Top Ten Tuners of all Time??

The Mcintosh MR-80 is commonly mistaken as a digital tuner because of its digital readout. It is in fact an analog tuner. The MR-80 has a wonderfull full sound with great stereo separation. It has the classic McIntosh sexy look and cost $2500 when new in 1980-1985. To build this tuner now would cost an exorbitant amout of money. And McIntosh still provides full service on this tuner.

I'm still using a Marantz 20 which I bought new in 1970. I had it updated about 10 years ago with new caps and rca.
It was the transistor version of the 10b and was one of the last items designed by Saul Marantz team and built in USA before Marantz was sold to Superscope and made in Japan.
I took it to a Yamaha technical test years ago when they came out with the T1 & T2, and their technicians were amazed by its performance. Its probably not a "best" today, but they don't build them like that anymore.

Marantz 10B, I wish I still had mine!

Of the dozen or two vintage tuners I own, I would have to say the Accuphase T100, the Kenwood 600T, and Sansui Tu919 provide the broadest soundstage and great sound from top to bottom. The Yamaha CT-7000 and McIntosh MR-80 are wonderful in their own right and beautiful to look at. Recently picked up a Sanyo Plus 35 recently that is a real sleeper, a great bargain for a very nice tuner. But for a real audiophile tuner I would choose the Accuphase T100 or T101 (FM only).

Top 10 is just too much, how about this, I will give you top 5

1.) REL Precedent
This is the best tuner I have ever had in my life. It's mono, you will need a Multiplex Adaptor; but the sound is very musical, the HI is transparent and the resolution is just great. I prefer this tuner over Marantz 10B. However, you will one very lucky man if you can bump into a chance to get one. Many people have the money for it but just couldn't find it.

2.) Marantz 10B
Of course, this one. Doesn't sound "the best" but hey, it is a legend and it is still considered "great sounding" Many for sale here and there.

3.) SCOTT 4310
The top of the line model of HH Scott back then. Better resolution then 10B but just not quite musical but this tuner is the most sensative one I have ever encountered! Details are everywhere ~! I still have one at home which I listen to seldomly.

4.) McIntosh MR-78
The best sounding McIntosh tuner I have heard. Better the MR-71 in sound quality, but harder to find. If you can name Marantz in one of the top 5, McIntosh will be right next to it =)

5.) Sequerra Model 1
Not too many sold, very hard to find. The only solid state tuner I think which is well worth collecting. This beauty doesn't sound as good as tube but hey it sounds the best among the same kind (solid state). I wanted to buy one but due to the low production of this model, the price is crazy. Last piece I saw was sold for $4750 USD ~! ~! ~! Marantz 10B x 2 =O