foot or two back. Mostly visible if you're starting at it closely and at an angle, and it does not obscure any of the display or controls.

We're super conservative in our ratings and have given this a 6/10 as a result:

6/10 = Fair. Electronics may show one major scratch that's deep enough to show metal, or a slight dent on one of the surfaces. The piece will not have any major scratches on the front faceplate, but may have some nicks along the top front edge. Chrome and glass may show obvious pitting, but should not have any flakes. Transformer covers may have scratches. Silk-screening is separating from the glass in more than one area, and some lettering is worn off, but the glass itself is intact.

Approximate Year:

1987

MSRP:

$325 ($615+ in 2023 when adjusted for inflation)

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Manual:

Click Here (Service Manual Only)

Specifications:

Tuning Bands:
FM, AM

Tuning Scale:
Digital

FM Tuning Range:
87.9 MHz to 107.9 MHz

AW Tuning Range:
530 to 1620 kHz

Sensitivity:
0.9uV (FM), 25uV (AW)

Signal to Noise Ratio:
73dB (FM), 40dB (AW)

Distortion:
0.2% (FM), 0.8% (AW)

Selectivity:
60dB (AM)

Frequency response:
30Hz to 15kHz (FM)

Output:
600mV (FM), 150mV (AW)

Dimensions:
17.13" x 2.83" x 14.49"
(435 x 72 x 368mm)

Weight:
8.16 lbs
(3.7kg)

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.